Academic Policies and Procedures

• Academic Definitions
  • Transcripts
  • Credit Hours
  • Student Classifications
  • Course Symbols
• Grading Policies
  • Grading System
  • Grade Point Average
  • Grade Appeals
  • Grade Forgiveness
  • Academic Bankruptcy
  • Academic Probation and Suspension
• Attendance Policies
  • In-Person Class Attendance
  • Online Class Attendance
• Academic Integrity Policy

Academic Definitions

Transcripts

A University transcript is a complete and unabridged academic record. It is used to communicate information concerning a student from one institution or agency to another. Academic transcripts for all SAU students are maintained indefinitely by the Office of the Registrar.

The University prepares and issues several types of transcripts:

• Official - This transcript is issued directly from SAU to another educational institution or employer.
• Official (Issued to Student) - This transcript is issued from SAU to the student.
• Unofficial - This transcript can be obtained from the student’s account on CampusConnect.
• Advising - This transcript is used by the student and advisor to plan a program of study.

Official transcripts must be requested by the student via the Office of the Registrar.

Credit Hours

A credit hour at Southern Arkansas University is determined by the amount of time spent in the classroom and confirmed by assessment and student learning outcomes. Classroom instruction normally translates into one hour of in-class time followed by two hours of out-of-class preparation by the student. Laboratory classes in the sciences and other disciplines are paired with classroom instruction and generally meet one and one-half or three clock hours per week and receive one hour of credit. These lab experiences often require some out-of-class preparation. The length of the semester is at least fifteen (15) weeks as required by the state of Arkansas.

Student Classifications

The classification of students is as follows:
Freshman - A student who has earned fewer than 30 semester hours.
Sophomore - A student who has earned 30 to 59 semester hours.
Junior - A student who has earned 60 to 89 semester hours.
Senior - A student who has earned 90 or more semester hours.

Course Symbols

The course numbers of the regular University courses contain four digits. The first digit generally indicates the student classification. The second and third indicate the particular course, and the fourth is indicative of the number of credit hours earned by completing the course.

Grading Policies

Grading System

Southern Arkansas University uses the grading system of A, B, C, D, and F. The letters have the following significance:

Other grades that may be recorded are AU (“audit”); CR (“credit”); I (“incomplete”); NC (“non-credit”); W (“withdrawal”); WN (“withdrawal with excessive absences”); WF (“withdrawal with failure”), and XF (“failure with academic dishonesty”).

Non-credit (NC) grades may be assigned only in courses specifically noted in the catalog as Credit/No Credit (“pass/fail”), and the following graded courses:

EDUC 0123 - Transitional Reading
ENGL 0203 - Fundamentals of Writing 
ENGL 1113 - Composition I
MATH 0123 - Transitional Mathematics
MATH 0703 - Intermediate Algebra 

Incomplete (I) grades may be given only for illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control and must be removed by the deadline as stated in the University calendar or they will be converted to F grades.

A WF is computed as an F in the grade point average, but the grades W and WN are not computed in the grade point average.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is used to determine a student’s academic rating at any given time. The grade point average is obtained by multiplying the number of grade points awarded for each grade by the credit hour value for the course. Then the total number of grade points received for all SAU courses is divided by the total number of hours attempted at SAU. (For example: If a student has earned 34 grade points on 12 semester hours attempted, the grade point average is 34 divided by 12, or 2.833. Expressed in its letter equivalent, the average is higher than a C, but slightly less than a B.)

Grade Appeals

In each regular semester/term, mid-semester grades and final grades are placed on the SAU website via CampusConnect. In the event an error in computation is made in determining a semester grade, the instructor shall have a maximum of three weeks from the date of the beginning of the next term to initiate a correction of the error. After this date, no grade changes will be processed except in the case of a student’s appeal.

If a student believes an error in a grade has occurred, the student shall formally initiate a review of the grade no later than three weeks after the beginning of the next regular semester. (Summer terms are excluded from the phrase “regular semester” for the purposes of this provision.)

The first step of the process is for the student to verify with the instructor the accuracy of the recorded grade-book scores and the listed grade. If the instructor also happens to be the chair of the department or the dean of the college, this step also initiates the formal appeal process.

