Academic Honor Council FAQ

The reputation of Saint Mary's College and its programs depends on a collective commitment to academic integrity.  Faculty, students and staff members of our community pride themselves in valuing honesty and respecting the individual work of others. The undergraduate Academic Honor Code (AHC) asks students, faculty, and staff members to pledge to uphold the College's standards of integrity.

Violations of the Honor Code are reported because:

Centralized reporting is necessary for fair and impartial administration of the code. 

To facilitate proper record-keeping to ensure that repeat offenses will not be overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

What if I witness another student cheating?

• Contact a member of the AHC or the AHC Coordinator for a confidential conversation.

What if I am suspected of academic dishonesty?

If you are suspected of academic dishonesty, the instructor is obligated to investigate the matter and discuss it with the you.

• If you deny responsibility and the professor believes there was no academic misconduct, then the matter ends.
• If you deny the misconduct but the instructor retains their suspicion, the instructor can submit a report, which is then processed by the AHC Coordinator. 
  • Level 1 and Level 2 cases: Student must take Academic Integrity Seminar within six months
  • Level 3 cases and above or multiple violations: Student is summoned to a Hearing in person or on Zoom. Once the AHC Voting Board members review the cases, a Sanction will be determined. 

Where do I find the AHC or the coordinator?

• The Academic Honor Council Coordinator can be contacted here: ahc@stmarys-ca.edu.

What is FERPA?

FERPA stands for the “Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.” You might also hear it referred to as the “Buckley Amendment.” This law protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA applies to all schools that received funds through an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education, and thus most colleges and universities are covered by FERPA. Learn more

What is a Hearing?

• The Academic Honor Council Voting Board members(consisting of students and faculty) will review the facts of the matter in your presence in person or on Zoom, and then engage in a private and thorough deliberation process after you leave the meeting to decide whether or not a violation more than likely occurred, and if so, what the the Sanction will be. 

What will the penalty (Sanction) be?

• For the first reported offense that is Level 1 or Level 2, the student is required to attend and successfully complete the Academic Integrity Seminar within 6 months. 
• For multiple reported offenses and/or a Level 3 or higher offense, the student is summoned to attend a Hearing, which is schedule by the AHC Coordinator. 
• During the hearing, Voting Board members of the AHC listen to the student, ask questions, and then discuss a Sanction that is appropriate. 
  • Examples of Sanctions are: F grade in the course, working with Success Coach or a Tutor, re-writing paper(s) and working with CWAC, Community Service hours on campus
  • Extreme cases might also have Suspension as a Sanction, which is when the Dean of Students is consulted  

For more detailed descriptions of the procedures, please consult the Student Handbook or contact ahc@stmarys-ca.edu. 

Should I keep going to class if I am reported?

• If you have requested an Appeal or have been summoned to a Hearing, continue to attend class until the matter gets resolved.

What happens to my grade in the meantime?

• Until the matter is decided by the AHC, it is not appropriate to assign a grade. If it is necessary to submit grades before the process is completed, then the reporting professor should submit an "I" (Incomplete) until the matter is resolved.

Who else will know that I've been reported?

• Only the reporting faculty, your Academic Advisor, your Success Coach, the AHC Coordinator, and the AHC members reviewing your case will know about your situation.  If you receive an XF grade, the College Registrar will have a record, however, once an X is removed from a transcript, it is gone forever.   Furthermore, the AHC members and staff have a strict code of confidentiality that must be adhered to at all times or disciplinary action is taken against that party.