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Judicial Process Concerning Violations of Community Standards for Academic and Artistic Integrity

Charges of Academic or Artistic Dishonesty

Any member of The Boston Conservatory community may register a complaint with the Associate Dean of the Conservatory against a student for alleged academic or artistic dishonesty. The Associate Dean reviews the evidence submitted and decides if it is substantive enough to warrant initiation of a judicial process. Absent sufficient evidence, the complaint is dismissed. When the individual bringing forward a complaint is a member of the faculty, he or she is expected to speak personally with the student involved concerning his or her perception of plagiarism or other forms of cheating before or at the same time as registering the complaint.

Notification of Charges

Once it is determined that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated, written notification of charges will be sent to the accused student. Notification will specify the alleged violation and request that the student meet within the next few days with the Associate Dean of the Conservatory for a pre-hearing interview.

Pre-Hearing Interview

Upon written notification of charges, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange a pre-hearing interview with the Associate Dean of the Conservatory. If the student does not initiate the pre-hearing interview within the time period specified in the notification, he or she waives the right to a pre-hearing interview and will be notified of the date and time of the hearing in writing. If the accused student fails to attend that hearing, it will take place in his or her absence.

At the pre-hearing interview, the Associate Dean of the Conservatory will make certain that the student is aware of all elements of the judicial process. He or she will discuss the nature of the charge with the student as well as the evidence submitted in support of the charge. If any of the evidence involves documents, copies of them shall be provided to the student. The hearing itself will take place no earlier than a week after the interview.

Academic Judicial Board

Hearings for students in violation of Boston Conservatory policy concerning academic or artistic integrity will be conducted by the Academic Judicial Board, which consists of a total of at least four faculty who represent no fewer than three of the Conservatory’s academic units, and a member of the Conservatory’s administrative staff, all of whom are appointed by the Dean. The Associate Dean of the Conservatory convenes the Board and serves as Chairperson at each hearing. He or she will vote only in the case of a deadlocked board. Appointments to the Academic Judicial Board are for the full academic year and are made by the Dean of the Conservatory in consultation with the Directors of the academic Divisions.

Hearing

Standard hearing proceedings are as follows:

1. All persons are introduced
2. Charges are read and evidence is presented
3. A statement is made by the accused student (optional)
4. If there are witnesses present, they are then questioned both by the Board and the accused student
5. Witnesses will appear only to present their own testimony and be questioned.
6. The accused student remains present throughout the hearing
7. The accused student may be advised by a person of his or her choosing from The Boston Conservatory community. The advisor is not entitled to address the Judicial Board
8. The Associate Dean of the Conservatory may choose to delay or change the date and time of the hearing for good cause
9. If the accused student fails to attend the hearing, it will take place in his or her absence

Notification of the Decision

The Academic Judicial Board will determine whether or not the student is guilty of the charge(s) made, and in consultation with the Associate Dean of the Conservatory, will impose sanctions. A student will receive written notification of the results of the hearing within three business days from the Associate Dean of the Conservatory.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Students found guilty of plagiarism or cheating by the Academic Judicial Board shall receive punishments ranging from an "F" on the assignment or examination in question, to an "F" in the course, to sanctions as severe as academic suspension or dismissal. On the one hand, dishonesty and cheating is always a serious breach of faith deserving of harsh punishment. On the other hand, the Academic Judicial Board will consider many factors before arriving at the appropriate sanction in any individual case.

If the student charged is found guilty of a second charge of plagiarism or cheating, the sanction imposed shall always be at least academic suspension.

Appeal

If the accused student can demonstrate to the Dean of the Conservatory that there is substantial new evidence or a serious breach of reasonable procedures, he or she may reconsider the case.

An appeal must be in written form, received by the Associate Dean of the Conservatory within 10 business days after receipt of the Judicial Board’s decision, and contain the following information:

• The name, address, and telephone number of the accused student
• A clear statement explaining the nature and circumstances of the appeal, citing the new evidence and/or the specifics of the perceived breach of procedures
• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of new witnesses, if any.