These instructions are to be used in conjunction with the UNC Charlotte Code of Student Academic Integrity. They are not a substitute for the Code and should not be used as such.

When a professor acquires evidence that a student has been dishonest in his/her course, he/she must first contact the Dean of Students Office (687-2376), where records of first violations are kept, to determine whether this is a first violation for this particular student.

1. If this is NOT a first violation for this student, the professor MUST report this case to the chair of the Academic Integrity Board (AIB), if any penalty is to be imposed. Second and subsequent offenses may not be handled with the settlement form.

2. If this IS a first violation for this student, then the professor must decide whether to handle the case with the settlement form (http://www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/aicsettlementform.doc) or take it to the AIB. In making this decision, the professor must remember that the greatest penalty that can be given to the student through the settlement form is an "F" in the course. If that penalty is insufficient for the infraction, then the case must go to the AIB.

IF THE SETTLEMENT FORM IS TO BE USED, the professor must:

1. Meet with the student and present the evidence.
2. Request an explanation from the student. Remember that the student has a right to offer an explanation after being told the evidence.
3. After hearing any explanation, determine whether a violation has occurred.
4. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, complete and sign the "Instructor" section of the settlement form. Provide enough information so that it is clear when, where, and how the violation occurred. Use an additional sheet of paper if necessary (be certain to initial additional pages).
5. Give the settlement form to the student. Tell the student that he/she has 72 hours to decide whether to admit guilt and accept the penalty. Encourage the student to consider the matter carefully and to seek any assistance or advice from the Dean of Students Office to make an informed, deliberate decision.

IF THE STUDENT DECIDES TO ACCEPT THE PENALTY during the 72-hour period, he/she must sign the settlement form in the professor’s presence. The professor then forwards the form to the Dean of Students and imposes the penalty agreed upon. The Dean of Students will keep the settlement form on record for five years.

IF THE STUDENT REFUSES TO SIGN THE SETTLEMENT FORM, then the professor may:

1. Take the case to the AIB by calling the Chair of the Academic Integrity Board.
2. Drop the entire matter. This should only be done if the evidence is insufficient to warrant a decision of guilty by the AIB. When there is doubt, consult with the chair of the Academic Integrity Board.

[Academic Integrity Code - Policy Statement #105]