Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Policies and Procedures

Undergraduate Information

The following pages contain academic regulations and other information of interest to all students pursuing an undergraduate degree at Binghamton University. In addition to the all-University regulations discussed here, regulations specifically pertaining to the various schools at the University appear in the school sections later in the Bulletin. All students are expected to be familiar with the regulations in this section and in the section for the school in which they are enrolled, and are responsible for their observance. For interpretations of these regulations or for answers to questions about specific points of academic policy, students should consult the academic advising office of the college or school in which they are enrolled.

Students whose circumstances or aspirations are not covered by standard academic policies, or who wish to request exceptions to standard policies, may seek a waiver by filing a petition in the academic advising office of the college or school in which they are enrolled. If the initial petition is not resolved to their satisfaction, they may appeal according to guidelines available in each dean’s office. To aid students with their appeals, the Student Association provides an ombudsperson.

Binghamton University has had a General Education program for all undergraduate students since 1996. The State University of New York Board of Trustees, in December 1998, adopted Resolution 98-241 establishing a General Education Requirement for all baccalaureate degree candidates at SUNY’s state-operated campuses. As a condition of graduation, baccalaureate students entering the State University of New York in 2000 or later are required to complete a General Education program of no fewer than 30 credit hours specifically designed to achieve learning outcomes in 10 knowledge and skill areas: Mathematics; Natural Sciences; Social Sciences; American History; Western Civilization; Other World Civilizations; Humanities; The Arts; Foreign Language; and Basic Communication, and two competencies: Critical Thinking (Reasoning) and Information Management.

Undergraduate General Education Program

Convinced that there are several areas of knowledge and experience that ought to be central to the academic experience of every undergraduate student, Binghamton University has adopted a comprehensive General Education curriculum. This curriculum has broad goals. It is intended to help students develop:

·         an appreciation of and capacity for effective personal expression;

·         knowledge about various intellectual traditions;

·         an understanding of and respect for different peoples and civilizations;       

·         knowledge of and appreciation for the natural world, achieved through active engagement with the methods and philosophy of natural science;

·         logical thinking, balanced skepticism, and tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty;

·         a knowledge of and appreciation for the arts and creative expression;

·         skills needed to locate, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources;

·         skills needed to understand and use basic research techniques;

·         skills needed to perform the basic operations of personal computer use.

To achieve these objectives, the faculty of Binghamton University requires students to take courses in the following broad areas of learning:

Category 1: Language and Communication

Composition (C) courses are courses in any of the departments or divisions of the University. They require a process of revision and a minimum of 20 pages of expository prose. At least 50 percent of the course grade is based on student writing.

Oral Communication (O) courses involve at least two oral presentations and evaluation of speaking that count for at least 15 percent of the final course grade.

The language of communication for fulfilling both the C and O requirement shall be English.

Note: Composition and Oral Communication components may be combined to create Joint (J) courses.

Foreign Language skills are ensured by requiring that students pass either a third-semester college-level course in one foreign language or a second-semester course in two foreign languages, or satisfactorily complete some other significant activity that requires second-level foreign language proficiency as a prerequisite, such as study abroad in a non-English environment or an internship serving people who can communicate only in a language other than English. Students may fulfill the foreign language requirement prior to enrolling in college either by completing four or more units of one high school foreign language with a course grade in the fourth unit (i.e., the unit beyond the Regents exam in NY Regents high schools) of 85 or better, or three units each of two high school languages with course grades in each third unit of 85 or better, by passing the AP examination (or its equivalent) with a score of 3 or better, or by demonstrating equivalent proficiency in some other fashion.

Category 2: Creating a Global Vision

The complexity of the modern world demands that students attain a heightened awareness both of the plurality of cultures that have contributed to the making of the United States and of the interdependence of the cultures of the world.

Pluralism in the United States (P) courses consider three or more cultural groups in the United States in terms of their specific experiences and how they have affected and been affected by the basic institutions of American society. Each course takes substantial account of at least three of the following: African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Latino Americans and Native Americans.

Most P courses assume a basic knowledge of United States history, as measured by demonstrating a level of proficiency equivalent to a score of 85 or above on the Regents examination on United States History and Government. Students who have not demonstrated this knowledge must meet the P requirement by choosing from among a designated group of P courses that pay significant attention to a broad span of United States history.

