Appendix

Academic Honesty - Policy 24

Academic Honesty pertains to all methods of fulfilling academic requirements at Governors State University. The University strives to create a learning environment that promotes innovation, academic integrity, and responsible use of technology. Students submit academic work-including but not limited to exams, research papers, theses, dissertations, capstone projects, presentations, written assignments, speeches, videos, films, performances, creative works, group projects, and all other materials and assessments created by students in the course-to demonstrate their own understanding of course content. Therefore, all academic work submitted by students must be their own and not the work of someone else, unless otherwise permitted by the instructor.

All academic work must be completed in accordance with the University’s academic regulations, the course syllabus, and direction(s) from the course instructor(s). The following guidelines are appropriate ways to use the ideas and work of others in academic work, and violation of these guidelines constitutes a student violation of Academic Honesty (Policy 24):

1. When someone else’s work or scholarship is used in academic work, the source must be given credit. Unless otherwise specified by the instructor, it must not be stated or implied that this work is the student’s own work:

a. When using direct quotes, all such material should be enclosed in quotation marks or otherwise set off, and the source of the material acknowledged and cited;

b. When paraphrasing another author(s)’s material, the source must be acknowledged and cited unless the information is common knowledge in the discipline, and all paraphrasing must be in the student’s own words and substantially different than the source material;

c. When using unpublished data or ideas of another author, these ideas should be utilized only with the consent of that author and properly acknowledged and cited;

d. When academic work is prepared jointly with one or more other authors and with the permission of the instructor (e.g., a group project or team paper), the contributions of all contributors to this academic work shall be clearly explained, acknowledged, and cited; and

e. When academic work is prepared by another author, such material shall only be submitted with the instructor’s permission, and appropriately acknowledged and cited.

2. Students always must use the citation style and procedures specified by the instructor.

3. The same piece of academic work should not be submitted for credit in more than one course without the permission of all instructors involved.

4. Hypothetical data should be submitted only with the permission of the instructor to do so, and should be clearly labeled as such.

5. Students should refuse to make work available to another person who intends to submit part or all of that academic work as if they had written it.

6. Students may neither give, request, nor utilize assistance during an examination or other assessment without the instructor’s permission.

7. In all academic work, students must conduct themselves with honesty when interacting with others, including the instructor, other students, or classroom guests. Additional examples of student violations of Academic Honesty (Policy 24) include but are not limited to:

a. Submitting, as one’s own academic work, the work of another writer or commercial writing service;

b. Knowingly buying or otherwise acquiring and submitting any academic work created by someone else;

c. Submitting, as one’s own, any academic work in which portions were produced by someone acting as tutor or editor;

d. Collaborating with others on academic work without authorization of the instructor;

e. In addition to oral or written academic work, plagiarism may also involve using, without permission and/or acknowledgment, computer programs or files, research designs, ideas and images, charts and graphs, photographs, creative works, assignments, and other types of information that belong to someone else;

f. Facilitating violations of Academic Honesty; and

g. Fabricating or falsifying data and other content.

When using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, students must adhere to the following guidelines to remain in compliance with Academic Honesty (Policy 24) and the Policy on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Failure to do so constitutes a student violation:

1. Students may use generative AI tools, with instructor permission, to expand their understanding of course content-not as a substitute for their own academic work;

2. Students who wish to use generative AI tools shall obtain prior permission from the instructor before using generative AI tools to complete academic work. When such permission is granted, students must cite AI-generated content using the citation procedures specified by the instructor, aligned to appropriate protocols used in the discipline;

3. AI-generated content submitted as a student’s own academic work but without citation, and/or without prior permission from the instructor-including all academic work including research papers, writing assignment, assessments, or other academic work-is not permitted.

Instructors maintain original jurisdiction over course grades and student violations of Academic Honesty (Policy 24) within courses taught by the instructor. When an instructor alleges a violation of Academic Honesty (Policy 24), the student shall be provided the opportunity to resolve the allegation with the instructor. The instructor shall communicate the Academic Honesty allegation to the student, and the student shall be provided an opportunity to respond. The instructor shall follow the course syllabus and may issue a sanction no greater than a failing grade for the course. Students retain the right appeal the instructor’s decision under Student Grievance (Policy 5).

