<p>Hi guys. To make a long story short I've received two academic dishonesty violations over the past two semesters at the University of Georgia. The first one was for minor plagiarism on a French oral presentation and the second one was for unauthorized assistance (looking at my phone for an email) during the final exam of my biotech lab class. This latest violation happened because I was waiting to hear back from my father via email because my mom had gotten into a major car accident the day of the exam. Neither of these classes are related to my major. I accepted both the sanctions and chose not to appeal them. According to UGA policy, if you receive two academic dishonesty violations the student has to get a permanent dishonesty transcript notation and meet with a board that assigns either a suspension, dismissal, or expulsion. I'm praying I won't get expelled. If I do get expelled what would be my options as far as trying to receive a degree. Would it be possible for me to transfer to a different (private) university. What are my chances at being accepted into a different university if I am expelled. I've spoken with a few school admissions counselors and they said I could still apply as long as I explain the situation in the application. Also would pharmacy school be a possibility since completion of an undergrad degree isn't required for that. I am feeling completely hopeless and in the dark about the situation and any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I am willing to disclose any details necessary about the situation. I just don't want to have to move out of the country because of my possible expulsion.</p>
<p>I would first question the issue about the cell phone. Why didn’t you try to an appeal? It’s too bad you didn’t notify your proctor in advance, so you wouldn’t get in trouble for this. But too late for that now. However, maybe you can explain the reason why you pulled out your phone (and add that you were too distraught to even think to tell the proctor in advance?)</p>
<p>I’d think it would be difficult to get accepted into another college. There are exceptions of course: get a solid recommendation, go to a non-ranked college, take time off, explain in the application… and hope. Work out your options before you jump to conclusions and think you’ll get thrown out of the country. Of course there’s a solution somewhere!</p>
<p>If your story about the reason for using the phone is true, then it was INSANE not to contest the violation. You say you were waiting for an email from your father…who was the email you looked at actually from? What was the content of the email? Will your father back up your story?</p>
<p>Frankly, the fact that you would simply accept the penalty without even attempting to explain does not inspire confidence in your story on my part. But I note that you mention having to leave the country. If your acceptance of the penalty without explaining yourself arises from cultural issues around dealing with authority, then you need to gird up your loins and ask for mercy: calmly, sincerely, respectfully, and with facts and evidence of your innocence of cheating in hand. Phone records might help if you are in fact completely innocent.</p>
<p>The fact that this is not your major is irrelevant. The fact that it is your SECOND violation is significant. You seem to have a habit of cutting corners or trying to slide under rules when you feel the need. In the future, in a situation like this it would be better to address it straightforwardly with the proctor in advance, or ask the professor for persmission to delay your final in advance. Be straightforward and honest, not devious.</p>
<p>With an academic dishonesty notation on your transcript, pharmacy schools are unlikely to admit you whether or not you have completed your undergrad degree.</p>
<p>I would suggest consulting with the dean of your department and see if you can get back on track right where you are. The first violation would be enough for me to cut you loose, the second one showed poor judgment. You need to deal with it where you are at and not move the problem to another school.</p>