Purpose
To maintain the highest standards of academic excellence, professional conduct, and ethical behavior, Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM) expects all students to demonstrate honesty, integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all academic, clinical, research, and extracurricular activities.
Academic integrity is fundamental to veterinary medical education and the trust placed in veterinarians by clients, colleagues, regulatory authorities, and society. Students are expected to uphold these standards throughout their enrollment in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
Policy Statement
Students play an active role in their own education and professional development and are individually responsible for their academic work, professional behavior, and conduct.
Any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty, knowingly assists another student in committing academic misconduct, attempts to gain an unfair academic advantage, falsifies information, or fails to report known or suspected violations of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.
Academic integrity violations may also constitute professionalism violations and may be considered by the Promotions and Progress Review Committee (PPRC) when evaluating student progression and graduation eligibility.
Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, including:
- Classroom activities
- Laboratories
- Clinical skills training
- Clinical rotations
- Examinations
- Assignments
- Research activities
- Online learning activities
- Extracurricular activities representing XUSOVM
Academic Integrity Violations
The following conduct is prohibited:
Cheating
- Using unauthorized materials during examinations or assessments.
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain examination questions before an assessment.
- Copying from another student.
- Allowing another student to copy one's work.
- Using unauthorized electronic devices during examinations.
Plagiarism
- Presenting another person's words, ideas, data, images, or work as one's own without proper acknowledgment.
- Submitting work prepared wholly or partially by another individual.
- Improper use of artificial intelligence tools, online resources, or generated content without authorization.
Fabrication and Falsification
- Inventing or falsifying data, records, clinical findings, laboratory results, research results, or patient information.
- Altering grades, evaluations, academic records, or University documents.
Unauthorized Collaboration
- Collaborating on assignments or examinations when individual work is required.
- Sharing examination content without authorization.
Research Misconduct
- Fabrication of research data.
- Falsification of research findings.
- Plagiarism in scholarly work.
- Violation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) requirements.
Clinical and Professional Misconduct
- Falsifying medical records, patient records, or clinical logs.
- Misrepresentation of clinical experiences or competencies.
- Misrepresentation of attendance or participation.
Failure to Report
Students have a professional responsibility to report known or suspected academic misconduct.
Failure to report a known violation may itself constitute a violation of this policy.
Procedures
Initial Review
If academic misconduct is suspected, the faculty member responsible for the course, laboratory, clinical experience, or activity shall review the matter promptly.
Where appropriate, the faculty member may meet with the student to discuss the allegations and review available evidence.
The faculty member shall notify the Dean of Veterinary Medicine or designated administrator of the alleged misconduct.
Resolution of First Offense
For minor first offenses, the faculty member, in consultation with the Dean, may attempt to resolve the matter directly with the student.
If an agreement is reached, the faculty member shall provide written documentation that includes:
- Description of the violation;
- Summary of evidence;
- Findings;
- Agreed sanctions.
A copy of the resolution shall be maintained in the student's academic file.
Neither the faculty member nor the student is obligated to resolve the matter informally.
Formal Investigation
A formal investigation shall occur when:
- The student disputes the allegation;
- The proposed sanction exceeds course failure;
- The offense is a second or subsequent violation;
- The alleged misconduct is considered serious;
- The Dean determines formal review is warranted.
The Dean shall designate an appropriate administrator or committee to investigate the allegation.
Hearing and Review Process
The designated administrator shall:
- Review all available evidence.
- Meet with the student.
- Interview witnesses where appropriate.
- Review relevant documents and records.
- Provide the student with an opportunity to respond.
The determination shall be based on a preponderance of the evidence.
Following review, the Dean shall determine whether a violation occurred and impose an appropriate sanction.
Appeals
A student may appeal a finding of responsibility or sanction.
Appeals must:
- Be submitted in writing within five (5) business days of the decision.
- Clearly identify the basis for appeal.
Grounds for appeal include:
- Procedural error;
- New information not previously available;
- Excessive or inappropriate sanction.
Appeals shall be submitted to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO).
The decision of the CAO shall be final.
Sanctions
In determining sanctions, the following factors may be considered:
- Nature and severity of the misconduct;
- Intent of the student;
- Impact on others;
- Prior disciplinary history;
- Professionalism concerns;
- Mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Possible sanctions include:
1 Formal Warning
Written notice that the conduct violated University policy.
Additional requirements may include remediation, reassessment, or professionalism training.
2 Grade Penalty
Reduction of assignment, quiz, practical, or examination grades.
3 Course Failure
Assignment of a failing grade in the course.
4 Academic Probation
Placement on Academic Probation with specified conditions.
5 Suspension
Temporary separation from the DVM program.
6 Dismissal and Expulsion
Permanent dismissal from the DVM program and University.
Serious violations involving fraud, falsification of records, repeated misconduct, research misconduct, or significant professionalism concerns may result in immediate dismissal.
Record Keeping
All confirmed academic integrity violations and sanctions shall be documented and maintained in the student's academic record in accordance with University policies.
Such records may be reviewed by the Promotions and Progress Review Committee (PPRC) when evaluating academic progression, graduation eligibility, and professionalism standards.
Confidentiality
All investigations, hearings, records, and decisions relating to academic integrity violations shall be handled confidentially to the extent permitted by University policy and applicable law.