Frequently Asked Questions

Common Student Conduct & Ethics Questions

I was involved in an incident of misconduct. What can I expect?

Information regarding the Student Conduct Process and Procedures can be found on the Student Conduct Code webpage.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

What are some of the sanctions commonly assigned to Student Conduct Code violations and how are they decided upon?

Please refer to the Sanctions/Corrective Measures section of the Student Conduct Code.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

What happens if I don’t cooperate with the conduct process?

It is highly recommended that you participate in the conduct process so that your voice may be heard and information you feel is important may be considered. However, you may refuse to participate actively. In that case, a decision will be made based on the information the conduct administrator has, and if it is determined you are responsible, charges and sanctions will be assigned to you. You would still have the opportunity to challenge the outcome through an appeal.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

Is it okay to use Google?

Plagiarism via the internet is becoming one of the most common forms that we see today. Search engines like Google make it easy for students to find information on the internet, and the temptation to use this information directly is hard to resist. Even copying a sentence or two, if used without citation, is considered plagiarism. The same search engines and anti-plagiarism software make it just as easy for the instructor to detect plagiarism. Unfortunately, this is an easy trap for students to fall into.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

Collaboration: does working with others count as cheating?

Not always, but it depends. Generally speaking, students are expected to complete all of their academic work independently unless they’re told otherwise by the course instructor. So, if students work with others on a class assignment that was intended by the instructor to be an individual assessment, the instructor may consider this an integrity violation. Students should always check with the instructor about the rules and if allowed, engage in honest collaboration which means acknowledging when they have worked with others on an assignment.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

Does it count as cheating if my instructor didn’t tell me I couldn’t do something?

Faculty will not verbalize every unauthorized behavior. As a student, you’re expected to know some of the basics of excelling with integrity. For example:

  • Cite your sources.
  • Complete in-class tests and take-home tests independently.
  • Complete your own homework assignments.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

What is Netiquette?

Netiquette is essentially norms for interacting with others on the internet in a considerate, respectful way. The Core Rules of Netiquette are from the book Netiquette by Virginia Shea. Click this link (http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html) to learn more.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

Specific Questions Related to Student Conduct and Covid-19

Is the Student Conduct Office Open?

Physically, the Student Conduct Office is closed. However, staff are available remotely and are available during regular business hours (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Friday). You may contact us via email at studentconduct@jhu.edu.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

If I am not on campus, do the JHU Academic Ethics Policy and Student Conduct Code still apply to me?

The Homewood Undergraduate Academic Ethics Policy and Student Conduct Code apply to all enrolled students, whether the behavior occurs on or off-campus. If the university is made aware of a student’s behavior that may violate our policies while a student is away from campus, that report will be investigated and adjudicated using Student Conduct & Ethics procedures as outlined on the website.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

If I am granted the ability to remain on campus during the closure of the university, do the JHU Academic Ethics Policy and Student Conduct Code still apply to me?

Yes, it is still every student’s responsibility to abide by the Homewood Undergraduate Academic Ethics Policy and Student Conduct Code during this time of remote instruction, whether the student is on or off-campus.

Any instruction from the Dean’s office or Residential Life prohibiting visitors on campus, including students who are not currently allowed to live on campus, will be regarded as directives from a University official. Any violation of these directives will be investigated and adjudicated as a possible violation of the Student Conduct Code.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

Can I still report misconduct, even if I am off-campus?

Yes, students are encouraged to make reports to Student Conduct & Ethics regarding any problematic incidents that involve JHU students as respondents. Students can email concerns to studentconduct@jhu.edu or make a report here.

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I currently have an open and pending disciplinary matter with Student Conduct & Ethics. What happens to the case?

The procedures in all pending disciplinary matters will continue, uninterrupted, until a decision has been reached.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

Will I have the opportunity to appeal a decision made by Student Conduct & Ethics even though I am not on campus?

Yes. The procedures for appeal of disciplinary decisions will not change and do not require students to be present to participate.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

Do I have to participate in an investigation if I no longer live on campus?

Students are not required to participate in any pending investigation: however, the process will continue to a final decision regardless of a student’s decision not to participate.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

I need a disciplinary records check.

Our office can continue processing your requests. You should email your requests and/or release form(s) to studentconduct@jhu.edu as either a word document or PDF. Please know that our office can take up to 5 business days to complete and send disciplinary records checks to the appropriate party(ies). All requests must come from an official JHU email (alumni or student) and we ask that you include your full name, JHED ID, and information regarding where the completed disciplinary check should be sent. As we are working remotely, we will be sending completed checks by email. Please include the appropriate email address for the recipient of the form.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm

I have been accused of a Student Conduct Code or Academic Ethics violation; will the case move forward during this semester?

Yes. The University will be working with students alleged of misconduct to adjudicate their cases remotely.

Accused students should email studentconduct@jhu.edu with any questions about their pending case.

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If I have an investigation pending against me, can I still graduate?

All cases need to be resolved prior to degree conferral.

Students with pending academic ethics or disciplinary matters who are concerned about their graduation eligibility should email studentconduct@jhu.edu.

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Am I obligated to complete my sanctions while I am away from campus?

Generally, yes. Students who are currently fulfilling the requirements of hearing resolutions should still be in communication with their conduct administrator. If students have questions about their sanctions, they should email their conduct administrator or studentconduct@jhu.edu.

Last updated: Jan 19, 2021 12:07pm