20.1.3.1 Reporting and Adjudication Options for Instructors

20.1.3.2 Reporting Options for Students

20.1.3.3 Reporting Formats

20.1.3.1 REPORTING AND ADJUDICATION OPTIONS FOR INSTRUCTORS

Instructors have two options for adjudication of allegations:
With either option, the instructor shall complete a Violation Report Form and submit it to the AHSO, provide a copy to the student and the instructor’s department head as soon as practicable, preferably within five (5) university business days of discovery of the alleged incident. If the AHSO determines that the student has a previous finding of academic misconduct on file, the process will immediately be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Honor Council.

1. They can refer the case to the Honor Council for further investigation and decision-making, or
2. they can adjudicate the case themselves, if it is a first offense, following the instructor procedures for adjudication specified by the  AHSO.

20.1.3.2 REPORTING OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS

Students have two options when reporting an alleged violation. They may report alleged violations 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 will be persued by university processes.

20.1.3.3 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. The preferred reporting method is electronic through the AHSO’s online reporting system.

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.