The instructor may provide a final report to the Dean of Students, for recordkeeping purposes, indicating the instructor’s decision, with a copy of this report maintained by the Dean of Students in accordance with the Student Records Policy (12), as well as applicable federal and state laws. The Dean of Students shall regularly monitor the report records and initiate an investigation and appropriate processes for repeated violations of Academic Honesty (Policy 24). The instructor may provide their final decision to Division/Department Chairs and academic Deans, as appropriate.

The instructor may also request additional action by the Dean of Students for investigation under Student Conduct (Policy 4). The Dean of Students investigation shall consider the context of the alleged violation, the student’s previous record of Academic Honesty (Policy 24) violations, and the severity of reported violation(s) in each case, with discipline up to and including dismissal from the University as defined in Student Conduct (Policy 4). In addition, Division/Department Chairs and Deans may also request additional action(s) by the Dean of Students under Policy 4 (Student Conduct) in cases of repeated violations across multiple courses, programs, and/or semesters.

In addition to instructor’s original jurisdiction for course grades, individual colleges, divisions/departments, and programs also may establish additional program procedures for Academic Honesty (Policy 24) violations within individual programs, with program disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal from the program.

Policy 24 is not intended to discourage students from studying together or from engaging in group projects, as approved by the instructor.

Access to Student Educational Records: Policy and Procedures

2. Some colleges and departments/divisions may maintain records separately. A list of colleges and departments that have separate records, their location, and the person responsible for the record may be obtained from the office of the dean of the college in which the department/division is located.

3. Availability of Records to Students
   1. A student’s education records are open to the student with the following exceptions:
      1. Confidential letters of recommendation placed in the files before January 1, 1975 as long as the letters are used only for the purposes for which they were specifically intended.
      2. Confidential letters and confidential recommendations subject to waivers signed by the student relinquishing the document’s access right if they relate to (i) admission to an educational institution, (ii) application for employment, or (iii) receipt of an honor or honorary recognition.
      3. Record of parents’ financial status.
      4. If the education records of a student contain information on more than one student, the eligible student may inspect and review or be informed of only the specific information about that student.
   2. A student’s treatment records are not available to the student for review or inspection, except that a student may choose to have the student’s treatment records reviewed by a physician or other appropriate professional of the student’s choice.
4. Availability of Records to University Personnel
   1. School officials with a legitimate interest in a student’s education records may access those records without the student’s consent.
   2. The determination of a “legitimate need to know” will be made by the records custodian responsible for the maintenance of the record. If there are questions or concerns about an individual’s educational interest or need to have access to specific information, please consult with the Provost (or designee), or the Office of the Registrar.
   3. Treatment Records may be accessed internally solely by those providing treatment services except as otherwise permitted by law.

4. Except for education records released pursuant to Subsection E(3)(a) of this part, education records will be released to third parties only by the University General Counsel, Office of the Registrar, Director of Financial Aid, Provost, or the Vice President of Student Affairs (or their designees). No other University office will directly release education record information to third parties except in the case of institutional audits. Third-party requests to other University offices shall be referred to one of the forementioned office(s).
5. Except for education records released pursuant to Subsection E(3)(a) of this part, the third party must submit the request in writing and must specify a legitimate reason. A copy will be housed with the Office of the Registrar.
6. A reasonable attempt will be made to notify the student before the release of information if:
   1. the request for information takes the form of a subpoena or court order (excluding law enforcement subpoenas and ex parte orders), and
   2. disclosure without notice would infringe upon the student’s rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
7. Except for education records released pursuant to Subsection E(3)(a) of this part, a notation of the release made to third parties will be kept in the student’s record by the Office of the Registrar, Director of Financial Aid, or the Vice President for Student Affairs (or their designees) except when the reason for the request is an institutional audit, procedural evaluation, or research.