If the grade differences are not resolved through discussion with the instructor, and the student seeks additional mediation, during the first three weeks of the next semester the student must submit a letter to the chair of the appropriate department requesting a review. A copy of this letter must also be sent to the college dean and to the vice president for academic affairs. The chair has the responsibility to confer with the instructor concerning the documentation of the grade for its completeness and accuracy. The chair will notify the student of the grade status in writing within 10 days of receiving the student’s request.

If the student wishes further appeal, the student must submit to the college dean, by mid-term, a written request for formal review. A Grade Appeal Committee will conduct a hearing and recommend a decision. The committee will be composed of the following:

1. A Student Government Association representative of the college in which the grade is challenged (one of the four student representatives eligible to serve). The representative will be appointed by the Student Government Association president.
2. A Faculty Senate representative of the college in which the grade is challenged. The representative will be appointed by the Faculty Senate president.
3. The dean of the college. If the dean is not available, then the vice president for academic affairs is the third member of the panel.

At the hearing, the instructor and the student may both make individual presentations, and the Grade Appeal Committee may ask questions and seek clarification. A final written decision will be provided by the committee. If a grade is to be changed, the final grade will be recorded by the dean. This procedure shall be completed by the end of the semester in which the grade is appealed.

Grade Forgiveness

In order to receive credit for a course that was not completed successfully or to improve a grade point average, a course may be repeated. A grade of C or higher earned at another accredited institution will be entered on the SAU transcript, but the grade will not be used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. If a course is repeated at SAU, the grade earned the last time the course is taken will be used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. Only 24 semester hours of coursework can be repeated to improve a grade point.

Academic Bankruptcy

A Southern Arkansas University undergraduate student who has not been enrolled in any college or university for a period of at least three years (36 months) immediately preceding the intended enrollment at Southern Arkansas University may file for academic bankruptcy. The student must apply for and declare academic bankruptcy at the time of admission to SAU or within the first semester or term of enrollment. The following criteria will apply only to course work attempted at SAU:

1. The academic bankruptcy policy will be limited to semesters or terms completed during any consecutive 12-month period.
2. The student will forfeit the use of all college or university credits earned during any declared academic bankrupt semester or term.
3. A declaration of academic bankruptcy may be exercised only once in a student’s academic career, and the declaration is final and irreversible.
4. A student who declares academic bankruptcy must be an undergraduate student seeking their initial undergraduate degree.
5. The notation “academic bankruptcy” and the date will be noted on the student’s SAU transcript for each declared academic bankrupt semester or term.
6. The credits will appear on the student’s SAU transcript, but no courses in any declared academic bankrupt semester or term will be used in computing the student’s grade point average.
7. Policies related to academic bankruptcy pertain only to Southern Arkansas University, and may not be honored by other universities for admittance to undergraduate programs, admittance to graduate schools, or admittance to professional schools.
8. All semesters or terms, including any semester or term of declared academic bankruptcy, will count toward athletic certification.
9. In regard to financial aid history, accumulated semester and award limits include all semesters of enrollment, including any semester of declared academic bankruptcy.
10. All semesters or terms, including any semester or term of declared academic bankruptcy, will be included in the computation of the student’s cumulative grade point average for academic honors.
11. In regard to VA certification, accumulated semester and award limits include all semesters of enrollment, including any semester of declared academic bankruptcy.
12. A student who declares academic bankruptcy will still be subject to all University policies.

To request academic bankruptcy, a student must submit a Petition for Academic Bankruptcy and all transcripts of prior college or university work to the Office of Admissions at the time of application for admission to SAU or within the first semester or term of enrollment. After reviewing all records to determine that the student has met the required three-year period of non-enrollment, the assistant vice president of enrollment services will verify the request, counsel the student, and forward the student’s records to one of the following individuals:

1. Dean of student’s intended major if the student has 30 hours or more of transfer credit.
2. Academic Advising and Assistance Center if the student has fewer than 30 hours of transfer credit, or is undecided on a major and has fewer than 46 hours of transfer credit.

An additional copy of the Petition for Academic Bankruptcy will be forwarded to the registrar by the dean of enrollment services.

Any petition for an exemption to the criteria as stated above will be directed to the Academic Suspension Appeals Committee.

