1. University of Florida Honor Code

The University of Florida Honor Code was voted on and passed by the Student Body in the Fall 1995 semester. The Honor Code reads as follows:

Preamble: In adopting this Honor Code, the students of the University of Florida recognize that academic honesty and integrity are fundamental values of the University community. Students who enroll at the University commit to holding themselves and their peers to the high standard of honor required by the Honor Code. Any individual who becomes aware of a violation of the Honor Code is bound by honor to take corrective action. a student-run Honor Court and faculty support are crucial to the success of the Honor Code. The quality of a University of Florida education is dependent upon he community acceptance and enforcement of the Honor Code.

The Honor Code: We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

Exam Pledge: On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied:

"On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment."

Further information regarding the UF Honor Code can be found at www.aa.ufl.edu/aa/Rules/40172.htm.

2. Academic Honesty Guidelines

All students are required to abide by the Academic Honesty Guidelines and Honor Code which have been accepted by the University. The conduct set forth hereinafter constitutes a violation of the Academic Honesty Guidelines. Those adjudged to have committed such conduct shall be subject to the sanctions listed in paragraph XI of the Student Conduct Code.

A. Cheating: The improper taking or tendering of any information or material which shall be used to determine academic credit. Taking of information includes, but is not limited to, copying graded homework assignments from another student; working together with another individual(s) on a take-home test or homework when not specifically permitted by the teacher; looking or attempting to look at another student's paper during an examination; looking or attempting to look at text or notes during an examination when not permitted.
Tendering of information includes, but is not limited to, giving of your work to another student to be used or copied; giving someone answers to exam questions either when the exam is being given or after taking an exam; giving or selling a term paper or other written materials to another student; sharing information on a graded assignment.

B. Plagiarism: The attempt to represent the work of another as the product of one's own thought, whether the other's work is published or unpublished, or simply the work of a fellow student. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, quoting oral or written materials without citation on an exam, term paper, homework, or other written materials or oral presentations for an academic requirement; submitting a paper which was purchased from a term paper service as your own work; submitting anyone else's paper as your own work.

C. Bribery: The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any materials, items or services of value to gain academic advantage for yourself or another.

D. Misrepresentation: Any act or omission with intent to deceive a teacher for academic advantage. Misrepresentation includes, but is not limited to, using computer programs generated by another and handing it in as your own work unless expressly allowed by the teacher; lying to a teacher to increase your grade; lying or misrepresenting facts when confronted with an allegation of academic dishonestly.

E. Conspiracy: The planning or acting with one or more persons to commit any form of academic dishonesty.

F. Fabrication: The use of invented or fabricated information or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive for academic or professional advantage.

3. Procedures

If a faculty member believes that a student has violated the Academic Honesty Guidelines or Honor Code, the faculty member should talk with the student about his/her suspicions. The department chairman or another faculty member can attend this meeting as an observer. If the faculty member believes there is sufficient cause to hold the student accountable for the violation, he/she should complete a Faculty Adjudication Form (FAF). The student should be informed that he/she can not drop the class. If the severity of the offense in question warrants more than a grade penalty and an educational sanction, the faculty ember can refer the incident to the Office for Student Judicial Affairs for a hearing rather than give a grade penalty.

Student Agrees to Faculty Sanction: If the student and faculty member reach agreement as to responsibility, the grade penalty to be imposed (reduced or failing grade for assignment or course) and educational sanction, a FAF will be completed and forwarded to the Office for Student Judicial Affairs.

Student Does Not Agree to Faculty Sanction: In cases where the student and faculty member cannot agree on the matter of responsibility and/or grade penalty and sanctioning, the incident will be referred to a student judicial hearing in which the faculty member will be a witness. A Faculty Adjudication Form should be completed and forwarded with all documentation to the Office for Student Judicial Affairs. The student should be instructed to make an appointment with a member of the Student Judicial Affairs Office within 48 hours of signing the FAF requesting a hearing. The Director, or Assistant Director, of Student Judicial Affairs will meet with the student and advise him/her of his/her options and due process rights.

