Another issue that should be approached cautiously is how were other prior “offenders” punished ?
Was there a difference in penalties ? If so, why ?
This is another example of why OP’s son should hire an attorney ASAP. Lots of issues need to be considered before any scheduled hearing.
Is discovery allowed ? If not, does that constitute a dur process violation under school rules, the state constitution or under the US Constitution or under other rules or precedents ?
Lots of issues.
Due process applies to public schools; we do not know if this is a state college. It is unlikely there is any obligation on the part of the proctor to remind the adult students not to violate cheating rules. I would go in as cooperative as possible with the professor’s support to try to negotiate it down to a warning or probation.
Is there a proctor even in this scenario? Like all tests in college are proctored?
This may vary by college. My in-class exams were all proctored by the instructor and/or the TA(s). The OP has not returned since the initial post.
‘Due process applies to public schools; we do not know if this is a state college.”
We absolutely do know that. From OP “This is a state college.”
Get an attorney NOW. There are many legal arguments that can be made here.
It seems premature to call for a lawyer, before further discussion. This might be a common mistake, the college might have lesser consequences. And any of us can read the school Code of Conduct.
Plus lawyers don’t easily fit into the college scenario, where the school and their own policies rule the kingdom. No civil law here.
Has he even talked to anyone? His adviser, the dept head, someone who deals with honor code?
OP hasn’t filled in any blanks.
I would talk to a lawyer immediately. Even if the lawyer’s services ultimately aren’t needed.
Call me harsh but the student screwed up and violated the rules-- even if it was inadvertent.
If it were my kid, I wouldn’t call a lawyer or get involved beyond providing a sounding board/sympathetic ear. I’d encourage my kid to serve as their own advocate through any appeals process. I would not helicopter in to fix their mistake.
It would be a real life lesson in “one strike and you’re out” situations.
While there is definitely a time to step back, I disagree this is that time. This is an A-student who has never been in trouble, his scholarship is at stake and if he looses it, he will have to drop out of school.
He deserves a fair hearing, and he needs someone experienced to make sure he gets that, whether it is a parent or a lawyer.
The parent can hire the lawyer and step back. No need for direct involvement. I don’t think that is helicoptering.
Ugh! In today’s over-reactionary society and cancel culture, it is necessary to equip your children with the proper tools. It should not be overlooked that the child gave the needed testimony admitting guilt.
I’ve taught my kids to never admit guilt. In this case a simple “not that I recall” response would have put the student in a much better position and would have then required someone to accuse the student. The reasonableness of waiting 2 days would become central to the discussion.
Throwing yourself on “the mercy of the court” is no longer a wise strategy.
that is not good advice, @FlaParent . First, the college is not out to get this student, the goal is to have the rules enforced consistently and fairly. The rule on access to materials seems straightforward. Lying about violating it with a claim that you don’t recall is a terrible idea, and may be a separate academic violation, in addition to making the violation seem quite intentional. Also futile, as there are likely witnesses.
Admitting it was an inadvertent violation shows one is taking responsibility, understands the rules, and should provide the basis for a reasonable outcome-maybe just a warning or probation for a semester or even less, as well as a statement from the college that the violation was inadvertent for medical school.
We have no further info from OP. Nothing about whether the parent has any clarification yet, a better version of what’s going on, or anything to suggest Doomsday is set.
No idea if the kid spoke with anyone else. Or what his school policy and practice are. Just that it’s a public college- not even if it’s one with strict codes. like UVa.
Or what sort of attorney specializes in internal college honor violations.
OP needs to pursue more info and then decide to share here. Or not.
If OP hired an attorney, then OP may have been advised to stop commenting publicly about this matter.
You apparently trust the school to do the right thing. I don’t.
A similar line of reasoning could be used with interactions with the police. Every single attorney that I know would recommend that you never provide the police with any testimony if you are being investigated.
I am an attorney, and I agree with the advice regarding the police in a criminal investigation. The difference here is that this is an academic honesty issue, not a criminal issue, the university has enormous power to determine the outcome which is essentially unreviewable, and the student needs to demonstrate responsible behavior to get a favorable outcome from the university for med school.
Agree with roycroftmom. We have a right not to respond in dealing with police. No such core protection when you agree to the basics in a Code of Conduct or similar. Hard to prove some civil rights violation.
The OP has not returned, and the thread has devolved into debate. Closing