Academic Probation and Suspension

To be in good academic standing, students must maintain the following standards:

A student who does not earn the required cumulative grade point average according to the number of semester hours attempted will be placed on academic probation. A student who has been placed on academic probation will have until the end of the next regular semester to show significant improvement in grades or be suspended from school. Significant improvement shall be defined as follows:

*including probationary semester

If a student has been suspended because of academic reasons, the student will not be allowed to register for classes or attend the University for one full semester (fall or spring). The student will not be allowed to enroll in mini-sessions and summer terms during the suspension period. After one semester, the student may return to the University on a probationary status. The student must make significant improvement and meet the standards defined in the probationary section above. If improvement does not occur, the student will be suspended for one year from the date of the second suspension. After one year, the student may seek readmission on probation. Failure to earn at least 2.00 grade point average during the returning semester will result in academic dismissal.

A student who believes there is justification for early readmission and chooses to appeal the suspension must submit a written appeal to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The letter of appeal must reach the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs at least five business days prior to registration for the semester for which readmission is sought. Appeals received after that date will not be considered for that semester. The Academic Suspension Appeals Committee will review the case and make a recommendation to the vice president for academic affairs.

Credit earned while on academic suspension from any university, including SAU, will not be accepted by SAU.

Attendance Policies

In-Person Class Attendance

A student’s academic program should be regarded as an obligation. Regular and punctual class attendance is expected from each student. An individual who is absent from a class should contact the instructor. If the cause of the absence is found to be acceptable, as defined in the Make-Up Examination/Credit for Class Absences Policy section in the Student Handbook 2.10.1, the instructor shall not penalize the student for the excused absence.

If a student is absent from a class more than the equivalent of one week of instruction (more than three days for MWF class, during a regular semester, for example) those absences may be reported by the instructor of record to the associate dean of conduct and retention. The dean will then send the student a notice of pending action. The student is advised to contact the instructor as soon as this notice has been received. Ten calendar days after the report is submitted by the instructor during a regular semester, or after seven calendar days during a summer session, a student may be dropped from the class for excessive unexcused absences at the request of the instructor. If this occurs, a grade of WN (withdrawal for non-attendance under extenuating circumstances) or WF (withdrawal with failure) will be given for the course.

Notification of excessive absences (WN or WF) may not be initiated during the final two weeks of a semester or the final week of a summer term.

A faculty or staff member may refer a student who exhibits problems such as poor attendance, behavioral issues, and/or financial problems through the online Campus Connect Alert Referral and Early Intervention Services website referral form. Every effort is made to notify students and refer them to the respective departments for assessment and intervention.

Online Class Attendance

Student attendance in online courses is defined as active participation in the course as described in the individual course syllabus. Online courses will, at a minimum, have weekly (no more frequently than daily) mechanisms for student participation, which can be documented by any or all of the following methods:

• Completion of tests or quizzes
• Discussion forums
• Submission/completion of assignments
• Communication with the instructor
• Other course participation

Students are required to log in to each online course by the second day during the week in which the course officially begins, or the day enrolled during late registration, to complete the initial introductory postings required in the course. As a component of attendance, student email, course announcements, and discussion forums should be checked frequently (daily is recommended). The student is solely responsible for checking updates related to the course. Note: nonattendance may affect financial aid. If a student fails to meet the attendance requirements, he or she may be recommended for withdrawal from the course. In the case of an anticipated absence, such as military deployment, the student should contact the instructor in advance and arrange to complete the required assignments. In case of an emergency (illness/accident or death in family), the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible providing documentation supporting the need for any late submission of a graded event.

Academic Integrity Policy

(The following Policy on Academic Integrity, developed by an ad hoc committee appointed by the Faculty Senate, was approved by the Faculty Assembly in 2018, and updated in 2019.)

The mission of Southern Arkansas University empowers all members of the University community to develop and encourage learning environments that create, expand, acquire, share, evaluate, and communicate knowledge. Academic integrity at SAU is an organizational and individual responsibility. Students, faculty, and staff share responsibility for maintaining the highest standards for academic integrity.

1. Academic Misconduct Definitions
   Any act of dishonesty in academic work constitutes academic misconduct and is subject to disciplinary action. Acts of dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, and fabrication.
   1. Plagiarism
      Plagiarism is the act of taking and/or using the ideas, work, and/or writings of another person as one’s own. Plagiarism occurs both when the words of another (in print, electronic, or any other medium) are reproduced without acknowledgement and when the ideas or arguments of another are paraphrased in such a way as to lead the reader to believe that they originated with the writer.

      1. To avoid plagiarism, give written credit and acknowledgement to the source of thoughts, ideas, and/or words, whether you have used direct quotation, paraphrasing, or just a reference to a general idea.

