Instructions for Using "Settlement of a Charge of Academic Dishonesty" Form

These instructions are to be used in conjunction with the UNC Charlotte Code of Student Academic Integrity (www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-105.html). They are not a substitute for the Code and should not be used as such.

When a professor acquires evidence that a student has been dishonest in his/her course, s/he must first contact the Dean of Students Office (704-687-2375), where records of first violations are kept, to determine whether this is a first violation for this particular student.

1. If this is NOT a first violation for this student, the professor MUST report this case to the Chair of the Academic Integrity Board (AIB), if any penalty is to be imposed. Second and subsequent offenses may NOT be handled with the Settlement Form.
2. If this IS a first violation for this student, then the professor must decide whether to handle the case with the Settlement Form (www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/aicsettlement.html) or take it to the AIB. In making this decision, the professor must remember that the greatest penalty that can be given the student through the Settlement Form is an "F" in the course. If that penalty is insufficient for the infraction, then the case must go to the AIB.

IF THE SETTLEMENT FORM IS TO BE USED, the professor must:

1. Meet with the student and present the evidence.
2. Request an explanation from the student. Remember that the student has a right to offer an explanation after being told of the evidence.
3. After hearing any explanation, After determine whether a violation has occurred.
4. If the determination is positive, complete and sign the "Instructor" section of the Settlement Form. Provide enough information so that it is clear when, where, and how the violation occurred. Use the back of the form if necessary.
5. Give the Settlement Form to the student. Tell the student that s/he has 72 hours to decide whether to admit guilt and accept the penalty. Encourage the student to consider the matter carefully and to seek any assistance or advice needed to make an informed, deliberate decision. Set up the date and time for the student to meet again to advise you of his/her decision.

IF THE STUDENT DECIDES TO ACCEPT THE PENALTY, s/he must sign the form in the professor's presence. The professor then forwards the form to the Dean of Students Office in an envelope marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and imposes the penalty agreed upon. The Dean of Students will keep the form on record for five years.

IF THE STUDENT REFUSES TO SIGN THE SETTLEMENT FORM, then the professor may:

1. Take the case to the AIB by calling the AIB Chair.
2. Drop the entire matter. This should be done only if the evidence is insufficient to warrant a conviction before the AIB. When there is a doubt, consult with the AIB Chair. The AIB Chair's name can be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs.