Cheated on a quiz senior year! SO STUPID, I know

<p>Hi all,
So, last semester I was caught having turned in a fabricated quiz in Organic Chem 2. My AI lost the quiz grades and asked us to turn them back in. However, I didn't have mine and I knew I got a really bad score, so I could have just honestly told her my score. My tutor though, sometimes used her quizzes and altered them to see if I'd improved. When she asked for the quizzes back, I turned in the altered quiz with a perfect score. Incredibly stupid, I know. The prof found out, and I was reported. In the letter he wrote that I bravely accepted full responsibility, was very remorseful, and understood the consequences of my actions. I got an F in the course and thought that would be it. I just now received a letter saying that there is the possibility of further discipline and I have to meet w/ the dean of students. This is my 1st ever offense, and honestly my first time actually doing something like this. I WILL NEVER EVER DO SOMETHING this stupid again. The possible actions are: suspension, academic probation, or expulsion. I'm TERRIFIED of being expelled in my SENIOR YEAR, just a few months from graduating!! I'm considering writing and essay explaining my remorse, how I understand that this affected not only my situation, but those of other students around me, etc. and reading it at the meeting. Will this help? What should I do? I honestly am terrified and know I deserve what happens, but I have worked unbelievably hard these 4 years (2 jobs throughout all of college, 16 cr. hrs/ semester, family deaths) Please help, and PLEASE, I am at a very low point in my life right now and can only use support. Please don't try to hurt me or make me feel stupid, I already do more than you know. I really appreciate any and all help, and thank you all for your time reading this!</p>

<p>I have no idea what the consequences for cheating will be but I do know that you have to be honest and take full responsibility for what you did. It appears that you have already done this. I would go and talk to the professor and tell him what has transpired since being caught. My mother is a college professor and unfortunately has to deal with cheating each semester. She has told me that her input is very important and influences the Deans decision on how to handle the situation. Being your first offense and being a senior may help your chances. I wish you the best of luck.</p>

<p>Thank you! I’m just worried if I talk to him he’ll think “A cheater is asking ME to do HER a favor?” and think worse of me. whatever haha, thank you though!</p>

<p>Yes, we all do stupid things in our lives. I have a colleague who get fired because he fabricated his time card. I believe that it is a harsh penalty to get an F for the course. Still, talk to the professor and bring your essay with you. You are not arguing about the “F” grade. Just ask for forgiveness and a chance not to get suspended. Do the same when you meet the Dean. I believe IU will give students a chance for the 1st offense. </p>

<p>Thank you for your help! I hope they will be lenient. </p>

<p>If you do go to a meeting. don’t write the essay and read it aloud. You will seem calculating. Make a note card with your main points outlined and speak spontaneously. This will allow your emotions to come through. If you get the urge to cry, do so. If you’re female, don’t put makeup on your face, not even a little. You want them to see every blush and drop of sweat.</p>

<p>So, what was the outcome? I hope your apology was accepted and you’ll be graduating in a few weeks.</p>