Due Process Rights: any student facing possible disciplinary action is entitled to the following procedural rights:

The right to be notified in writing of the charges against him/her
The right to question adverse witnesses, unless waived for an informal proceeding
The right to know the nature and source of the evidence which will be used by the University
The right to present evidence and witnesses relevant to his/her defense, unless waived for an informal proceeding
The right to freedom against compulsory self-incrimination
The right to appear with an advisor at the hearing.

The student may choose a hearing before the Committee on Student Conduct or the Student Honor Court to resolve the situation. Cases in the Health Science Center will be forwarded to the Health Science Center Student Conduct Standards Committee.

4. The Health Science Center Student Conduct Standards Committee

The Health Science Center Student Conduct Standards Committee hears cases of alleged academic dishonesty by students in any of the Health Science Center (HSC) colleges. The University president appoints five faculty members and two student members from each of the six Health Center colleges. Cases of academic dishonesty that occur in the Health Center colleges are referred by faculty members to the Director of Student Judicial Affairs who serves as advisor and non-voting executive secretary to the committee. If, after consultation between the faculty members and the Director of Student Judicial Affairs, it is determined that a hearing is necessary to resolve the allegations against the student, the committee is convened. This committee will be comprised of four faculty members and one student member from the college of the accused student, and two faculty and one student from another Health Center college. Five members of the committee, including at least one member from another college, must be present for a hearing.

Prior to the hearing, the student will be advised of rights and privileges under the Student Code of Conduct by the Director of Student Judicial Affairs. If, after a hearing by the Health Center Student Conduct Standards Committee, the student is adjudicated responsible, the committee shall recommend one or more sanctions to the Dean for Student Services, P202 Peabody Hall, who will take final action. Sanctions can range from reprimand and a failing grade in the course, to dismissal from the University (University of Florida Rule 6C1-4.0211).

Appeal Process: The student may appeal the decision of the Dean for Student Services to the Vice President for Student Affairs. All appeals must be filed in writing and an appointment scheduled with the reviewing authority within ten calendar days of the decision letter. The appointment must occur within ten days of filing the appeal. If the student fails to appear for the appointment, the reviewing authority will make a decision based on the written material. The student should be notified of the decision on the appeal within fifteen calendar days.

5. Professional Behavior

The College of Dentistry expects all dental students to be professionals in their dealings with patients, colleagues, faculty and staff to exhibit caring and compassionate attitudes. These and other qualities will be evaluated during patient contacts and in other relevant settings. Professional behavior is defined as appropriate behavior to the circumstance. Behavior of a dental student reflects on a student's qualification and potential to become a competent dentist. Attitudes and behaviors inconsistent with compassionate care, refusal by or inability of the student to participate constructively in learning or patient care, derogatory attitudes or inappropriate behavior directed at patient groups, peers, faculty or staff, or other unprofessional conduct can be grounds for dismissal.

In conferring the DMD degree, the University of Florida certifies that the student is competent to undertake a career as a dentist. It also certifies that in addition to competency in dental knowledge and skills, the graduate possesses those personal traits essential to the profession of dentistry. Professionalism encompasses altruism, accountability, compassion, duty, excellence and respect for others.

6. Faculty Adjudication Form

Download the adjudication form in PDF format, 11.7MB. You will need Acrobat Reader to view this file.

7. Judicial Process for Academic Honesty Violations

The judicial process for dealing with alleged academic honesty violations in the Health Center is shown in the flow chart below. Faculty are asked to meet with the student to explain suspicions and listen to the student's account of the incident. If faculty still believe the student is responsible for cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, bribery, or conspiracy, faculty can recommend a grade penalty to the student. If the student accepts the grade penalty, he/she will admit responsibility and a judicial file will be created. The Faculty Adjudication Form with recommended grade penalty is sent to P202 Peabody Hall. If the student does not accept responsibility and grade penalty, he/she will have a hearing before the Health Center Student Conduct Standards Committee. The Committee, composed of students and faculty, conducts a formal hearing with witnesses.