Global Interdependencies (G) courses consider how one or more of the regions of the world have influenced and interacted with the West and with one another, and how the West has affected and been affected by these regions and their distinctive cultures or civilizations. Additionally, major portions of the course content focus both on broad, foundational aspects of the long-term development of distinctive features of Western civilization in Europe and North America and on the distinctive features of one or more non-Western civilizations, such as those of Asia, Africa or the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Category 3: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Mathematics

Students must have an understanding of the methods of investigation typical of the natural and social sciences and must be able to make individual observations and quantitative measurements in a hands-on environment in the natural sciences. In order to have the experience of discovery through the use of logic and reasoning, students also need to study mathematical methods and reasoning.

Laboratory Science (L) courses emphasize the formulation and testing of hypotheses and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Each course includes a minimum of 10 laboratory meetings, exercises, field studies or practica.

Social Science (N) courses emphasize the major concepts, models and issues of at least one of the social sciences.

Mathematics/Reasoning (M) courses include any course in the Mathematics Department numbered 130 or above, any of several designated statistics courses, or any of several designated logic courses. An Advanced Placement score of 3 or better in Calculus or Statistics may be used to satisfy this requirement.

Category 4: Aesthetics and Humanities

 

By taking courses in this area, students gain an expanded sense and understanding of culture and a greater appreciation of human experience and its expressions.

Aesthetics (A) courses enhance students’ understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination in it. Students study or practice artistic expression and production in such fields as art, art history, cinema, creative writing, dance, graphic design, music and theater.

Humanities (H) courses enhance students’ understanding of human experience through the study of literature or philosophy.

Category 5: Physical Activity/Wellness

Exercise, body awareness and wellness are essential components of a healthy and productive lifestyle. The dictum we follow is “a sound mind in a sound body.”

Physical Activity (Y) courses devote at least 50 percent of their time to the performance of physical exercise designed to develop one or more of the following attributes: neuromuscular skill, muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility.

Wellness (S) courses deal with such topics as diet and nutrition, physical development, substance abuse, human sexuality, relaxation or physical, mental and emotional fitness. Their focus is on developing a healthy lifestyle rather than on simply providing information about the human body.

The Physical Activity/Wellness requirement may be fulfilled in any of the following ways:

·         Completion of a one-credit (or more) Physical Activity course and a one-credit (or more) Wellness course.

·         Completion of a one-credit Physical Activity/Wellness course and one of the following:

o        one-credit Physical Activity course;

o        one-credit Wellness course;

o        one-credit Physical Activity/Wellness course.

·         Completion of a two-credit (or more) course that combines a physical activity and wellness.

Note: Physical Activity and Wellness components may be combined to create Physical Activity/Wellness (B) courses.

Restrictions and Exceptions

·         Students may use appropriate transfer credits to satisfy particular course requirements. The determination of which transfer credits satisfy General Education requirements will be the responsibility of the evaluator of transfer credit in each of the undergraduate schools.

·         General Education courses may also be counted as satisfying college and major requirements.

·         Certain courses are designated as meeting the criteria for more than one of the General Education categories. When a course is so designated, students may use it to satisfy only one of the General Education course requirements. There is an exception to this rule: Composition (C), Oral Communication (O), Joint (J) and Foreign Language courses may satisfy either one or both of these requirements and also satisfy one other General Education requirement.

·         General Education courses may not be taken Pass/Fail unless that is the mandatory grade option in the course.

·         Appropriate Advanced Placement credits, in some instances, may be used to satisfy the following General Education requirements: Aesthetics, Foreign Language, Humanities, Laboratory Science, Mathematics/Reasoning or Social Science.

·         The Foreign Language requirement is waived for students in the Watson School engineering programs.

·         The Foreign Language requirement for students in the Decker School of Nursing and the Watson School computer science program is fulfilled by one college course in foreign language at any level. This requirement may also be fulfilled in high school by demonstrating a level of proficiency equivalent to passing the corresponding Regents foreign language examination with a score of 85 or higher.

·         The Foreign Language requirement for transfer students in any school is fulfilled by one college course in foreign language at any level. This requirement may also be fulfilled in high school by demonstrating a level of proficiency equivalent to passing the corresponding Regents foreign language examination with a score of 85 or higher.

·         For all General Education requirements, a “course” is understood to be four credits. There are exceptions to this rule:

o        transfer courses that earned three credits at the student’s original school;

o        Physical Activity/Wellness courses (the specific credit-hour criteria for these courses are defined above);

o        Laboratory Science courses of one and two credits that have a four-credit pre- or corequisite;

o        Oral Communication courses of varying credits;

o        schools or programs in which three-credit courses are the norm.

[Top]

Summary of General Education Requirements

Courses that satisfy General Education requirements are so designated in the Schedule of Classes each semester. The code letter attached to a course in the Schedule of Classes means that the course fulfills the particular General Education requirement that follows. (See preceding “Restrictions and Exceptions” for explanation of variability in credits.)

credits

1a.