6. Access Procedure
   1. The University has established procedures enabling students to have access to their education records by requesting access from the records custodian and providing for interpretation and correction/amendment of records.
   2. These procedures are established and maintained by the Office of the Registrar.
7. Correction of Education Records
   1. Students have the right to ask to have education records corrected that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights by requesting the records custodian to amend the records.
   2. These procedures are established and maintained by the Office of the Registrar.
8. Student Complaints about Rights Violations under FERPA

If a student has a complaint about securing his or her rights under FERPA, the student may contact:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, D.C. 20202-8520

9. Annual Notification

Annual notification of this policy is published through the University catalog and the Student Handbook.

4. Related Policies, Procedures, Forms and Other Resources (Optional)

Policy 91: Email Use Policy

5. Acknowledgements

The University acknowledges and credits policies from the following in the rewriting of this document: Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, and the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Forms

• Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information Consent to Disclose Nondirectory Education Records Student Request to Inspect and Review Education Records
• Request by Parent or Guardian to Review Education Records
• Request to Review Education Records by GovState
• Personnel or an Outside Agency

Also students may contact the Registrar’s Office to request the forms.

Policy on Graduate Readmissions and Special Admissions

1. Purpose
   This policy provides for the possible petition for readmission by graduate students, who left the university on academic probation or who were suspended from the university. The policy also provides for instances of special admission requested by applicants who do not meet the published criteria for admission.
2. Readmission and Special Admissions
   All readmissions involving graduate students who were on academic probation when they left the university or those suspended from Governors State University and all special admission cases (defined herein) shall be considered by the University Committee on Readmissions and Special Admissions. The committee shall make recommendations to the appropriate division/department chairperson, who will make the final decision with input from the program faculty.
   1. Readmissions involving students who left while on academic probation or who were suspended from Governors State University:
      1. Students who have lost continuing status while on academic probation at GovState or who have been academically suspended must apply and, concurrently,
         petition for readmission. Students suspended from the university will not be allowed to petition for readmission during the next term of enrollment.
      2. Current GovState non-degree seeking students not in good academic standing and applying for admission to a degree seeking program must petition for admission
         to the Committee on Readmissions and Special Admissions.
      3. Students readmitted to the University who were on academic probation at GovState in their last semester as a continuing student return under the same status unless they
         have invoked their right of academic amnesty as defined in Policy 13. In some cases, the committee may recommend, subject to the approval of the dean, readmission
         on Academic Probation Extended status.
      4. Students readmitted to the University who have been academically suspended will be placed on Academic Probation Extended status for their first semester unless
         they have invoked their right of academic amnesty, as defined in Policy 13.
         1. Students on Academic Probation Extended who subsequently achieve the minimum cumulative grade point average required for their level (cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0)
            shall be placed in academic good standing.
         2. Students on Academic Probation Extended shall remain in this status during each subsequent semester of enrollment as long as they meet or exceed the
            minimum requirements for their level(semester G.P.A. of 3.0) for academic good standing each semester that they are on Academic Probation Extended
            status, as defined in Policy 14.
         3. Students on Academic Probation Extended who do not meet the minimum requirements for their level for academic good standing each semester in which
            they are enrolled shall be academically suspended.
         4. Students on Academic Probation Extended receiving a grade(s) of Incomplete will not be permitted to register for subsequent semesters until the
            Incomplete(s) has been removed.
      5. Students suspended/dismissed twice at the post-baccalaureate level for academic reasons from one or more universities will not be considered for readmission
         to the University at any later date.
      6. International students admitted to the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, are responsible to comply with federal immigration regulations related to readmission after
         suspension and readmission. Students must contact the Office of International Services for additional information.
   2. Special Admissions Cases
      1. Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission criteria may petition for admission to a degree program in the following circumstances:
         1. Applicants not in academic good standing at the last institution attended. [Applicants who were suspended (dismissed) from their last institution
            on academic grounds may petition for admission for a semester that begins no earlier than one term after their suspension (dismissal).]
         2. Applicants are seeking admission based on credit/degree(s) earned from a nonregionally accredited-institution(s).
         3. Applicants who cannot present either the minimum TOEFL scores or ELS level as defined by Policy 9.
      2. Applicants who meet minimum University criteria for admission, but who do not meet more selective criteria established by the desired major, should
         petition directly to the appropriate division/department chair or director who will make a recommendation to the dean of the appropriate college/school.
      3. Applicants not in good conduct standing at the last institution attended must petition for admission to the Committee on Readmissions and Special Admissions,
         which will make recommendations to Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students who will make a decision after consultation with the program faculty.
3. The University Committee on Readmissions and Special Admissions Committee Membership
   1. This committee shall be composed of one faculty member from each of the five colleges, appointed by the appropriate dean; the Director of Admissions and
      Student Recruitment or designee; the Registrar or designee; one representative from the Office of Student Development, appointed by the Director of Student
      Development; and one student selected by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students.
   2. The Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment or designee and the Registrar or designee shall be permanent members of this committee. The Director of
      Admissions and Student Recruitment or designee shall be the permanent chairperson of this committee. Other members shall serve one year terms, effective
      with the beginning of the academic year.

