The Graduate School

Liberty University Code of Honor for Online Undergraduate and Graduate Students

I. PREAMBLE

Liberty University students, faculty, administrators, and staff together form a Christian community based upon the values and goals of the Bible. These are defined in our foundational statements, including our Doctrinal Statement, our Philosophy of Education and Mission Statement, the Statement of Professional Ethics for the Faculty, and our Student Code. Together, these statements situate Liberty University within the long tradition of university culture, which in its beginnings was distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth.

Anyone, whether Christian or non-Christian, who shares our values and goals, is both welcome and valued in our community. We want all students to feel comfortable in our community of learning, and we extend to all of our students our spiritual and academic resources, with the goal of fostering spiritual growth, character development, and academic maturity.

Communities are based upon shared values and practices. This Code of Honor, an expression of the values inherent in our Doctrinal Statement, defines the rules and principles by which our community functions. At the core of this Code are two key concepts: a belief in the dignity of all persons and an insistence on the existence of objective truth.

While we understand that everyone will not agree with the statements that follow, we do expect that our students respect and uphold these standards while registered at Liberty University. Abiding by the principles and behaviors established in this Code of Honor makes possible the success of our students and the strengthening of the Liberty community.

II. ACADEMIC CODE OF HONOR

A. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating and falsification.

1. Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the intentional failure to give sufficient attribution to the words, ideas, or data of others that the student has incorporated into his/her work for the purpose of misleading the reader. In some cases, a student may be careless and fail to give credit to the words, ideas or data of others. In such situations, plagiarism has still occurred, but the professor may choose from an array of sanctions he/she deems appropriate. In order to avoid plagiarism, students must conscientiously provide sufficient attribution. Attribution is sufficient if it adequately informs and, therefore, does not materially mislead a reasonable reader as to the true source of the words, ideas, or data. Students who have any doubt as to whether they have provided sufficient attribution have the responsibility to obtain guidance from their professor or other person to whom they are submitting their work.

Plagiarism in papers, projects or any assignment prepared for a class shall include the following:

• Omitting quotation marks or other conventional markings around material quoted from any printed source (including digital material)
• Directly quoting or paraphrasing a specific passage from a specific source without properly referencing the source
• Replicating another person’s work or parts thereof and then submitting it as an original
• Purchasing a paper (or parts of a paper) and representing it as one’s own work
2. Cheating

Cheating is a form of dishonesty in which a student attempts to give the appearance of a level of knowledge or skill that the student has not obtained, gives unauthorized aid, or wrongly takes advantage of another’s work. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Copying from another person’s work on an examination or an assignment
• Allowing another student to copy any portion of one’s work on an examination or an assignment
• Using unauthorized materials or giving or receiving any other unauthorized assistance on an examination or an assignment
• Taking an examination or completing an assignment for another, or permitting another to take an examination or to complete an assignment for the student.
• Reusing a paper from a previous course
• Paying another student to complete a course, an individual assignment or an examination
3. Falsification

Falsification is a form of dishonesty in which a student misrepresents the truth, invents facts, or distorts the origin or content of information used as authority. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Dishonestly answering or providing information in the application process
• Citing a source that is known not to exist
• Attributing to a source ideas and information that are not included in the source
• Falsely citing a source in support of a thought or idea when it is known not to support the thought or idea
• Citing a source in a bibliography when the source was neither cited in the body of the paper nor consulted
• Intentionally distorting the meaning or applicability of data
• Inventing data or statistical results to support conclusions.

B. PROCEDURE FOR THE INVESTIGATION, ADJUDICATION, AND ASSIGNMENT OF SANCTIONS FOR THE VIOLATIONS OF THE ACADEMIC CODE OF HONOR

1. Processing Allegations

When an alleged violation of the Academic Code of Honor has been reported to the instructor or administration, the instructor will confront the student within ten business days of the discovery of the infraction. The instructor may issue an oral or written reprimand, send written notification to the Online Department Chair, reduce a grade, adjust credit on an assignment and/or require additional work. The instructor may determine that a failing grade for the course is the appropriate sanction. In any event, the instructor will inform the student of his or her decision.

