Preamble

The College's primary goal is to educate students to fill leadership roles as professionals aware of technology and its economic and political role in the world. Therefore, we strive to produce technically competent graduates who solve problems, are able to communicate and work well with others; are sensitive to the needs of society, are well-educated in the humanities as well as in the engineering disciplines, and maintain a high-level of ethical and professional conduct.

Policy

The College of Engineering fully subscribes to the Code of Student Conduct as published in the Texas Tech University's "Student Affairs Handbook." The Handbook states the following:

"The University is strongly committed to upholding standards of academic integrity. These standards require that students never present the work of others as their own.

Any student found to have committed the following academic misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Part IX, Section D "Disciplinary Sanctions":

1. Cheating

This violation includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance or assisting others in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignment(s); (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff; (4) alteration of grade records; (5) bribing or attempting to bribe a faculty member to alter a grade.

2. Plagiarism

This violation includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also included the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

3. Instructor Responsibilities

The instructor in a course is responsible for initiating action in cases where there is an admitted act or convincing evidence of academic misconduct. Before taking such action, the instructor should attempt to discuss the matter with the student(s). If the suspected misconduct involved a final exam, the instructor should submit a grade of X until a reasonable attempt can be made to contact the student(s), after the end of the semester.

4. Instructor Sanctions

If academic misconduct is determined by the instructor, a failing grade shall be assigned to either the assignment in question or to the course grade. When a student is given a failing grade in a course as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor shall report in writing to the instructor's department chairperson the facts of the case and the action to be taken against the student. The chairperson shall provide a copy to the student, to his or her Academic Dean and to the Dean of Students Office.

5. Grade Appeal Procedure

The Grade Appeal Procedure (Part V, Section A) may be used to appeal a failing course grade, but not a failing grade given for a class assignment. The disciplinary penalty or grade of F shall not be implemented until the disciplinary procedures or grade appeal process has been exhausted. A student may continue the academic class and course work until a final decision is made."

6. Repeated Academic Dishonesty

In cases of repeated violations, either the instructor (through his or her department chairperson and/or Academic Dean's Office) or the Academic Dean may refer the case to the Dean of Students Office for further disciplinary action.