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Formerly Policy 150.30 Procedures for Reports of Academic Misconduct

1. Purpose and Scope

   These Academic Integrity Procedures (“Procedures”) guide how University of Maryland Global Campus (“�Ӱ�ԭ��” or “University”) reviews and resolves concerns about Academic Misconduct. They are designed to be clear, fair, and educational for students while providing faculty and staff with consistent operational steps. These Procedures ensure that every student is treated with respect, that expectations are transparent, and that the review process supports learning and accountability.

   �Ӱ�ԭ�� believes academic integrity is essential to trust, fairness, and the value of a �Ӱ�ԭ�� education. The goal of these Procedures is not only to address misconduct but also to help students understand academic expectations, develop essential academic skills, and uphold the values of an ethical learning community.

   These Procedures apply to all �Ӱ�ԭ�� students—past and present—and to all coursework, academic assessments, and academic-related activities. All decisions made under these Procedures follow the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning that the conclusion is based on what is more likely than not to have occurred.

2. Overview of the Academic Integrity Process
   1. All Academic Integrity cases, documentation, and related communications are managed and maintained within the University’s case management system, which serves as the official case management and system of record. �Ӱ�ԭ��’s process is designed to be transparent and supportive. In most cases, students will participate in multiple steps and have opportunities to provide information and context. The general sequence is:
      1. A Report is submitted.
      2. Office of Academic Integrity & Accountability (OAIA) conducts an Initial Inquiry.
      3. OAIA determines whether the concern:
         1. qualifies for Restorative Resolution,
         2. requires a Full Review, or
         3. should be closed with no further action.
      4. If further review is needed, OAIA sends a formal notice to the student.
      5. OAIA conducts a Full Review.
      6. OAIA provides a Documentation Overview.
      7. The student responds with additional information.
      8. OAIA issues a Decision and assigns any educational or disciplinary outcomes.
      9. Students may request an appeal under specific conditions.
      10. OAIA retains records according to policy.
   2. This structure ensures both consistency and flexibility, allowing �Ӱ�ԭ�� to respond appropriately to the full range of academic integrity concerns.

3. Reporting Academic Misconduct

   A Report may be submitted by anyone who observes or reasonably suspects Academic Misconduct, including faculty, staff, students, and external individuals. All Reports of Academic Misconduct must be submitted through the University’s case management  system. Reports submitted outside of the University's case management system may be redirected to ensure proper documentation, review, and case management. Individuals submitting a Report should include all relevant details and supporting documentation available at the time of submission.

4. Prevention and Support Resources

   �Ӱ�ԭ�� is committed to preventing academic integrity violations through education, transparency, and student support. Students are encouraged to use available resources before problems occur.

5. Initial Inquiry
   1. All case materials, communications, and documentation related to Academic Integrity reviews are maintained within the University's case management system.
   2. Once OAIA receives a Report, a Case Manager conducts an Initial Inquiry. The purpose is to understand the concern, confirm the relevant facts, and determine the appropriate path forward. During the Initial Inquiry, the Case Manager may consider:
      1. The nature and seriousness of the concern;
      2. The clarity of assignment instructions;
      3. The level of the course and type of assessment;
      4. The student's academic background and experience;
      5. Evidence of misunderstanding or skill gaps;
      6. Information shared by faculty or others; and/or
      7. Whether the concern meets eligibility for Restorative Resolution.
         1. Restorative Resolution is a structured, student-facing process facilitated by OAIA that emphasizes accountability, learning, and the repair of harm. It is distinct from a Teachable Moment, which is an instructional intervention directed by OAIA and typically implemented by faculty. A Teachable Moment does not involve the restorative practices, meetings, or harm‑repair components that define Restorative Resolution.
         2. General eligibility criteria for Restorative Resolution are identified in Section VI. OAIA may maintain additional internal case management guidance to support consistent application of those criteria. Case Managers determine eligibility during the review of each concern.
   3. At the end of the Initial Inquiry, the Case Manager may:
      1. Offer Restorative Resolution
      2. Move the case to Full Review
      3. Conclude the case with no further action
      4. Refer the matter to another University office (e.g., Student Conduct, Accessibility Services, Legal Affairs)
   4. Students are not notified during the Initial Inquiry phase. Notification occurs only when the concern is ready to move forward as a formal case and OAIA is contacting the student to review the concerns. If Privacy & Security Measures are needed, they are implemented at the same time the student is formally notified.
6. Teachable Moments
   1. When a faculty member submits a consult to OAIA, a Case Manager evaluates the concern and determines whether it should be addressed through a Teachable Moment or proceed to a formal Review. Faculty may be asked to implement the Teachable Moment as directed by the Case Manager.
   2. A Teachable Moment is an educational response directed by the OAIA when a concern does not warrant a formal Review. Teachable Moments may be appropriate for first occurrences of non-egregious academic misconduct, misunderstandings of academic expectations, skill gaps, or other concerns where an instructional response supports student learning and accountability.
   3. Teachable Moments focus on learning and corrective action rather than penalty. They typically require the student to engage in revision, reflection, or skill-building activities aligned with academic integrity expectations. Examples of instructional interventions used in Teachable Moments may include:
      1. Providing targeted feedback on paraphrasing or citation
      2. Requiring revision or rewrite of an assignment to meet integrity standards
      3. Clarifying appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI tools
      4. Directing the student to academic integrity resources or tutorials
   4. Teachable Moments are not recorded as Academic Misconduct penalties. However, they are documented by OAIA to establish a pattern of behavior should similar concerns arise in the future.

