ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

DR. PHILLIP BELFIORE, VICE-PRESIDENT, 104 OLD MAIN – 824-2268

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Students are expected to contribute actively to the development of an atmosphere of academic integrity. Mercyhurst College assumes, therefore, that students will not resort to plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty. Students found guilty of willful academic dishonesty may be subject to a broad range of sanctions. At the discretion of their instructor, they may be required to redo the plagiarized assignment, or they may receive an automatic F for the exam/assignment and/or course. Students found to be in collaboration with other students involved in willful academic dishonesty are also subject to disciplinary action.

When an instructor believes that a student has committed an act of academic dishonesty, the instructor will inform the student and complete an academic dishonesty report. The report is filed and kept in the Office of Acadmic Affairs. On a first offense, the student will be subject to the consequence determined by the individual faculty member. On a second offense, the student will be subject to the consequence determined by the individual faculty member as well as any combination of the following consequences as determined by the Office of Academic Affairs:

·         Assignment of community service hours

·         Requirement of additional academic courses

·         Requirement to complete a tutorial program of remediation

·         Exclusion from participating in student organizations and extracurricular activities, including athletics

·         Expulsion from the Honor’s program or any other college-organized honor societies

·         Revocation of scholarships granted for academic performance

·         Suspension from the college

·         Dismissal from the college

Students have the right to appeal if they believe an Academic Dishonesty allegation is unfounded. A written appeal must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs within 30 days of receiving notice from the office regarding this allegation. Appeals will be heard by the Vice President of Academic Affairs or their designee. The final determination in any Academic Dishonesty case lies with the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Questions regarding Academic Dishonesty or the appeal process should be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs. Please see the course catalog for more details on Academic Dishonesty.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Students are expected to attempt a minimum of 24 credits annually and earn a 2.0 GPA or higher each term. If satisfactory academic progress does not occur, the student can be placed on probation, suspended, or dismissed from the college. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, after consultation with the Academic Support staff, makes all academic probation, suspension, and dismissal decisions.

Students who have been suspended from the College for one term for lack of academic progress may apply for readmission. A formal letter of request for readmission must be sent to the Dean of Faculty before the date specified in the notification letter to the student. If the student is permitted to return, the conditions under which readmission is granted will be fully indicated in a letter of readmission.

Students who have been suspended once and who continue to make less than satisfactory academic progress will be dismissed from the College for no less than one academic year. Readmission after dismissal is most unusual and occurs only for compelling reasons.

Definitions of academic progress for the award of financial aid may differ. Each student should consult the College Catalog section titled “Financial Aid” and work closely with Student Financial Services to ensure that there is an understanding of those standards and their implications for financial aid eligibility.

VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE

In the event a student finds it necessary to withdraw from the College, the student must complete a cease enrollment form. That process begins with the Office of Academic Affairs, located in Old Main 104. The student’s cooperation in this matter helps to keep all records in good order and assists with billing and related financial aid issues.

VIRTUAL STUDENT ADVISING CENTER

This online center provides students and faculty with information on a variety of academic advising and counseling issues that may arise throughout the course of the academic year.  The Virtual Student Advising Center is accessible at:  <http://vsac.mercyhurst.edu>.