The reporting procedure is as follows:

• The instructor will write a report outlining the violation.
• The report will be provided to the student and the Online Department Chair along with the sanction(s) recommended.
• The Online Department Chair will forward report to the Online Associate Dean. The Online Associate Dean will review, make decision on appropriate sanction and notify the student.
• If blatant academic dishonesty is demonstrated in a clear and convincing manner, the student may receive a grade of F for the course in which the academic misconduct occurred.
• Students who receive a grade of F for academic dishonesty on a particular assignment will be notified by the professor of the course in an appropriate manner, including but not limited to returning the assignment with comments, email, letter and/or a personal telephone call.
• If non-blatant academic misconduct (such as inadvertent plagiarism) occurs in a course, the professor will contact the student and conduct such further investigation as needed. If the professor determines that a sanction is called for, the professor will write a report of the infraction. The professor may issue an oral reprimand, send written notification to the Online Department Chair of the School in which the professor teaches the specific course, reduce a grade, adjust credit and/or require additional work.
• When a student receives a course grade of F for academic dishonesty, the Online Associate Dean will report the reason for the F to the Registrar and request that it be recorded as an FD grade. This FD grade will appear on the student’s transcript.
• The student, upon receipt of the results of the academic honesty review by the Online Associate Dean, will have five business days to appeal the decision to the Dean through the Online Associate Dean.
• If warranted, the results of academic honesty review may be forwarded to the Office of Student Affairs for any additional disciplinary action that may be appropriate.
2. Sanctions

If the professor determines that a sanction is called for, the professor will write a report of the infraction. The professor may issue an oral or written reprimand, reduce a grade, adjust credit, and/or require additional work. The professor also maintains the right to recommend a grade of F for the course if the investigation determines that it is the appropriate sanction. The Online Associate Dean will review the report and determine the appropriate sanction. If the FD grade is given, the student will be notified by the Online Associate Dean. In this instance, the Registrar will record the F as FD, which will appear on the student’s transcript. The repeat policy may not be applied to this grade.

If the student is found guilty of academic dishonesty (either non-blatant or blatant) in any subsequent course where a grade of FD is posted, he or she will be dismissed from Liberty University.

In determining the sanction to be imposed, the following will be considered: the student’s intent to violate the Code of Honor, the degree of carelessness, the gravity of the offense and the student’s overall conduct while enrolled at Liberty University. The Office of Student Affairs and the Registrar’s Office may be consulted during this process.

In cases where the Dean perceives a clear conflict of interest or faulty judgment on the part of the Online Associate Dean, or where the sanctions suggested by the Online Associate Dean are demonstrably inconsistent with those that resulted from other similar instances of academic misconduct, the Dean reserves the right to adjust the sanction(s) as appropriate.

A written copy of the decision shall be mailed or e-mailed to the student.

Please Note: All cases of alleged academic dishonesty will be resolved with the utmost concern for strict confidentiality by those individuals involved in the proceedings. Information concerning the academic misconduct will be provided only to those with a need to know in order to perform their job duties

3. Appeal Procedure

In cases where an allegation of any Academic Code of Honor violation occurs and the student does not admit guilt, he/she may pursue the process below. The student will be given an opportunity to provide written evidence in opposition to the charge. Persons who threaten or conduct other acts of retaliation against those individuals who acted in good faith (i.e., honestly and with intentions of being fair) in reporting (even if mistakenly) alleged instances of academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible suspension or expulsion from Liberty. Any report of alleged academic dishonesty not made in good faith will also be subject to disciplinary action.

Examples of retaliation include, but are not limited to:

• Circumventing the appeal procedure and going directly to a university administrator such as the Dean, the Provost or the Chancellor
• Threatening a faculty member or student
• Harassment
• Verbal or physical abuse
• Verbal or written disrespect to a faculty or staff member (this includes e-mails)
• Offensive or crude language directed at individuals
• Falsely accusing someone of committing academic dishonesty

A complete overview of the appeal process follows:

• Within five business days of the notification, the student may submit a written appeal to the Online Associate Dean, but should do so through the professor. The Online Department Chair and Online Associate Dean will consult with the instructor and review the student's written appeal. The Online Associate Dean will then notify the instructor, the Registrar and the student of his/her decision.
• After receiving the decision by the Online Associate Dean, the student may submit a written appeal to the Dean, through the Online Associate Dean. This written appeal must be received by the Online Associate Dean within five business days of the Online Associate Dean’s notification. The Dean will review the student's appeal, as well as any information provided by the faculty member. When a decision has been reached, the Dean will notify the Online Department Chair, the faculty member, the Registrar and the student.
• In determining whether any violation has occurred, the Online Associate Dean and Dean will apply a "clear and convincing" evidence standard. In some cases, a Student Affairs official or another University representative may join in the deliberations as a non-voting member for the purpose of providing any background information that may be pertinent to the appeal.
• Should no violation be found, a report indicating such will be forwarded to the faculty member. A report of all findings (either in favor of or against the student) will be sent to the Student Affairs’ and Registrar’s office. The findings will be kept in the student’s official record.
• In situations that do not require a grade of "FD," but may require a failed assignment, failure in the course or reduced grade, the professor reserves the right to impose a lesser sanction and send a report to the student's file.

III. PERSONAL CODE OF HONOR

A. CONDUCT THAT UNDERMINES THE SAFETY, MISSION, OR REPUTATION OF LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Acts that may undermine the safety, mission, or reputation of Liberty University are violations of the Personal Code of Honor. Examples of such acts include, but are not limited to:

• Flagrant violations of institutional policies and standards of dress when visiting campus (see Appendix A for dress code)
• Causing public embarrassment to the University, or their representatives or employees.

1. Sexual, Physical, Written or Verbal Misconduct

Respect for the dignity of each individual as a person created in God’s image is fundamental to the institutional culture desired at Liberty University. Misconduct that is contrary to the teachings of the Christian faith (thus constituting a violation of Liberty University’s Personal Code of Honor) includes, but is not limited to:

• Sexually-oriented joking or comments
• Harassment of an individual based on race or gender
• Unwelcome touching or any touching of a sexual nature
• Verbal or physical abuse
• Verbal or written disrespect to a faculty or staff member (this includes e-mails)
• Offensive or crude language directed at individuals
• Display of objects or pictures that depict nudity or are otherwise sexual in nature
• Persistent, unwanted attempts to change a casual or friendly relationship into a romantic or more intimate one

Non-marital sexual relations and the encouragement or advocacy of any form of sexual behavior that would undermine the Christian identity or faith mission of the University are morally inappropriate sexual misconduct and constitute violations of this Personal Code of Honor.

2. Pornography

Involvement with pornographic, obscene, indecent, or other similarly offensive materials, expressions, or conduct is inconsistent with the Personal Code of Honor and the Christian faith. Use of the University's computing network to obtain or distribute such materials constitutes a violation of the Personal Code of Honor.

3. Alcohol and Drug Use

Liberty University is dedicated to providing a learning environment that promotes reverence for the Word of God, a commitment to the highest ideals of academic excellence, health, and responsible social behavior. This includes recognizing the rights of others and respecting the Christian ideals of Liberty University.

The following are strictly prohibited: any illegal use of a controlled substance, any use of alcohol or tobacco by any LU Online student on the property of Thomas Road Baptist Church or Liberty University, or any use of alcohol or tobacco as any part of a Thomas Road Baptist Church or Liberty University related or sponsored program off campus (this includes school sponsored courses or missions trips in the United States or overseas).

All LU Online students, whether on or off-campus, are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner supportive of the Christian character and reputation of Liberty University. Keeping in mind that the public will judge Liberty University and its Christian ideals by the actions of its students, Liberty University will not tolerate conduct by any student, whether on or off-campus, which is deemed by the administration to reflect negatively on the public image of the University.

B. PROCEDURES FOR THE INVESTIGATION ADJUDICATION AND SANCTIONING OF VIOLATIONS OF THE PERSONAL CODE OF HONOR

1. Processing Allegations

When an alleged violation of the Personal Code of Honor has come to the attention of the faculty, staff, or administration, that allegation shall be passed on to Student Affairs, who shall determine (with assistance from the appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean) whether formal discipline is warranted and, if so, the nature of the appropriate sanction(s). .

Pastoral or Professional counseling may be recommended in some instances. Any cost associated with such counseling shall be borne by the student. If counseling is deemed to have been sufficient to address the student's misconduct, Liberty University reserves the right to remove the record from the student’s permanent file. If counseling was deemed to have been ineffective, then Liberty University reserves the right to retain permanent records and dismiss the student from the University.

2. Conduct Review

Where evidence exists that a violation of the Personal Code of Honor may have occurred, Student Affairs shall refer the matter to the appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean. They along with Student Affairs shall deliberate and determine the appropriate penalty.

