Earlham College considers that cases of academic misconduct happen at one of three levels, known as Levels of Concern. The Level of Concern for a violation may be determined by the faculty bringing a charge, or by the outcome of a Hearing.
- Low Concern: violations on low-stakes assignments, or violations stemming from misunderstood expectations or instructions. These violations provide an educational opportunity for students to learn from faculty about college-level expectations and Earlham’s approach to academic integrity. Low Concern violations result in in-course sanctions such as a grade penalty or corrective assignment. Misconduct in this category is reported to the Academic Dean for Student Success, but results in no further institutional action if there are no further violations of academic integrity by the student while enrolled at Earlham.
- Concern: violations on weighty assignments or advanced coursework, or violations that suggest an intent to deceive rather than a misunderstanding. A second Low Concern violation reported to the Academic Dean is treated as a Concern. These violations may require an ACC hearing, and if the student is found responsible may include sanctions such as a failing grade for the assignment or course from the faculty, and/or institutional sanctions (such as remedial assignments or demonstrations of learning) as determined by the ACC.
- High Concern: violations that suggest a pattern of disregard for academic integrity, take place in capstone or other high-level coursework or publicly presented academic work, or are otherwise egregious academic violations of Earlham’s values. A second “Concern,” or a third report of academic concern at any level, is treated as High Concern by the Academic Dean. These violations automatically require an ACC hearing, and if the student is found responsible may include institutional sanctions such as suspension or expulsion, in addition to any course or grade penalties from the faculty.