OF RECORD


Report of the Office of Student Conduct

To the University Community:

The Office of Student Conduct periodically prepares reports to inform the University Community about the character and extent of the work of the Disciplinary System, including the nature of violations of University rules and regulations and the sanctions imposed. These reports are made, in part, to provide an accurate and informative picture of the kinds of misconduct which are brought to the attention of our office and the variety of ways in which these matters get resolved. At the same time, we are mindful of our obligation under our Charter to protect the confidentiality of individual students.

With respect to the report itself, please note the following: we have separated "Type of Incidents" of misconduct into broad, generally understood categories. It is important to stress that the categories and accompanying numbers represent the kinds of complaints received, not disciplinary charges filed nor individuals ultimately found responsible for misconduct.

Further, please note that many incidents involve more than one student which is why the number of respondents so far exceeds the number of cases.

Finally, we have, pursuant to the mandate of our Charter, increasingly attempted to resolve disciplinary and other referrals through mediation or other informal, constructive means. Those of you familiar with our previous reports to the community will see a greater emphasis placed on these alternative means of solving some disputes, where appropriate.

There is no substitute for student and faculty input, consultation and participation in the disciplinary process. This report, while meant to be informative, ideally should serve only as a catalyst for candid discussion about conduct and academic integrity issues of concern to our community. In that spirit, I welcome any comments or questions regarding this report or any other aspect of our disciplinary process. I can be reached at (215) 898-5651 or by e-mail at goldfarm@pobox.upenn.edu.

--Michele A. Goldfarb, Director, Office of Student Conduct

1999-2000 Annual Statistical Case Report

NOTE: The way in which disciplinary matters are reported to the Penn community is currently in transition. However, given that the specific, concrete changes in our reports have not yet been finalized, it was our decision to rely on our previous format for the purpose of reporting last year's disciplinary activity. We were anxious to release this report, but we are aware of the likelihood of significant changes to this format in the near future.

I. Incidents Received September 1, 1999 to August 31, 2000

-- Academic Integrity Conduct Total
Disciplinary Cases (Incidents) 36 92 128
Total Respondents 41 134 175
Undergraduate
41 129 170
Graduate
0 5 5
Fraternity Cases (Incidents): 5
Additional Disputes Referred to the University Mediation Program: 17


II. Type of Incidents

(Categories based on initial allegations only; does not necessarily reflect final charge)

Code of Academic Integrity

Incidents Number of Respondents
Alter Examination/Paper for Regrade 4
Cheating 7
Fabrication 1
Facilitating Academic Dishonesty 8
Misconduct During Examination 5
Misrepresentation of Academic Records 1
Plagiarism 22
Use or Performance of Another PersonÕs Work 1

Code of Student Conduct

Incidents Number of Respondents
Alcohol--first offense (2 catagories) 41
  • Referred to OSC for Disciplinary Action
13
  • Incidents Received from College Houses and Academic Services for Record Keeping Only. Sanctioned In-House
28
Alcohol--second offense (3 categories) 5
  • Referred to OSC for Disciplinary Action
3
  • Investigation Completed by OSC and then Referred to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs for Final Resolution/Sanctioning
1
  • Incidents Received from College Houses and Academic Services for Record Keeping Only. Sanctioned In-House
1
Assault 7
Attempted Theft 1
Bike Policy 1
Burglary 2
Computer Misuse/Piracy 6
Criminal Mischief 2
Disorderly Conduct 35
Disturbance/Investigation of Person 2
Drug 11
E-Mail Threats/Unethical Use 1
False Identity 2
Fire Code 2
Harassment 4
Hazing 3
Kidnapping 1
Misappropriation of Funds 1
Misrepresentation of Status to University 1
Noise 10
Propulsion of Object 8
Sexual Harassment 1
Theft 7
Threats 1
Trespassing 4
Use or Possession of Airguns/Firearms 4
Vandalism 21


III. Resolution of Cases

Resolution of Case Per Individual Respondent Academic Integrity Conduct Total
Signed Agreement 34 58 92
Hearing 2 1 3
No Formal Disciplinary Action (Informal Resolution with No Further Action Taken) 6 34 40
Investigation Completed by OSC and then Referred to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs for Final Resolution/Sanctioning 0 5 5
Incidents Received from College Houses and Academic Services for Record Keeping Only. Sanctioned In-House 0 37 37
Unresolved Cases 1 4 5


IV. Sanction Information

(Information provided for probation or more serious sanction only)

Sanction Academic Integrity Conduct Total
Probation 14 9 23
(Range of Charges: Alter Examination/Paper for Regrade; Cheating; Facilitating Academic Dishonesty; Misconduct During Examination; Plagiarism; Alcohol; Assault; Computer Misuse/Piracy; Criminal Mischief; Disorderly Conduct; Drug; Misappropriation of Funds; Propulsion of Object; Vandalism)
Suspension/Withdraw
Suspension
17 1 18
Withdraw
0 1 1
(Range of Charges: Alter Examination/Paper for Regrade; Cheating; Facilitating Academic Dishonesty; Misconduct During Examination; Misrepresentation of Academic Records; Plagiarism; Use or Performance of Another PersonÕs Work; Burglary; Drug)
Expulsion 0 0 0


Almanac, Vol. 47, No. 30, April 17, 2001

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