      2. If you directly quote works written by someone else, enclose the quotation with quotation marks and provide an appropriate citation (e.g., footnote, endnote, bibliographical reference).

      3. All course work including research performed and all assignments such as a written paper, must be the work of the person seeking academic credit for the course. Under no circumstances can purchased papers, book reports, projects and/or other class assignments, or work otherwise obtained from individuals or companies be submitted as work of the student.

      4. It is not sufficient to provide a citation if the words of another have been reproduced - this also requires quotation marks. It is the responsibility of all University students to understand the methods of proper attribution and to apply those principles in all materials submitted.

   2. Cheating
      Cheating is an act of dishonesty with the intention of obtaining and/or using information in a fraudulent manner. Examples of cheating include:

      1. Observing and/or copying from another student’s test paper, report, computer file, and/or other assignments.

      2. Giving or receiving assistance during an examination period. This includes providing specific answers to subsequent examinees and/or dispensing or receiving information which would allow a student to have an unfair advantage in the examination over students who did not possess such information.

      3. Using class notes, outlines, and other unauthorized information during an examination period unless permission is specifically given.

      4. Using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting, in part or entirety, the contents of an examination or other assignment not authorized by the professor of the class. This includes the uploading of quizzes, examinations, or any other graded material, with or without answers, to a third-party website.

      5. Exchanging places with another person for the purposes of taking an examination or completing other assignments.

   3. Fabrication
      Fabrication is faking or forging a document, signature, or findings of a research project.

      1. Other forms of fabrication may include unauthorized collaboration or submitting the same paper or portions of the same paper to two different courses without the consent of current instructor.

      2. Forging a signature on an official SAU or other document.

2. Academic Integrity Policy Application to all Students
   The University’s academic integrity policy applies to all students enrolled in courses at the University. All forms of academic misconduct at SAU will be regarded as serious and may result in the student being expelled from the University.

   Seminars related to academic integrity will be made available to faculty, students, and staff from time to time each year. The Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs will collaborate in publishing information about academic integrity and misconduct, with explanations and examples intended to help students make informed decisions about how they conduct themselves in their academic work.

3. Faculty Syllabus Requirements
   Faculty will place in every course syllabus the following language:

   Southern Arkansas University affirms its commitment to academic integrity and expects all members of the University community to accept shared responsibility for maintaining academic integrity. Students in this course are subject to the provisions of the University’s Academic Integrity Policy, approved by the president and published in the Student Handbook. Penalties for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on an assignment a failing grade in the course. Continued enrollment in this course affirms a student’s acceptance of this University policy.

   An instructor may include in the course syllabus additional information about academic integrity if he or she wishes to do so. 

4. Academic Misconduct File and Assistance with Notice to Students
   All documentation relevant to a student’s academic misconduct will be maintained in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in a digital form. Academic misconduct files shall only be used in accordance with University FERPA policy.

   If the student makes a formal appeal, it will be decided in accordance with the procedures set forth below. If the matter is appealed to the Academic Integrity Council, the VPAA (or designee) will forward all forms and other materials associated with the specific violation and a summary of other Academic Integrity violations committed by the student to the Chair of the Academic Integrity Council to be disseminated to members of the Council.

   Students may not drop a class until the allegation of the academic integrity violation has been resolved. If the allegation is confirmed, the instructor retains the ability to assign a grade for the course, consistent with the criteria below, if the student decides to drop the class after completion of the process.

5. Notification of Charge of Academic Misconduct to Student
   All forms used in the process will be located on SAU Academic Integrity web page and will be sent via SAU email. All forms will be copied to the instructor and to the student to keep them informed of the process. A copy will be sent to the appropriate dean of the college in which the alleged misconduct occurred.

   When an instructor determines that a student has engaged in academic misconduct, the instructor may take one of two actions: 1) the instructor may complete the web-based academic integrity violation form; or 2) the instructor may choose to meet informally with the student to discuss the alleged academic misconduct and then decide, on the basis of that meeting, whether or not to complete and submit the web-based academic integrity violation form. The form is found on SAU’s Academic Integrity webpage. This form will notify the student, dean, and the VPAA of the allegation through the student’s SAU email account. The notice will include the justification for the allegation. Once the form has been received, the Office of the VPAA will inform the Dean as to whether the student has been found responsible for any previous violations of the Academic Integrity Policy and at what level.

