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Attention higher ed faculty colleagues who teach freshmen: you should rethink your assumptions about what your students know / understand about campus policies, services, offices, etc. Basically, ANYTHING they might have learned at freshman orientation, they probably didn't (1)
I am ashamed this hadn't really occurred to me until this week... good grief, I am a MOM of a college freshman this year, and I saw how he struggled to pay attention / get engaged in his zoom summer orientation (bless). (2)
But it wasn't until talking to another mom this past week, who knew of a student at my U who has already had TWO academic honesty violations (thus, one-year suspension), that students probably have no clue how our honesty policy works. (3)
So in my Freshman Seminar today (we call this "First Year Odyssey" at @universityofga ), I did a little workshop on how the policy works, what happens if you are accused, and (importantly) the severe penalties for a 2nd offense. None of them had ONE clue about it. (4)
Faculty colleagues, we should never assume our students know what plagiarism means, and in this online world, students may genuinely not know what's allowed or not allowed for various assignments. Be explicit, and let them know it's ok to ask questions. (5)
But particularly if you teach freshmen, just assume they don't know a single thing about how any important campus policy works. Take a few minutes out of class time to mention various resources on campus. Invite folks to do a guest zoom Q&A if time permits. (6)
p.s., this is not me blaming the orientation people, who I know were doing a very hard job under less than ideal circumstances. But we really need some "essential info every student should know" tutorials / reminders in every first-year class, especially this year. (7)
Ps to #uga students, if any of you have any questions about how our academic honesty policy works, please feel free to ask them below and I'll be glad to answer! https://honesty.uga.edu/Academic-Honesty-Policy/ Two main things I emphasized today: (8)
First, a professor is *required* to turn in suspicions of cheating to the office -- they cannot contact you directly. Then the office sets up a mediated discussion, where you can discuss it with a 3rd party present. This is for the student's protection. (9)
Second, a first offense is considered an educational opportunity, though there may be penalties if a violation has occurred. But a 2nd offense is a big deal: automatic transcript notation, and either suspension or dismissal / expulsion. Two strikes and you're out, basically. (10)
So, make sure you understand it and ask questions if you don't. thanks! (11/11)
(This might be a good #realcollege thread, @saragoldrickrab )
Amplifying this reply: students don’t understand the consequences. That’s our fault (collectively). https://twitter.com/pikkuparty/status/1356339055374569475
