Academic dishonesty occurs when a student uses or attempts to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam or assignment; or submits as their own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, or other products prepared by another person; or knowingly assists another student in such acts; or plagiarism. Such behavior is abhorrent to the university and students found responsible for academic dishonesty face expulsion, suspension, conduct probation, or reprimand. Instances of academic dishonesty ultimately affect all students and the entire university community by degrading the value of diplomas when some are obtained dishonestly, and by lowering the grades of students working honestly.
For more information, including examples of academic dishonesty, recommended steps for an instructor to take if they believe that a student has behaved dishonestly, and sanctions that may be imposed if a student either admits dishonest behavior or is found responsible for academic misconduct, please see http://catalog.iastate.edu/academic_conduct/#academicdishonestytext.
Student records concerning academic dishonesty are maintained in the Dean of Students Office for a period of seven years, after which the file records are purged. These student records are subject to state and federal laws and regulations guiding confidentiality of student records. However, when the student is expelled, suspended, or their admission is revoked, a notation will appear on the academic transcript that the student has been dropped due to disciplinary action is not eligible to enroll. In the event that an instructor is uncertain how to handle an incident of suspected academic dishonesty, the Dean of Students is available at any time to provide advice and assistance to the instructor in deciding a proper course of action to be taken.
It is university policy that all suspicions of academic dishonesty are to be reported to the Dean of Students Office, 1010 Student Services Building, (515) 294-1020, dso@iastate.edu or using the Academic Misconduct Incident Report Form.