Academic Honesty
Honesty is a fundamental necessity for the Christian student. All students who attend Franciscan University agree to pursue their studies, indeed all of life, with integrity. The University expects each student to adhere rigorously to Christian moral standards in the academic life, pursuing academic excellence with justice and honesty. Academic dishonesty, in all its forms, is antithetical to authentic Christian scholarship.
Appropriate Dress
Students are expected to dress in a manner that expresses Christian charity and respect for self, fellow students, faculty, staff, and the academic life. Some styles and types of clothing are immodest or inappropriate for class. Students must use sound judgment and avoid wearing such attire. Students are expected to be particularly conscientious regarding clothing worn in Christ the King Chapel. Reverence for God and respect for worship are to be exhibited through proper attire.
Authority of Instructors
No student will be permitted to enter upon the study of any subject if, in the opinion of the instructor and with the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the preparation necessary to insure competent work is lacking. Every student is required to satisfy the instructor’s expectations in each course of study, in such a way as the instructor may determine that the work of the course is being performed in a satisfactory manner. Assignments are due when specified by the instructor. Instructors will periodically report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs the names of students whose attendance or work is unsatisfactory. With the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and/or the Director of Advising and Academic Operations, instructors may at any time dismiss from a course any student who, in their judgment, has neglected the course work. A student thus excluded will be recorded as having failed in the course, unless the instructor determines otherwise.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Students who cheat on or plagiarize any test, paper, or other assignment shall be disciplined appropriately. Professors may further define what constitutes cheating in their various courses. If the professor, in his or her judgment, considers that the incident is minor and/ or inadvertent, he or she can deal with it as he or she sees fit up to and including failure on the assignment. If the professor considers that the infraction is a major violation, then it shall be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his or her representative, and the professor will impose a penalty on the student that can range from receiving a zero on the assignment to failing the course, according to the professor’s discretion, and have a memorandum of this action placed in the student’s file. If a student commits a second, documented offense against academic integrity, dismissal from Franciscan University of Steubenville will result, with the action so noted in the student’s permanent record. Absent a successful student appeal, a student accused of academic dishonesty may not withdraw from the course in which the alleged infraction has taken place.
Classroom Behavior
Students should arrive on time to class as a courtesy to the faculty and class members. Tape recorders should be approved by faculty before being turned on. Cell phones and beepers should be turned off during class time. Student conduct in class should be respectful. Students who do not conduct themselves in a respectful manner will be cautioned by faculty. If inappropriate behavior continues, faculty may request to have a student withdrawn from the class.
Grade Challenge
Students may dispute a grade within a year of the grade being received. The student should arrange a meeting with the professor to discuss how the grade was determined. If a grade change is warranted, the professor will request a grade change with the Director of Advising and Academic Operations, giving a valid reason for the change. After the one year time limit, no changes will be made.
At the first level, any student with a complaint of this nature should consult directly and personally with the instructor in question. If no settlement is forthcoming at this stage, the student may then appeal to the department chair of the instructor in question, presenting his/her case to the department chair in the presence and only in the presence of the instructor. If no settlement is reached at this stage, a final appeal may be made to the Vice President for Academic Affairs by either the student or the instructor. It will be the direct and personal responsibility of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (not to be delegated) to make the final decision in the dispute after simultaneous consultation with the student, instructor, and department chair. Should the student refuse to follow the sequence herein outlined, his/her complaint shall be considered void.