Composition (C)*

4

1b.

Oral Communication (O)*

1-4

1c.

Foreign Language

0-16

2a.

Pluralism in the U.S. (P)

4

2b.

Global Interdependencies (G)

4

3a.

Laboratory Science (L)

4-6

3b.

Social Science (N)

4

3c.

Mathematics/Reasoning (M)

4

4a.

Aesthetics (A)

4

4b.

Humanities (H)

4

5.

Physical Activity (Y), Wellness (S),

Physical Activity/Wellness (B)

2

TOTAL

35-60

* Joint Oral Communication/Composition (J) courses satisfy both the C and O requirements simultaneously.

[Top]

Determination of Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements for the undergraduate schools on the Binghamton campus are listed in the individual school sections of the Bulletin. In general, matriculated students follow the requirements for graduation listed in the Bulletin current at the time they are admitted. However, students who interrupt enrollment for three or more consecutive semesters (not counting summer or winter terms) are governed by the Bulletin in effect when they are readmitted. Exceptions are made for students eligible to continue at Binghamton who are forced to leave because of involuntary recall to military service.

With the departmental adviser’s consent and approval from their college or school’s academic advising office, students may elect a later Bulletin under which to fulfill the degree requirements; they may not elect an earlier Bulletin, nor use a combination of requirements from different Bulletins.

No Bulletin more than 10 years old may be used under any circumstances. Should a student maintain continuous enrollment under a Bulletin older than 10 years, the Bulletin under which degree requirements are to be completed is determined by the advising office of the college or school in which he or she is enrolled, in consultation with the student’s departmental adviser.

Previously non-matriculated students who then matriculate are governed by the requirements of the Bulletin in effect at the time of their matriculation.

When courses required in older Bulletins are no longer offered, or in other special cases, course substitutions may be made with the approval of appropriate department chairs, departmental advisers or deans.

Changes in regulations concerning grading systems, withdrawals, academic actions, attendance at other institutions, etc., may be made by appropriate University governing bodies; they become effective on the date specified in the legislation. The University reserves the right at any time to make changes deemed necessary in the regulations, fees, courses or programs described in the Bulletin and to cancel any course if registration does not justify its continuance or if qualified faculty members become unavailable.

[Top]

Residence Requirements

To receive a degree, students in Decker School of Nursing or School of Management must take at least seven and one-half courses (30 credits) while in residence at their school. These seven and one-half courses must be the last seven and one-half courses toward the degree, unless students petition the appropriate academic advising office and obtain in advance an exception to this rule. Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science students must also take at least 30 credits in residence, all of which must be within Watson School. Students in the College of Community and Public Affairs must take at least 36 credits while in residence at the school. These credits do not have to be the last 36 credits toward the degree. Students in Harpur College must meet residence requirements outlined in the Harpur College “Undergraduate Information” section of this document.

[Top]

Classification of Students

A student must pass a minimum of 24 credits to be classified a sophomore; 56 credits to be classified a junior; and 88 credits to be classified a senior. For this purpose, Incompletes are counted as credits passed.

[Top]

Program Load

The term “full-time student” is applied to a person carrying 12 or more credits, excluding audited courses. Full-time students attending Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Decker School of Nursing, or School of Management normally enroll in four courses each semester. Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science students and students in the College of Community and Public Affairs are considered full time if they register for 12 or more credits each semester. All courses, except where indicated in the Bulletin, carry four credits. Outside reading and study are required to complete classroom assignments. Students are also expected to meet several times each semester with the instructor to obtain supervision and periodic evaluation of work done outside of regularly scheduled classes.

There is no rigid pattern of class meetings. In such courses as beginning languages and sciences, a course may have classes and laboratory sessions five or six hours a week. Other courses may meet three or four hours a week. Four-credit courses that meet less than four hours per week require one or two hours per week of independent or tutorial work under the guidance of the faculty, or other additional course-related activities. As noted above, however, time spent in the classroom is only a part of the student’s workload. In general a “course” represents the pursuit of a skill or a body of knowledge that engages approximately 25 percent of the formal academic effort of a full-time student during the semester.

Undergraduate students are allowed to register for no more than 18 credit hours, unless they have filed an academic petition form for an overload. Petitions to register for an overload are considered on an individual basis when submitted to the appropriate academic advising office.