Professional students found responsible in a hearing for a first offense violation will generally receive a grade penalty, conduct probation for a period of time or suspension from the University, and an appropriate educational sanction. Second offenses usually result in a suspension or dismissal from the University of Florida for a period of time. A formal hearing is required for a second offense. The Director of Student Judicial Affairs (DSJA) will inform the student and the faculty member of the need for a hearing when an alleged second violation occurs.

8. Sanctions: UF Code of Student Conduct

A student adjudicated responsible of violations of the Code of Student Conduct shall be subject to sanctions commensurate with the offense and any aggravating and mitigating circumstances, which may include one or more of the following sanctions, unless otherwise expressly provided (University Rule 6C1-4.016):

A. Reprimand: The student is given formal written notice and official recognition that the behavior has violated the Code of Student Conduct.

B. Conduct Probation: Conduct probation is assigned for a specified period of time and is intended to foster reflection, responsibility and improved decision-making. The student is deemed not in good standing and cannot represent the University on any athletic team other than intramurals, hold an office in any student organizations registered with the University, or represent the University in any extracurricular activity or official function. The duration of any probationary period or any conditions or sanctions imposed for the violation shall be in proportion to the seriousness of the violation.

C. Loss of University Privileges: Denial of specific University privileges such as attendance at athletic functions, unrestricted library use and residence hall visitation for a designed period of time.

D. Suspension: The student is required to leave the University for a given or indefinite period of time, the termination of which shall depend upon specified acts of the student's own volition related to mitigation of the offense committed. The student must comply with all sanctions prior to readmission.

E. Dismissal: The student is permanently deprived of his/her opportunity to continue at the University in any status.

F. Restitution: The student is required to pay for loss of or damages to University property, provided that such payment shall be limited to the actual cost of repair or replacement of such property.

G. Reduced or Failing Grade: The student is given a reduced or failing grade for the class in which the offense occurred for violations of the Academic Honesty Guidelines, but only by the faculty member involved and upon recommendation thereof.

H. Community/University Service: A student is required to complete a specified amount number of hours of service to the campus or general community.

I. Education Requirements: A student is required to complete a specified education sanction related to the violation committed. Such educational requirements include completion of a seminar, report, alcohol or drug assessment or counseling.

For additional information, please see the UF Student Guide, www.dso.ufl.edu/STG/.

9. Drug-Free School & Workplace Statement

The University of Florida is committed to providing a campus environment free of the abuse of alcohol and the illegal use of alcohol and other drugs. To enhance this commitment, the university has adopted and implemented programs that seek to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by university community members.

Standard of Conduct

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or the unlawful possession and use of alcohol are harmful and prohibited in and on property owned and controlled by the University of Florida or any university activity while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.
The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the University of Florida community is at all times subject to the alcoholic beverage laws of the state of Florida, applicable county and city regulations, ad the University Alcohol Policy, Rule 6C1-2.019, Florida Administrative Code.

University of Florida Sanctions

Violation of the policies and laws describe above by an employee or student is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination or dismissal in accordance with applicable University of Florida and Board of Regents rules and/or collective bargaining agreements. Such disciplinary actions also may include reprimand or suspension. Student organizations also may be sanctioned for violation of these policies and laws. Such sanctions may range from written reprimand to revocation of recognition as a student organization. Students receiving financial aid may be subject to losing this assistance.
Additional, a violation may be reason for evaluation and treatment of a drug- and/or alcohol-use disorder or referral for prosecution consistent with local, state, and federal criminal law.
Disciplinary action against a student or employee by the university does not preclude the possibility of criminal charges against that individual. The filing of criminal charges similarly does not preclude action by the university.

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