Academic and scientific misconduct is coming to public attention. Issues to be resolved include definitions of misconduct, provision for anonymity, role of whistleblowers, burden of proof, statute of limitations, due process, nature and application of sanctions, and potential for rehabilitation. (SK)

The ruling of a state judge that the National Collegiate Athletic Association could not require that Jerry Tarkanian, basketball coach at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, be suspended for recruiting violations is discussed. The ruling states that he was denied due process. (MLW)

Explains the concepts of academic misconduct, due process rights, and the implicit contract between students and the university. Discusses ways to incorporate due process in nursing school course catalogs, course requirements, evaluation methods, and grievance procedures. (SK)

Offers some caveats and suggestions to aid political science professors in dealing with students who cheat and plagiarize. The changing legal status of U.S. college students and student rights are discussed. Relevant court decisions and recent legislation pertaining to academic dishonesty are examined. (RM)

Reviews court decisions in cases involving suspension or dismissal of public university students for academic dishonesty. The courts have required universities defending such suits to meet the procedural and due process standards for nonacademic disciplinary proceedings. Discusses the constitutional due process problems raised by the suspension or…

A University of Virginia student has successfully challenged his expulsion, which was based on an accusation of cheating on a test. The student claimed his initial trial was unfair and that he was poorly represented. Some feel the university's honor system has been compromised. (MSE)

A statement adopted by the Executive Council of the Association of American Medical Colleges addresses the issues of accountability, investigation, and discipline in cases of research fraud and misconduct. Guidelines are given for institutions to develop policy and procedures for detecting and responding to alleged fraud. (MSE)

In cases of cheating, plagiarism, or violations of the law in dental education, a very high level of due process is required. University counsel can help administrators determine whether an accused student is professionally suited to dentistry by characterizing as many corrective actions as possible as academic under the rubric of "suitability to…

Colleges and universities can avoid student litigation if they adopt clearly defined objectives, grading procedures, classroom expectations, and appeals procedures. (Author/MSE)

In today's climate of competitiveness and cynicism, colleges and universities should aggressively review and enforce their policies on academic dishonesty. Education about the importance of ethical academic behavior must be part of the institutional agenda from the moment students are accepted. (MSE)

A legal approach to due process in cases of college student cheating is outlined. Issues discussed include severity of the misconduct, need for informal vs. formal procedures, the due process paradigm as reflected in relevant court litigation, and steps in application of the paradigm (preliminary steps, notice and hearing procedures).(MSE)

A federal appeals court upheld the authority of the University of Michigan to revoke a master's degree awarded to a student found to have fabricated a discovery on which his thesis was based. A degree can be revoked without a court proceeding or trial when allegations of fraud are involved. (MLW)

Current literature and federal agency pronouncements concerning falsification of discovery, theft of discoveries, and violations of accepted research procedures are examined, and internal institutional procedures for addressing these issues are suggested. Particular attention is given to due process afforded to faculty accused of such misconduct.…

Clarifies the legal rights of students accused of cheating or plagiarism. Suggests a procedure which addresses those student rights while preserving faculty ability to grade students only on their own work. Discusses due process requirements and issues related to punishment and academic freedom. (RC)