[Top]

Transfer of Credit

Once students are matriculated at Binghamton University, they may obtain credit toward graduation for courses taken at other institutions. The awarding of transfer credit is determined by each undergraduate school. We do not specifically list offerings at other schools in the Binghamton University Bulletin or elsewhere on the University website; however, courses taken at other accredited colleges and universities can most often be entered as transfer credit. Evaluations are completed in the advising office of each school. Questions regarding transfer credit decisions may be discussed with your academic advising office.

Before any courses are taken, students should submit a “Petition to Take Courses at Another Institution” form. The student should submit the form to the department or school in which they are enrolled, or to the academic advising office of the school, for prior approval.

Transferred credits are adjusted when the credit system at the other institution is different; e.g. credits taken under a quarter system rather than a semester system are transferred to Binghamton at two-thirds of their quarter-credit value. In general, credits may be transferred only if they were earned for courses that are essentially theoretical rather than practical in nature (e.g., not practice teaching or typing courses), and if the student received a grade of C– or better, or the equivalent (C or better for students in the School of Management).

These guidelines apply to courses taken at other institutions during the summer, correspondence courses, online courses, study-abroad courses sponsored by other units of the State University of New York, and courses taken through the National Student Exchange Program (which involves a semester or a year of study at one of many participating schools).

Students participating in study-abroad programs sponsored by American universities not a part of the State University of New York system, as well as students studying for a time at a foreign university, should first obtain approval from their academic advising office. Upon completion of the semester abroad, the student should request that the institution send a transcript or official grade statement to the appropriate academic advising office at Binghamton University.

[Top]

Progress Toward Degree (DARS)

All undergraduate students at the University are encouraged to print off a Progress Toward Degree report through the online Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS). This report is available on the BU Brain at: http://bubrain.binghamton.edu The report shows students what program requirements have been completed and what requirements must still be met before a degree can be conferred. If students have questions regarding the Progress Toward Degree report, they should consult with a professional adviser in their college or school, or with their departmental adviser for their major.

[Top]

Double Degree Program

 

A student may earn separate baccalaureate degrees in very different fields by completing a significant amount of work (typically 30 credits) beyond that required for one degree and satisfying requirements for both degree programs. Only two degrees may be earned simultaneously. Students who successfully complete one or two degrees may pursue an additional baccalaureate degree in another very different field of study by completing additional academic work (again, typically 30 credits). This requires a new application to the desired school. To learn more about requirements and application procedures, students should contact the academic advising office of the college or school in which they are enrolled.

[Top]

Course Offerings

The Schedule of Classes, available online at http://bubrain.binghamton.edu is the official list of courses offered for each semester. This schedule includes course meeting days and times, instructors, number of credits, General Education indicators, course descriptions, etc.

Course Numbering and Prerequisites

All Binghamton University undergraduate schools use a course numbering system from 100 through 499. While each school may define the tiers more specifically, all schools define 100-299 as lower division and 300-499 as upper division.

Harpur College Numbering System

100-199             Introductory courses, normally with no prerequisites, open to all students.

 

200-299             Intermediate courses, with or without prerequisites.

 

300-399             Intermediate courses, normally with prerequisites.

 

400-499 Advanced courses with specific course prerequisites.

Professional Schools’ Numbering System

100-199             Lower-division introductory courses, no prerequisites, open to all students.

 

200-299             Lower-division intermediate courses, with or without prerequisites.

 

300-399             Upper-division intermediate courses, intended primarily for juniors and seniors, with prerequisites (courses, class standing or special permission).

 

400-499             Upper-division advanced courses, intended for seniors, with specific course prerequisites.

Within these levels, certain numbers are set aside to indicate particular learning experiences: A course number ending in “91” indicates a teaching practicum course; “95” indicates an internship course; a “97” indicates an independent study course; “98” or “99” indicates honors or thesis work.

Program planning must include the early identification of, and registration for, prerequisites to courses that the student intends to take at a later date. When there are special reasons, students may register for a course without having completed the prerequisites, provided they first obtain the consent of the course instructor.

[Top]

Binghamton University Student Information System

All students at Binghamton University have access to an online information service through the BU Brain. Students may access the BU Brain on the Web at http://bubrain.binghamton.edu from their residence halls, home computers or in the on-campus public computing areas. Through the BU Brain, students may register for classes, add and drop courses (within specified time frames), change grading options, check and print their course schedules,  check their grades, check for any financial obligations to the University and make payment, review their financial aid status, manage their computer accounts and obtain the University’s official certification of enrollment form.

[Top]

Registration and Changes in Program

Students at Binghamton University register for classes themselves using the online registration system and are responsible for checking the accuracy of their registration information.