7. Restorative Resolution

   Restorative Resolution is an educational pathway that allows students to acknowledge the impact of their actions, learn from the experience, and repair harm without receiving a disciplinary sanction. This pathway supports student development, preserves academic integrity, and reduces the need for formal disciplinary outcomes when appropriate. Restorative Resolution embodies �Ӱ�ԭ��’s commitment to fairness, equity, and student success, and is especially well-suited for first-time, lower-level, or unintentional violations where learning is the primary goal.

   1. Eligibility for Restorative Resolution

      The Case Manager determines eligibility based on information gathered during the Initial Inquiry. Restorative Resolution may be offered when:

      1. The student demonstrates willingness to engage in learning and corrective action
      2. This is a first-time or lower-level concern
      3. Harm is minimal or mainly academic (e.g., citation misuse, misunderstanding of AI use)
      4. Faculty support participation when appropriate
      5. There is no evidence of severe misconduct such as impersonation, commercial contract cheating, or intentionally deceptive activity

   2. Progress

      If eligible, the Case Manager provides the student with an Educational Action Plan outlining steps to address the concern and support continued academic integrity. This plan may include:

      1. Completing an academic integrity module
      2. Attending a citation, research, or writing workshop
      3. Completing an AI ethics or digital literacy module
      4. Meeting with the faculty member to discuss expectations
      5. Submitting a reflection paper
      6. Revising or redoing part of an assignment

   3. Outcomes

      Upon successful completion:

      1. No disciplinary consequences are assigned
      2. No transcript notation is applied
      3. The case is closed as "Resolved via Restorative Resolution"

      4. The record is not part of the student's disciplinary history

      If the student chooses not to participate or does not complete the plan, the case moves to Full Review.

