Reporting and Adjudication

A. REPORTING OPTIONS

Students have two options when reporting an alleged violation. They may report alleged violation to either the AHSO or the instructor of the course in which the alleged violation occurred. Initiating formal procedures is a necessary and obligatory remedy when other methods are inappropriate or have failed (i.e. drawing attention to a suspected violation, moral suasion, etc.).

If a student is alleged to have violated the Honor Code but the class, department, and instructor cannot be identified, charges may be brought by any instructor or student who has knowledge of the violation.

False and malicious reporting of an incident shall be considered a violation of the Aggie Code of Honor, and shall be adjudicated by the Honor Council and Department of Student Life.

B. REPORTING FORMATS

There are three reporting formats for Honor Code violations: general reporting, confidential reporting, and anonymous reporting. Each reporting format will initiate some action by the AHSO and can potentially lead to the initiation of a case. Reports may be made via electronic media, written letter, in person and/or telephone conversation. The preferred reporting methods are electronic or written.

1. General Reporting

General reporting constitutes a submission of a report in which the reporting party is willing to fully identify him/herself to all involved in the case. This is the preferred reporting format and will ensure that all facts are obtainable.

2. Confidential Reporting

Confidential reporting constitutes a submission of a report in which the reporting party is willing to provide his/her name to the instructor and/or the AHSO, but wishes to have his/her name remain confidential through the proceedings of the case. Confidential reporting allows the instructor and/or the AHSO to contact the reporting party to gather further information when necessary.

3. Anonymous Reporting

Anonymous reporting constitutes a submission of a report in which the reporting party desires to remain anonymous. This report will be considered a tip and handled as such. The reporting party will not be identifiable and cannot be contacted for further information on the case. An anonymous tip is not sufficient ground to initiate a charge; however, the tip can initiate an investigation.

C. ADJUDICATION OPTIONS

Instructors have two options for adjudication of cases. They may refer the case to the AHSO or they may adjudicate the case themselves, if it is a first offense. If the case is referred to the AHSO, the instructor will complete an Honor Code Violation Report Form and send it to the AHSO for further consideration as soon as practicable (with a preference of five (5) University business days) of notification of the alleged incident. If the instructor chooses to handle the case individually, the instructor shall contact the AHSO to obtain a case number as soon as practicable (with a preference for five (5) University business days) of notification of the alleged incident issued by the AHSO and follow the instructor procedures for adjudication, including notification of the instructor’s Department Head.

At any time before the instructor has imposed one or more of the Academic or Educational Sanctions the instructor and the accused student each have the right to terminate the instructor-based adjudication and transfer the process to the Honor Council.