Policy on Undergraduate Readmissions and Special Admissions

    I.        Purpose

This policy provides for the possible petition for readmission by undergraduate students, who left on academic probation or who were suspended from
the University. The policy also provides for cases of special admission requested by applicants who do not meet the published criteria for admission.

  II.        Readmission and Special Admissions

All readmissions involving undergraduate students who left the university while on academic probation or those suspended from Governors State University
and all special admission cases (defined herein) shall be considered by the University Committee on Readmissions and Special Admissions. The committee
shall make recommendations to the appropriate division or department chairperson or director, who will make the final decision with input from the program faculty.

A.   Readmissions involving students on academic probation or suspended from Governors State University:

1.   Students who have lost continuing status while on academic probation at GovState or who have been academically suspended must apply for
admission and concurrently petition for readmission. Suspended students may petition for readmission to the university. Readmission under these
circumstances shall not be effective until the student has been suspended for at least one semester

2.   Current GovState non-degree seeking students not in good academic standing and applying for admission to a degree seeking program must petition for
admission to the Committee on Readmissions and Special Admissions.

3.   Students readmitted to the University who were on academic probation at GovState in their last semester as a continuing student return under the same
status unless they have invoked their right of academic amnesty as defined in Policy 13. In some cases, the committee may recommend, subject to the
approval of the dean, readmission on Academic Probation Extended status.

4.   Students readmitted to the University who have been academically suspended will be placed on Academic Probation Extended status for their first
semester after readmission unless they have invoked their right of academic amnesty, as defined in Policy 13.

a.   Prior to beginning the first semester after suspension, the readmitted undergraduate student must successfully complete a student success re-entry
intervention program implemented by the Academic Resource Center

b.   Undergraduate students on Academic Probation Extended who subsequently achieve a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 shall be placed in academic good standing.

c.   Undergraduate students on Academic Probation Extended shall remain in this status during each subsequent semester of enrollment as long as
they meet or exceed a semester G.P.A. of 2.0 for each semester that they are on Academic Probation Extended status, as defined in Policy 14.

d.   Undergraduate students on Academic Probation Extended who do not obtain a semester G.P.A. of 2.0 shall be academically suspended.

e.   Students on Academic Probation Extended receiving a grade(s) of Incomplete will not be permitted to register for subsequent semesters until the
Incomplete(s) has been removed.

5.   Student Readmission Following a Second Suspension:

a.   Students twice suspended for academic reasons from the University will not be considered for readmission to the University at any later date
unless they meet all of the criteria below:

• Has a written plan indicating what changes he/she has made or what circumstances have changed that will allow him/her to succeed
  if readmitted. This plan should include a support system either inside or outside of the university.
• Has a recommendation from the program faculty and/or division/department chair, and
• Is approved by the dean of the college or unit, and
• Is approved by the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs.

b.   If readmitted, the students will be admitted on Academic Probation Extended and shall remain in this status during each subsequent semester
of enrollment as long as he/she meets or exceeds on a semester basis the minimum requirements for their level (semester G.P.A. of 2.0) for academic good standing.

