Reporting Academic Misconduct
Addressing Academic Misconduct
Responding to Possible Academic Misconduct
At USC, we are committed to high standards of academic integrity, and instructors play a vital role in maintaining these standards.
Our goal is to uphold academic integrity through education, accountability, and proper reporting, and we are available to consult and address any questions. We recommend instructors thoughtfully consider the nature of violations when deciding between the reporting options, and always report incidents in which a violation of academic principles is believed to have occurred.
If you suspect academic misconduct on any submitted work (in final or draft form), you are encouraged to submit a report to the Office of Academic Integrity (OAI), via one of the reporting options below.
Timeliness of Academic Misconduct Reports
Reports are encouraged to be submitted promptly. Generally, a matter will be reviewed only when a report has been filed with the office within one year of discovery of the alleged violation.
Reports of academic misconduct can be sent to OAI using one of the forms below and emailing a completed report, including relevant supporting documents, to academicintegrity@usc.edu.
Per the University Catalogue, students reported for academic misconduct may not withdraw from the course or enroll in a Pass/No Pass option.
Please note that while the Faculty-Student Resolution Process is intended for minor, unintentional violations of academic dishonesty, any report can be submitted and referred to the Administrative Review Process. If you have any questions about either process or which one to utilize, Email us or call (213) 764-4163.
Reporting Options
Administrative Review Process
An Administrative Review may be submitted for any alleged academic misconduct violation. However, Administrative Review is required and is the only reporting option for the following circumstances:
- Final Assessment Violations: Any alleged academic misconduct that occurs on final examinations, final projects, or final papers submitted in lieu of a final exam
- Intentional Violations: Incidents involving deliberate academic dishonesty
- Significant Grade Impact: Violations that would result in substantial impact on the course grade or would likely result in an F in the course
In the Administrative Review process, the Office of Academic Integrity conducts a comprehensive investigation of the allegations and determines appropriate outcomes, which may include outcomes ranging from warning to expulsion. The Office of Academic Integrity does not recommend or apply grade-based outcomes for academic integrity violations.
The instructor will assign appropriate grades and grade penalties in consideration of OAI’s findings. Grade penalties may not be issued unless and until a responsible finding has been determined by OAI.
The student will be provided the opportunity to review the report, along with any documentation supporting the allegation, during their meeting with OAI.
Faculty-Student Resolution (FSR) Process
The FSR process may be used in limited cases for minor, unintentional violations such as the inclusion of incorrect citations or unattributed paraphrases. Even if handled through the FSR process, the incident must be reported to the Office of Academic Integrity (OAI) and recorded in the student’s file.
Additionally, only students who are undergraduates enrolled in undergraduate courses are eligible for the FSR process. Graduate students and PDP students enrolled in graduate-level (500+) coursework are not eligible to resolve cases through the FSR process.
The FSR process requires the instructor to:
- Meet with the student to discuss the concern
- Communicate expectations in the future
- Determine an appropriate outcome (penalty)
- Can include issuing zero credit or a reduced grade on the assignment or resubmitting a revised assignment (usually with a grade penalty).
Grade penalties due to academic integrity violations cannot be applied without submitting a report to OAI. Upon receipt of the completed form signed by both student and instructor, OAI will review the form to ensure that the student and reported conduct meets the eligibility requirements and follow up with both instructor and student confirming receipt. Please do not assign a grade or grade penalty until you have received confirmation from OAI that the form has been accepted.
The Office of Academic Integrity does not recommend or apply grade-based outcomes for academic integrity violations. The instructor will assign appropriate grades and grade penalties in consideration of OAI’s findings.