   NOTE: Faculty members should not penalize a student for acts of academic misconduct unless an academic integrity violation form has been completed and the process described in this section has been followed. To do otherwise would deprive students of their due process right to appeal any actions taken against them.

6. Meeting with the Dean
   The student will have three days (excluding weekends and holidays) to make contact with the appropriate academic dean and schedule a meeting. (Should the student fail to make contact with the dean within the prescribed time, the dean’s decision as to violation level and sanction will be final.) Once contacted, the dean should ensure that the meeting take place within seven (7) calendar days of the student’s receipt of the initial notification email. If the dean is unable to schedule a meeting within seven days, he or she may ask an assistant dean, an associate dean, or the provost to serve in his or her place. At the meeting, the dean will inform the student of the violation level associated with the alleged academic misconduct and provide the student with a copy of the entire Academic Integrity Policy, pointing out the relevant sanctions. The dean will then inform the student that he or she has seven (7) calendar days to submit an appeal. If the student does not submit an appeal within seven calendar days, the dean’s decision as to violation level and sanction will be final. At the end of the meeting, the dean must fill out (within 24 hours) the associated form including the sanction value of the violation. This form should be sent to the student, the instructor, and the VPAA.

7. Appeal Process
   A student may appeal the charge of academic misconduct and/or the proposed violation level through the procedures set forth below.
   1. Appeals at the College Level
      1. Within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the appeal, the dean will review all materials submitted by the student and VPAA and, if necessary, meet with the student to attempt to resolve the matter. Online students may speak with the dean via electronic telecommunications. After the meeting with the student, the dean will render a decision on the appeal and fill out the online form within 24 hours. The instructor, student, and Office of the VPAA will be informed of the dean’s decision. 

      2. If the student is not satisfied with the action of the dean, the student can appeal the decision of the dean to the University Academic Integrity Council.

      3. If the instructor is not satisfied with the action of the dean, the faculty member may also appeal the decision to the University Academic Integrity Council.

   2. Appeals to the University Academic Integrity Council
      1. Within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the notice of the college/dean appeal decision, the student or instructor may appeal to the Academic Integrity Council. The party filing the appeal will use the appropriate form found on SAU’s Academic Integrity Council web page. Upon receiving this form, the VPAA will forward all forms and other materials associated with the specific count and a summary of other Academic Integrity violations committed by the student to the Chair of the Academic Integrity Council and that material will be disseminated to all members of the Council.

      2. Within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the appeal, the Academic Integrity Council will consider the appeal with at least three members of the Council being present. The decision of the Academic Integrity Council will be forwarded (within 24 hours) to the student, the instructor, the dean, and the provost/VPAA via the online form.

      3. The provost/VPAA will review all decisions recommending suspension or expulsion.

   3. Final Notification to Student and Instructor
      Once the process is complete, the student, the instructor, the dean, the chair of the Academic Integrity Council, and the registrar will receive information from the VPAA of the final disposition of the case, including the violation level and sanction points if the student is guilty.
8. Violation Levels
   The following violation levels are assigned to specific types of violations of the University’s Academic Integrity Policy; if a violation occurs which is not specifically provided below, then any sanctions will be based on the most similar type of violation that exists in the rubric. A violation will be considered as a single violation up until the point that a student receives notice of that violation; additional infractions occurring after that point will be considered separately for purposes of this rubric. If assignment of a sanction requires the Academic Integrity Council to interpret the sanction rubric, the Academic Integrity Council shall provide a rationale for its determination and application of the particular sanction(s). General guidance on substantial issues of interpretation of the sanction rubric shall be provided by the VPAA.

   A student receives the assigned number of sanction points for each violation for which he/she is found responsible. Sanction points are cumulative over the length of the student’s matriculation at Southern Arkansas University. Graduate students will be considered new matriculates.

   The violation levels are as follows:
   1. Level Zero Violation - 0.0 sanction point
      1. For plagiarism/copying in work done for a course, if the plagiarized/copied material constitutes less than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the dean (first offense only).

      2. Unauthorized collaboration on homework assignments constituting less than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the dean (first offense only).

      3. Use of any materials or resources that are not authorized by the instructor in completing any assignment having a value of less than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the dean (first offense only).

   2. Level One Violation - 1.0 sanction point for each violation
      1. Copying from or viewing another student’s work during an examination.