6.   International students admitted to the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, are responsible to comply with federal immigration regulations related to
readmission after suspension and readmission. Students must contact the Office of International Services for additional information.

B. Special Admissions Cases

1.   Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission criteria may petition for admission to a degree program in the following circumstances:

a.   Applicants not in academic good standing at the last institution attended. [Applicants who were suspended (dismissed) from their
last institution on academic grounds may petition for admission for a semester that begins at least one term after their suspension (dismissal).]

b.   Undergraduate applicants, with at least 60 semester hours of earned college credit, who have less than a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

c.   Undergraduate applicants who have earned at least 54, but fewer than 60 semester hours of college credit.

d.   Applicants are seeking admission based on credit/degree(s) earned from a nonregionally accredited-institution(s).

e.   Applicants who cannot present either the minimum TOEFL scores or ELS level as defined by Policy 9.

2.   Applicants who meet minimum University criteria for admission, but who do not meet more selective criteria established by the desired major,
should petition directly to the appropriate division/department chair or director who will make a recommendation to the dean of the appropriate college.

3.   Applicants to the Interdisciplinary Studies program are exempt from the criteria addressed under Section II.B.1.c. above and are not subject
to this policy as it relates to those criteria.

4.   Applicants not in good conduct standing at the last institution attended must petition for admission to the Committee on Readmissions and
Special Admissions, which will make recommendations to the Dean of Students who will make a decision after consultation with the program faculty.

III. The University Committee on Readmissions and Special Admissions Committee Membership

A.   This committee shall be composed of one faculty member from each of the four colleges, appointed by the appropriate dean; the Director of
Admissions or designee; the Registrar or designee; one representative from the Academic Resource Center; and one student selected by the
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students.

B.   The Director of Admissions or designee and the Registrar or designee shall be permanent members of this committee. The Director of Admissions
or designee shall be the permanent chairperson of this committee. Other members shall serve one year terms, effective with the beginning of the academic year.

Residency Status 

(GovState Board of Trustees Regulations, Section IV. Subsection C.)

1. Definitions
   For purposes of this regulation, the following definitions pertain:
   1. An “adult student” is a student who is eighteen or more years of age.
   2. A “minor student” is a student who is less than eighteen years of age.
   3. An “emancipated minor student” is a completely self-supporting student who is less than eighteen years of age. Marriage or active military service shall be regarded as effecting the emancipation of minors, whether male or female, for the purposes of this regulation.
   4. “Residence” means legal domicile. Voter registration, filing of tax returns, proper license and registration for driving or ownership of a vehicle, and other such transactions may verify intent of residence in a state. Neither length of university attendance nor continued presence in the university community during vacation periods shall be construed to be proof of Illinois residence. Except as otherwise provided in this regulation, no parent or legal or natural guardian will be considered a resident unless the parent or guardian maintains a bona fide and permanent residence in Illinois, except when temporarily absent from Illinois, with no intention of changing his or her legal residence to some other state or country.
2. Residency Determination
   The university shall determine the residency status of each student enrolled in the university for the purpose of determining whether the student is assessed in-state or non-U.S. resident tuition. Each applicant for admission to the university shall submit at the time of application evidence for determination of residency. The office responsible for admissions shall make a determination of residency status.
   1. If a non-resident is classified by error as a resident, a change in tuition charges shall be applicable beginning with the term following reclassification. If the erroneous resident classification is caused by false information submitted by the student, a change in tuition charges shall be applicable for each term in which tuition charges were based on such false information. In addition, the student who has submitted false information may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
   2. If a resident is classified by error as a non-resident, a change in tuition charges shall be applicable during the term in which the reclassification occurs, provided that the student has filed a written request for review in accordance with this regulation.
3. Residency Requirements
   1. Adult Students
      To be considered a resident, an adult student must have been a bona fide resident of Illinois for a period of at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the beginning of any term for which the individual registers at the university and must continue to maintain a bona fide residence in Illinois. In the case of adult students who reside with their parents (or one of them if only one parent is living or the parents are separated or divorced), the student will be considered a resident if the parents have established and are maintaining a bona fide residence in Illinois.
       
