FAQs
This section contains frequently asked questions by students and faculty about academic integrity. Please email honorcode@txstate.edu if you identify additional FAQ's that should be included in this section.
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If held responsible, does a record of academic misconduct end up on my transcript?
No, the internal file kept on those found responsible of academic misconduct is an internal tracking document and is not part of any official records issued by the university.
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What if I didn't realize I was committing academic misconduct?
Understanding what constitutes academic misconduct is the responsibility of the student. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss with their respective instructors any questions about studying for tests, completion of work products, collaboration with others to complete assignments, citation formats, etc. to reduce the likelihood of being charged with academic misconduct. Regardless of whether or not you knew that you were committing academic misconduct, penalties still apply.
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Does a finding of academic misconduct result in a disciplinary hearing by the Dean of Students?
The Honor Code Council deals with academic misconduct issues; not disciplinary cases. All disciplinary matters are adjudicated by the Dean of Students Office. Typically, a first-time violator of the Honor Code is not referred to the Dean of Students Office for a disciplinary hearing. Repeat offenders and first-time violators whose cases are egregious in nature will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for potential additional penalties.
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Will a finding of academic misconduct affect my ability to participate in university-related functions (i.e. membership in a Greek organization, club sports, other university-endorsed groups)?
Unless the specific group has rules restricting membership or participation due to findings of academic misconduct, your participation is not restricted by any Honor Code policy. It is up to you to decide if you want to share your Honor Code situation with the leadership of any campus-related group.
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Are Honor Code Council hearings considered legal proceedings?
Honor Code Council hearings are not considered legal proceedings and are not legally binding. Meetings are audio recorded but not transcribed and no minutes are taken. You may bring an attorney or other advocate/supporter to the hearing if they have been granted FERPA authorization, but only you can address the council.
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Will my parents/guardians find out about the academic misconduct charges against me?
If you are over the age of 18, your education records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and your parents/guardians cannot access those records from the university. In addition, the chair of the Honor Code Council will not discuss charges, hearing details or findings with any parent/guardian without the written permission of the student. In short, your parents/guardians will discover charges of academic dishonesty against you only if you decide to share that information with them.
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Does it really do any good to appeal the faculty member's decision?
It all depends on the existence of extenuating circumstances in your specific case. The members of the hearing committee listen carefully to the testimony from all parties involved and make recommendations on the elements of each case. You can be assured hearing committee members do not side with the instructor by default. The hearing committee will recommend one of the following:
- the determination of the faculty member and the penalty are upheld
- the determination of the faculty member is upheld, but a modified penalty is suggested
- the determination of the faculty member and penalty are to be rejected
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I agree that I committed academic misconduct, but I think the penalty is too harsh. Can I accept the charge of academic dishonesty, but appeal the penalty?
Yes, you can accept the finding of academic misconduct, but appeal the penalty. However, please note the hearing committee has the option of recommending a harsher penalty than the instructor initially proposed.
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How can I be certain the students on the Honor Code Council won't reveal information about my case to others?
All members of the Honor Code Council receive training on hearing committee procedures, including confidentiality. In addition, each member of the Honor Code Council signs a confidentiality agreement to help ensure there are no breaches of confidential information.
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How would a student volunteer to serve as a member of the Honor Code Council?
Associated Student Government (ASG) makes all student appointments to the Honor Code Council. Contact ASG to inform them of your interest in serving on the Council.
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The academic dishonesty charges against me involve other students. Do I receive a separate hearing from these students?
Yes, you will receive a separate hearing, but every attempt will be made to schedule and sequence the hearings against all students on the same day and to be heard by the same hearing committee. For example, if three students are charged with academic dishonesty involving the same class project, each student will have an individual hearing with the committee, but the hearings will be scheduled sequentially so the case can be adjudicated by the same members of the hearing committee.
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I know of someone who is cheating in classes, but his/her/their instructors are unaware of the situation. Can I report this student directly to the Honor Code Council?
No, the HCC responds only to allegations made by faculty members against students. You are advised to contact the respective instructors of any student known to engage in academic misconduct and report the allegations.