Should no violation be found, the Director’s report indicating such shall be forwarded to the appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean. Where a violation is found, Student Affairs may notify the student verbally, but will also notify the student in writing (by e-mail or letter) of the sanction(s). The appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean shall receive a copy of the final decision.

3. Sanctions

The Findings of Student Affairs along with any recommendations for further action will be carefully reviewed by the appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean. These two individuals may accept, reject or modify the Student Affairs report and shall determine the final disposition of the matter.

The appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean may direct that the records of a disciplinary action be retained in a student’s file, noted on transcripts or be disclosed to the appropriate entities responsible for assessing the character and fitness of the student as an applicant to a chosen profession.

In addition to any personal communication of the decision to the student involved, a written copy of the decision shall be sent to the student by e-mail or registered, return receipt mail.

C. APPEAL PROCEDURE

Students are provided the opportunity to appeal any disciplinary decision to the Student Affairs office, appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean. The outcome of an appeal may include an overturn of the proposed action or disciplinary probation, the assignment of disciplinary community service, retention or administrative withdrawal. The appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean may either accept or overturn a previous decision to withdraw a student from Liberty University. Records documenting this process are maintained by the Office of Student Affairs and the Registrar.

1. Reapplication/Readmission

If a student is administratively withdrawn or asked not to return, he/she must submit a written request for readmission to Student Affairs. The student is to provide a thorough account of the actions that led to his/her dismissal or non-return and the student’s strategy for successfully continuing studies at the University. In addition, the following is required:

• Separate letters of recommendation from a counselor and civic leader
• One letter of recommendation from a pastor or LU faculty member

Only after the aforementioned information is received will consideration for reinstatement occur. Readmission to the University will be subject to any stipulations made by the appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean and the Office of Student Affairs. This process does not guarantee readmission. If readmission is granted, the Office of Student Affairs will notify the Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions will notify the student.

2. Administrative Withdrawal

Students, who are reported to have violated the policies or regulations of the University that require an administrative withdrawal, are required to meet (in person or by phone) with Student Affairs for a personal conference. Student Affairs will present the alleged violation(s) to the student and the student will then be given full opportunity to present his/her position concerning the allegation. Student Affairs will conduct an investigation of the alleged violation(s). When the investigation is complete, and the allegation is determined to be true, Student Affairs will consider the facts and relevant information concerning the violation(s), including the student's prior disciplinary record. Student Affairs will consult with the appropriate Online Associate Dean and Online Dean before making a decision. NOTE: During the investigative process, the student is allowed to continue attending classes.

3. Administrative Withdrawal Process and Appeal
   • The student has 24 hours, after receiving notification of the decision, to decide whether he/she wishes to accept the decision. NOTE: Failure to meet the 24-hour deadline will result in an automatic administrative withdrawal.
   • If the student decides to appeal the decision, the time of the appeal hearing will be determined and the student will be notified by Student Affairs who will schedule the hearing within seven business days of the student’s request for appeal. NOTE: During the appeal process, the student is allowed to continue attending classes.
   • If the administrative withdrawal is upheld, all academic work is lost for the semester except classes that have been completed before the time of the decision.
   • Once the student has been administratively withdrawn, he/she will not be permitted to visit the campus until his/her student status has been reinstated.
   • Reapplication is subject to administrative review after a six-month period of absence from the University.
   • Readmission will be considered after a minimum one-year absence from the University for the commission of a felony, assault, drug and/or stealing dismissals and is also subject to administrative review and approval.

Appendix A

Standard of Dress (When Visiting Campus)

Class Dress:
Students are expected to dress in a neat and professional manner and are to dress according to the individual guidelines set by faculty in the respective Online Graduate & Online Undergraduate Programs.

Casual Dress:
Student are expected to dress modestly

Swimming Pool:
(Women)
Swimwear is only appropriate at the swimming pool. Students are to wear appropriate casual or sport attire (as stated in The Liberty Way) going to and from the pool. Women are required to wear a one-piece suit that is in good taste. Swimsuits that are see-through/mesh, expose the midriff and/or are low in the front or back or cut high on the legs are not acceptable.

(Men)
Swimwear is only appropriate at the swimming pool. Students are to wear appropriate casual or sport attire going to and from the pool. Speedos, spandex suits, or cut-off jeans are not acceptable.

Note: Academic Programs may choose to add requirements to the dress code policy.