   2. Minor Students
      The residence of a minor student shall be considered to be the same as and change with the following:
      1. That of the minor’s parents if they are living together, or the living parent if one is deceased; or
      2. If the parents are separated or divorced, that of the parent to whom custody of the minor has been awarded by court decree or order, or, in the absence of a court decree or order, that of the father unless the minor has continuously resided with the mother for a period of at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the minor’s registration at the university, in which latter case the minor’s residence shall be considered to be that of the mother; or
      3. If the minor has been legally adopted, that of the adoptive parents, and, in the event the adoptive parents become divorced or separated, that of the adoptive parent whose residence would govern under the foregoing rules if the parent had been a natural parent; or
      4. That of the legally appointed guardian of the person; or
      5. That of a “natural” guardian such as a grandparent, adult brother or adult sister, adult uncle or aunt, or other adult with whom the minor has resided and by whom the minor has been supported for a period of at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the minor’s registration at the university for any term if the minor’s parents are deceased or have abandoned the minor and if no legal guardian of the minor has been appointed and qualified. 
   3. Emancipated Minors
      If emancipated minors actually reside in Illinois, such minors shall be considered residents even though their parents or guardians may not reside in Illinois. Emancipated minors who are completely self-supporting shall be considered residents if they have maintained a dwelling place within Illinois uninterruptedly for a period of at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the beginning of any term for which they register at the university. Emancipated minors who reside with their parents and whose parents (or one of them if one parent is living or the parents are separated or divorced) have established and are maintaining a bona fide Illinois residence shall be regarded as residents.
       
   4. Minor Children of Parents Transferred outside the United States
      The minor children of persons who have resided in Illinois for at leave twelve consecutive months immediately prior to a transfer by their employers to some location outside of the United States shall be considered residents. This rule shall apply, however, only when the minor children of such parents enroll in the university within five years of the time their parents are transferred by their employer to a location outside the United States.
       
   5. Married Students
      A non-resident student, whether minor or adult, who is married to a person who meets and complies with all of the applicable requirements of these regulations to establish residence status, shall be classified as a resident.
       
   6. Armed Forces Personnel
      Non-residents of Illinois who are on active duty with one of the services of the Armed Forces of the United States who are stationed in Illinois and who submit evidence of such service and station, as well as the spouses and dependent children of such persons, shall be considered residents as long as such persons remain stationed in Illinois and the spouses and/or dependent children of such persons also reside in Illinois. If such persons are transferred to a post outside the continental United States but such persons remain registered at the university, residency status shall continue until such time as these persons are stationed within a state other than Illinois within the continental United States.
       
   7. Staff Members of the University, Allied Agencies, and Faculty of State-Supported Institutions in Illinois
      Staff members of the university and of allied agencies, and faculties of state-supported institutions of higher education in Illinois, holding appointment of at least one-quarter time, and their spouses and dependent children, shall be treated as residents.
       
   8. Teachers in Public and Private Illinois Schools
      Teachers in the public and private elementary and secondary schools of Illinois shall, if subject to payment of tuition, be assessed at the resident rate during any term in which they hold an appointment of at least one-quarter time, including the summer session immediately following the term in which the appointment was effective.
4. Residency Status Appeal Procedure
   Students who take exception to their residency status classification shall pay the tuition assessed but may file a claim in writing to the university office responsible for reconsideration of residency status. The written claim must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the tuition bill or the student loses all rights to a change of residency status for the term in question. If the student is dissatisfied with the ruling in response to the written claim made within said period, the student may file a written appeal within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the decision to the responsible university office. Such written appeals shall be forwarded to the appropriate university vice president, who shall consider all evidence submitted in connection with the case and render a decision which shall be final.
    
5. Special Situations
   Upon recommendation of the President, the Board may, in special situations, grant residency status to categories of persons otherwise classified as non-residents under this regulation.