Sanctions for Academic Dishonesty

All acts of academic dishonesty diminish the integrity of the University and will be addressed accordingly. Lesley reserves the right to impose any sanction for academic dishonesty that, in its discretion, it finds to be fair and appropriate. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to any one of the following or a combination of the following:

• Formal warning/censure/academic alert;
• Reduced grade including a failing grade for the assignment;
• Reduced grade including a failing grade for the entire course;
• Forfeiture of student leadership positions, and/or restrictions on participation in University activities;
• Academic probation;
• Suspension;
• Expulsion from the University.

Warning or censure consists of a written reprimand for violation of acceptable standards of academic conduct. This action takes formal notice of the student’s academic misconduct and provides a formal warning that a further act of academic misconduct will result in far more severe action. Censure shall not be noted in a student’s transcript, but shall be noted in files of the Dean’s office.

In appropriate cases, a student may be allowed to perform community service as part of a sanction imposed under this Policy. In the event that a student accepts a community service alternative, the Dean of the student’s School shall approve the terms and duration of such service.

Note: When the sanction is a lowered or failing grade that is imposed, this grade may not be grieved through the School’s grade grievance procedure.