Reporting
Promoting Academic Integrity
At USC, we uphold high standards of academic integrity, and instructors play a vital role in maintaining these standards.
If you suspect academic misconduct on any work that a student submits (in final or draft form), you are encouraged to submit a report to the Office of Academic Integrity (OAI), via one of the following reporting options. 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 which process to utilize, contact our office Email us or call (213) 764-4163.
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. The FSR process requires the instructor to meet with the student to discuss the concern, communicate expectations in the future, and determine an appropriate outcome (penalty), such as issuing zero credit or a reduced grade on the assignment or resubmitting a revised assignment (usually with a grade penalty).
Grade penalties may not be issued unless and until a responsible finding has been determined by OAI. Upon receipt of the completed FSR form (signed by the instructor and student), the Office of Academic Integrity will inform the instructor that the agreed-upon penalty can be enforced.
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.
Administrative Review Process
An Administrative Review may be submitted for any alleged academic misconduct violation, but should be submitted for intentional violations or incidents that, as a result of the alleged violation, would likely result in an F in the course. The Office of Academic Integrity investigates allegations and determines outcomes like probation, suspension, or expulsion.
The student will be provided the opportunity to review the report, along with any documentation supporting the allegation, during their meeting with OAI.
Grade penalties may not be issued unless and until a responsible finding has been determined by OAI. 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.
We encourage instructors to thoughtfully consider the nature of violations when deciding between the reporting options, and to always report incidents in which a violation of academic principles is believed to have occurred.
Our goal is to uphold academic integrity through education, accountability, and proper reporting, and we are available to consult and address any questions.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
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.
Email us or call (213) 764-4163 for more information about reporting academic misconduct.
Faculty-Student Resolution
A faculty-student resolution is an option and opportunity for an instructor to directly resolve minor violations of academic integrity with a student if the student accepts responsibility for the allegation (and the instructor’s proposed resolution).
Students who have previously been found responsible for a violation of academic misconduct at the university are not eligible for the FSR process.
Click here for additional guidance regarding the FSR process or contact the Office of Academic Integrity with any questions.
Administrative Review
Reports must be submitted by the faculty of record or an approved designee.
When submitting a report, please email all relevant supporting documentation to the Office of Academic Integrity.
Additionally, please provide a detailed account of the suspected misconduct and the party(ies) involved. Contact OAI with any questions regarding the submission of reports.