8. Privacy and Security Measures
   1. Privacy and Security (“P&S”) Measures are temporary administrative protections that may be implemented during Breach of Classroom (“BoC”) Reviews to safeguard University systems, information, and the integrity of the academic environment. These measures may include restricting access to certain University systems or coursework, requiring Step-Up Authentication, or providing alternative arrangements for completing coursework when appropriate.
   2. Privacy and Security Measures are protective rather than disciplinary and are not subject to appeal. A student who believes a measure has been applied in error, or who has questions about how the measure affects participation in coursework, may contact OAIA for assistance.
   3. A placeholder “G” grade may also be applied during a Breach of Classroom Review. The “G” grade is not a P&S Measure and is not subject to appeal.
   4. A student who has questions or concerns regarding a Privacy and Security Measure should respond through the University’s case management system using the communication associated with their case whenever possible. Students may also contact OAIA. OAIA will review the concern and, when appropriate, coordinate with the relevant University office regarding alternative arrangements or other administrative adjustments.
9. Notice to the Student
   1. Communications related to Academic Integrity cases are delivered through the University’s case management system or other official University communication channels, which may include University-issued email. If the concern requires a Full Review, the Case Manager sends a formal Notice to the student. This Notice includes:
      1. An overview of the concern
      2. Relevant sections of Policy 150.25
      3. An explanation of the review process
      4. Deadlines for responding
      5. Information about P&S Measures, if any
      6. Contact information for the Case Manager
      7. A link to the student response form
   2. The placeholder "G" grade remains until the case is resolved. Students may not withdraw from a course while a case is under review. If the Case Manager determines that a Full Review is required, OAIA aims to send the Notice within five (5) business days of receiving the initial Report.
   3. Concerns regarding the assigned Case Manager may be directed to the OAIA Director at intergrityreview@umgc.edu. OAIA will review the concern and may reassign the matter when appropriate. This administrative process does not create a separate objection or appeal right and does not alter applicable case deadlines unless OAIA determines otherwise.
10. Full Review
    1. During the Full Review, the Case Manager gathers additional information to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation of the concern. This may include:
       1. Reviewing written work, drafts, and system logs
       2. Comparing writing samples or coding patterns
       3. Meeting with the student
       4. Consulting with the reporting faculty member
       5. Reviewing course materials, instructions, and assignment expectations
       6. Considering contextual factors the student provides
    2. Students may bring another person for support during meetings; however, this individual may not speak on the student's behalf. If the student does not respond by the indicated deadline and does not request an extension, the Full Review continues without their participation. OAIA aims to complete the Full Review and issue a Decision within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the Notice, depending on the complexity of the case and response times from all parties. If additional time is needed, OAIA will inform the student in writing.
11. Documentation Overview
    1. The Documentation Overview is compiled using information and materials maintained within the University's case management system. After gathering relevant information, the Case Manager prepares a Documentation Overview and provides it to the student before a Decision is made. The Documentation Overview provides a factual summary of the information gathered during the Full Review and may include:
       1. A factual overview of the concern
       2. A list of individuals contacted
       3. Relevant documents or system data
       4. Screenshots, images, or supporting materials as needed
    2. The Documentation Overview does not include conclusions regarding responsibility for Policy violation(s).
    3. The student may respond to the Documentation Overview before the Case Manager makes a Decision.
12. Student Response
    1. Students are provided an opportunity to be heard before a Decision is made. Students have five (5) business days to respond to the initial Notice and five (5) business days to respond to the Documentation Overview. A response may include:
       1. A written explanation;
       2. Screenshots, drafts, or other Documentation;
       3. Information regarding misunderstandings or relevant contextual circumstances; and
       4. Names of individuals who may have relevant information.
    2. During the Full Review, the Case Manager may also meet with the student when additional discussion would assist in evaluating the concern. The Case Manager will consider information provided by the student before making a Decision.
13. Decision and Outcomes
    1. After reviewing all information, the Case Manager issues a written Decision using the preponderance of the evidence standard. The Decision explains:
       1. Whether the student is responsible
       2. The reasoning behind the determination
       3. Any assigned Educational Remediation or Disciplinary Consequences
       4. Next steps for the student
       5. Appeal rights and deadlines
14. Disciplinary Consequences
    1. More serious or intentional misconduct may result in disciplinary consequences such as:
       1. Failure on the assignment
       2. Failure in the course
       3. Academic probation
       4. Suspension
       5. Dismissal or expulsion
       6. Invalidation of credit
       7. Revocation of credential
    2. When required, the Registrar will make the necessary academic record notations.
    3. Combined Educational and Disciplinary Approaches
       1. Most Decisions include a combination of educational and disciplinary components to promote learning while maintaining accountability. Examples include:
          1. Course failure plus remediation activity and reflection paper
       2. Grade penalty plus education remediation
       3. Other Sanctions including advising check-ins and integrity coaching
    4. This balanced approach ensures consequences uphold academic standards while supporting student growth and development.

15. Appeal Process

    Students may request an appeal to the Decision if they believe:Students may request an appeal to the Decision if they believe:

    • New information was not reasonably available during the Full Review, or

    • The process did not follow Policy or Procedures in a way that materially affected the outcome

    1. Initiating an Appeal

       To initiate an appeal, the Student must notify the Case Manager of their intent to appeal within five (5) business days of the Decision being sent. Within two (2) business days, the Case Manager will provide the Student with instructions and access to the Decision Appeal Request Form. The Student must submit the completed Appeal Request Form within three (3) business days of receiving the form.