      2. Using any materials or resources that are not authorized by the instructor for use during an examination or in completing any assignment having a value equal to or greater than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the dean, or a second offense.

      3. Collaborating during an examination with any other person by giving or receiving information without specific permission of the instructor.

      4. Facilitating or aiding in any act of academic dishonesty.

      5. Collaborating on laboratory work, or other assigned work when instructed to work independently.

      6. Submitting, without specific permission of the instructor, work that has been previously offered by the same student for credit in another course.

      7. Falsification of attendance and/or participation.

      8. Submitting as one’s own any theme, report, term paper, essay, computer program, speech, painting, drawing, sculpture, or other written or creative work or project of any nature prepared totally or in large measure by another /plagiarizing, in work completed for a class assignment, when that copying/plagiarizing constitutes less than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the dean and is a second offense, or when that copying/plagiarizing constitutes 10% or more of the assignment in the judgment of the dean.

      9. Unauthorized collaboration on homework assignments constituting 10% or more of the assignment in the judgment of the dean, or less than 10% of the assignment on a second offense in the judgment of the dean.
   3. Level Two Violation - 2.0 sanction points for each violation
      1. Submitting as one’s own any work prepared totally or in large measure by another.

      2. Uploading of quizzes, examinations or any other graded materials, with or without answers, to a third-party website.

      3. Submitting altered or falsified data (in work completed for a class assignment).
   4. Level Three Violation - 4.0 sanction points for each violation
      1. Altering grades or official records.

      2. Falsifying or signing another person’s name on any academically-related University form or document.

      3. Buying or selling course work (paying another person to complete exams, assignments, etc. or being paid to do this for another).

      4. Sabotaging another student’s work.

Note: For offenses not specifically mentioned in this rubric, faculty members may confer with the Academic Integrity Council Chair and propose a description of the offense and the level of sanction to be recommended in the faculty member’s syllabus. The proposed description and sanctions will be forwarded to the Academic Integrity Council Chair to review the proposed offense and sanction for consistency with existing offenses and sanctions. If a faculty member and Academic Integrity Chair disagree over a particular offense or sanction, the matter may be discussed with the relevant dean and /or the Academic Integrity Council.

9. Sanctions: The possible university sanctions are as follows:
   Sanction points for Level 0 = 0.0: The student will be issued a Letter of Reprimand (first offense only). There will be no grade sanction for a Level Zero offense. Student must attend the Academic Integrity Course.

   Sanction points for Level 1 = 1.0: For work for a course, the instructor will give the test or an assignment an immediate zero (0) which will then be averaged into the course grade. If that involves missing a stated deadline, the stated late penalty will apply. Student must take the Academic Integrity Course.

   Sanction points for Level 2 = 2.0: The student will receive a course grade of XF for work done for a course. A 2.0 offense will result in academic integrity suspension for one semester.

   Sanction points for Level 3 = 4.0 or more: The student will be immediately and permanently expelled. An XF will be given for the course(s).

10. Opportunity and Removal for the “X”
    After two semesters of acceptable performance at the University following the imposition of a penalty, with no student conduct or academic dishonesty infractions, the student may request grade forgiveness by VPAA.

    To remove the X on the transcript, the student may request that the X be removed by submitting a written petition to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. This written petition must provide evidence that the student now understands ethical standards (e.g. GPA following the infraction; lack of subsequent infractions [academic and conduct]; proactive activities that the student has engaged in to learn about appropriate techniques for citation, etc.), The X will still be counted if future infractions occur.

11. Degrees, Honors & Awards
    The University reserves the right to withhold or withdraw degrees, honors, or awards due to violations of the Academic Integrity Policy.

12. Suspension and Expulsion
    Suspension involves withdrawal of enrollment privileges for a specified period of time and ordinarily carries with it conditions which must be met for re-enrollment. Suspended students are not permitted to live or board in University facilities or approved student organization housing (i.e., facilities owned by the University and leased to a student organization). Students suspended may not receive credit for University work completed by correspondence or in residence at another university without prior permission from the Provost or designee. Records of suspension are maintained indefinitely.

    Expulsion is a permanent dismissal from the University. These records are maintained indefinitely. 

    Expulsion from Southern Arkansas University for academic dishonesty will be permanently noted on the student’s transcript.

Note: The Academic Integrity Policy of the University of Arkansas was a source for the update of this policy.