Academic Honesty Quick Guide

Confirmed academic honesty violation cases must be reported by the instructor to the student’s home institution using the Academic Honesty Violation Form located in the Faculty Portal (SEADS) if a consequence is assigned.

Academic Honesty Procedures

A student who is contacted by an instructor regarding an academic honesty violation should provide all information requested so that a thorough investigation can take place. Grades and/or academic records may be affected if academic dishonesty is confirmed. Confirmed Academic Honesty Violations must be reported to the student’s home institution. A student has a right to an appeals process if he or she feels any grade or decision is unfair; they may consult with the affiliate eCore liaisons or eCore Support Services as necessary. Also, after the initial discovery of academic dishonesty by the instructor, the student will be afforded the following:

  • Student is made aware by instructor regarding concern of academic dishonesty.
    • Student is provided with possible consequences of the offense.
    • Student is provided with the opportunity to discuss or explain the circumstances in writing.
  • Student responds to the concern(s) from step one within seven (7) calendar days. Response is sent to the instructor via the mail tool inside the course.
  • Student receives decision from the instructor.
  • Student accepts or appeals the instructor’s decision within seven (7) calendar days.
  • If the student decides to appeal the instructor’s decision, the student should complete the Academic Honesty Violation Appeal Form, and then take the following steps:
    • Appeal in writing to the Assistant/Associate Dean of eCore.
    • If the appeal is not resolved at the eCore Assistant/Associate Dean’s level, the student must inform the eCore Assistant/Associate Dean, in writing, within seven (7) calendar days that he/she is not satisfied.  
    • The student must then appeal to an ad hoc committee of eCore faculty in writing. The Dean of eCore will appoint the committee, which will then consider the written appeal from the eCore Assistant/Associate Dean’s decision via conference call or through an electronic medium. After careful deliberation and consideration, the committee will recommend to the USG eCore Dean what should be done in the case.
    • The Dean of eCore will render the final decision taking all relevant factors into consideration.

Per BOR Policy 4.7.1, final judgment on all appeals rests with the student’s home institution. If the student wishes to continue his/her appeal beyond the decision of the eCore Dean, the student must appeal directly to the university PROVOST at his/her home institution, following local procedure, within seven calendar days of being notified of the eCore Dean’s decision.

The Dean or Assistant/Associate Dean of eCore will be involved in the escalation of academic honesty issues and provide guidance, signatures, etc., during any appeals process as needed.
The full Academic Honesty definition and policy can be found on the eCore website at: https://ecore.usg.edu/current-students/student-guide/policies-and-procedures#academic-honesty