    2. Initial Appeal Review

       The Director, OAIA (or designee) will review the Appeal Request Form to determine whether the appeal meets at least one valid ground for appeal. If the appeal does not meet criteria, the request will be denied and the Decision remains final. If the appeal meets criteria, the Student will be invited to submit a full written Appeal within five (5) business days

    3. Written Appeal Requirements

       1. The Appeal must:

          1. Be clear, concise, and directly address the grounds for appeal
          2. Include a written statement outlining the basis for the appeal
          3. Include any relevant supporting documentation

          If based on new information, the Student must:

       2. Provide that information
       3. Explain why it was not previously available
    4. Decision Appeal Panel
       1. Within two (2) business days of receiving the written Appeal, the Director, OAIA (or designee) will appoint a Decision Appeal Panel.
       2. The Panel will:
          1. Include three (3) �Ӱ�ԭ�� employees
          2. Represent at least two (2) different departments
          3. Include one (1) member with relevant subject matter expertise
          4. The Student will be notified of the panel members within one (1) business day of appointment.

16. Objection to Panel Members

    Students may submit a written objection to any panel member within three (3) business days of receiving panel member names. Objections must be sent to the Associate Vice President, Learner Resolution Services (or designee) and must demonstrate potential bias. If bias is confirmed, a replacement panel member will be appointed. Failure to submit an objection within the timeframe constitutes waiver of objection.

17. Appeal Review and Decision
    1. The Decision Appeal Panel will:
       1. Review the original case materials
       2. Review the written Appeal and any new information
       3. Determine whether the original decision should be upheld, modified, or reconsidered
       4. The Panel may:
       5. Uphold the original decision
       6. Modify the outcome
       7. Require additional review
       8. Assign a new Case Manager for further review if necessary

18. Appeal Decision Timeline

    The Appeal Panel will issue a written decision within fifteen (15) business days, unless additional time is required. If additional time is needed, the Student will be notified in writing

19. Finality of Decision

    Appeal decisions are final and may not be further appealed or grieved. All Appeal Decisions will be documented and maintained within the OAIA case management system.

20. Records and Privacy
    1. OAIA retains records according to �Ӱ�ԭ��’s Record Retention Schedule. Records include:
       1. Reports
       2. Notices
       3. Documentation Overview
       4. Decisions
       5. Appeal materials
       6. Related correspondence
    2. OAIA maintains all Academic Integrity case records, documentation, and related communications within the University's case management system in accordance with the University’s Record Retention Schedule. However, only cases resulting in an “F” with transcript notation, suspension, expulsion, or other formal disciplinary sanctions appear on a student’s official disciplinary record or transcript.
21. Confidentiality
    1. OAIA handles all academic integrity matters in accordance with �Ӱ�ԭ�� policy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). Case information is shared only with individuals or offices who have a legitimate educational interest or operational need to know, including but not limited to:
       1. OAIA staff involved in managing, reviewing, or resolving the case
       2. Relevant faculty members
       3. Academic Affairs administrators, as needed for academic or grade-related actions
       4. The Registrar’s Office for grade changes, transcript notations, or enrollment processing or record updates
       5. Other �Ӱ�ԭ�� offices or administrators as required for administrative, accreditation, compliance, or legal purposes
       6. External entities only when permitted by law or when the student has provided written authorization (e.g., background checks, licensure, or employment verification)

    2. Students may be asked to provide written consent when required for third‑party requests under FERPA.

       Case information is not shared with other students, the public, or any party without a legitimate educational need to know.

22. Recording of Meetings

    Students are not permitted to record meetings or discussions related to an academic integrity case in any format. OAIA does not typically record meetings; however, the University may record meetings in limited circumstances when authorized by policy, required for legal or procedural purposes, or approved by appropriate University officials and with the consent of all meeting participants. When recording is authorized, students will be notified in advance.

23. Related Policies, Procedures, and Resources
    1. �Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy on Academic Integrity
    2. Academic Integrity Resources for Students