Student Academic Misconduct Policy

9.1.4 Penalties

Where an academic offence is found to have occurred, one or more of the following penalties will be imposed by Athabasca University, in conformance with Section 10.1.5 Disciplinary Procedures within this policy.

1. rejection of an application for admission or enrolment
2. rejection of submitted coursework with or without the option to resubmit
3. reduction of a grade on submitted coursework with or without the option to resubmit
4. reduction of, or assignment of, a failing grade in a course with or without the option to resubmit
5. suspension from Athabasca University for a period of at least six months but not more than two years*
6. expulsion from Athabasca University*
7. revocation of a grade awarded for a completed course with a failing grade assigned for the course*
8. revocation of an awarded credential*

       *Penalty must be approved by Vice-President, Academic.

All penalties assigned under this policy will appear on a student’s transcript for a period of two years. In circumstances where the two-year period extends beyond a student’s graduation date, the penalty will be removed from the student’s transcript on the date the student graduates provided that there is not more than one penalty on the student record. In cases where there are more than one penalty, all penalties will remain on the student record for the two-year period.

In the case of an expulsion, the revocation of a grade for a completed course and the revocation of an awarded credential the penalty shall appear on the Student’s transcript permanently.

9.1.4.1 Investigation of Offences

University Officers Responsible for Investigation of Offences:

Note: Dean (or designates) refers to the Dean responsible for the course. For the Centre of Distance Education, the Director of the Centre for Distance Education would be the designated University Officer in place of a Dean.

9.1.4.2 Assignment of Penalty

University Officers Responsible for Assignment of Penalties:

Notes:

• Suspension from Athabasca University includes a suspension from a program. A student is not allowed to take any courses from Athabasca University during the period of the suspension.
• Nothing shall prevent Athabasca University from referring an individual or matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency or commencing legal action against an individual should such action be considered appropriate. The appropriate University Official should consult with Athabasca University Legal Counsel prior to taking such action.
• The authority to determine or approve penalties for the Centre for Distance Education is with the Director of the Centre for Distance Education.