When Distance Technologies Meet the Student Code

Abstract

This case study outlines problems with student conduct in an online undergraduate program and explains how astudent code was applied to resolve the issues and institute procedures to reduce future incidents of academic dishonesty and incivility. The study describes several instances of student misconduct and explains how online program administrators responded by improving communication with both students and faculty and by modifying course design and development processes as well as instructional practices. It also reports on how other administrators assisted in handling resolution and discipline. While technology itself may both complicate themaintenance of conduct standards and provide new ways to protect academic integrity, this study demonstrates thatthe introduction of technology should not change the rules.