Currently enrolled degree-seeking students may access the BU Brain to participate in early registration for classes in an upcoming term (spring or fall) approximately three quarters of the way through the current semester. Students are assigned registration start times, referred to as “time tickets,” based on the number of credits they have completed. The registration start times are available online at registrar.binghamton.edu (click on “Registration”). New students may register for classes during Orientation.

There is also a brief registration period just prior to the start of classes. Only eligible students may register for courses, and registration must be completed by each student via the BU Brain.

Students cannot be registered if they have any outstanding debts with the University. Students are not officially registered until all tuition and fees are paid or payment arrangements have been made and approved by the Student Accounts Office. Students who have not made financial arrangements with the Student Accounts Office by the payment deadline are subject to a late registration fee. In addition, classes may be cancelled for non-payment if financial arrangements have not been made prior to the deadline.

Binghamton University also conducts an add/drop delete course period each semester. Students may add a course to their schedule, or drop a course without having a grade recorded, up until the add/drop/delete course deadline. This deadline is midnight on Friday of the second week of classes. A course drop/withdrawal period extends from the add/drop/delete deadline until the announced course drop/withdraw deadline (around the ninth week of classes). Students who drop courses during this period receive a grade of “W.” The course drop/withdraw deadline is also the deadline for changing grading options for individual courses. These policies apply to courses offered on a full-term basis. Deadlines for adding and dropping courses offered for a half-semester or less are adjusted accordingly.

All course adds or drops occurring after the deadline date require academic approval of the student’s academic advising office. Such late requests should be made on the Late Add/Drop Petition Form obtained from the academic advising office of their school. (Harpur College students should refer to the Harpur College Academic Advising website for forms and submission instructions. The site is located at:

harpur-advising.binghamton.edu/current/forms/index.html).

Students must cite extraordinary circumstances to justify a late drop, that is, circumstances beyond their control and beyond their ability to foresee. Poor judgment or academic incompetence does not qualify as an extraordinary circumstance.

[Top]

Grading Systems

At the end of each semester, students may access their grades through the BU Brain at http://bubrain.binghamton.edu. For a discussion of the grading system used in each undergraduate college and school, see the specific college and school sections in this publication. Under appropriate circumstances, students may take undergraduate courses in any of the schools at Binghamton University. Courses are usually graded according to the offering college or school’s grading system; e.g., a course offered by the School of Management is graded using that school’s system, and a Harpur College course is graded according to the Harpur system. However, if students petition the instructor for an exception, they may be graded according to the system in use at their home college or school. (Thus, a student majoring in Harpur College who takes a School of Management course must petition the instructor and the Harpur College Dean’s Office in order to be graded according to the Harpur College system.) Approved petitions should be submitted by the deadline for the change-of-grading option/withdrawal deadline.

Students should realize that not only do grading systems differ from school to school, but that the various schools also have their own policies on 1) taking courses in the other Binghamton University schools and 2) on petitioning for grading options. These grading systems are described in this publication in the introductory section for each school. Students wishing to register a complaint about alleged unfair grading procedures should speak with the instructor or the appropriate department chair.

Notation of Incomplete

A notation of Incomplete, rather than a grade, may be reported by the instructor when a student has not been able to complete a course for what, in the instructor’s judgment, is a compelling reason. The submission of an Incomplete means that a student has made a substantial commitment to the course, but some remainder of the work must still be accomplished before an evaluation may be made.

Students must obtain the consent of the instructor and determine, with the instructor, what work is necessary for completion of the course and a date when the work must be submitted.

Ordinarily, all Incomplete notations must be replaced with grades by the end of the next semester (whether the student is enrolled in college or not). Incomplete notations change to an “F” grade at the end of the next semester unless an official “Extension of Incomplete” form has been approved and filed by the instructor with the Registrar’s Office. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a request for an extension, having reached agreement with the instructor for an alternate completion date. The appropriate form, “Request for Extension of Incomplete Grade in an Undergraduate Course”, may be obtained from the academic advising office of the college or school in which the student is enrolled, or from the Registrar’s Office.

[Top]

Undergraduate Degree Completion Policy

Completion of undergraduate degree requirements and all academic work pertaining to that completion must be submitted to faculty within 30 calendar days of the last day of classes of the semester in which the student has declared to graduate. Academic work refers to study-abroad courses, courses taken at other institutions and courses taken at Binghamton University. In the semester in which the student has declared to graduate, all incompletes must be finished within 30 days of the last day of classes. If requirements are not met by this deadline, students must submit a new application for degree for a future semester. Faculty should submit the grades for any incomplete or missing grades 72 hours after the work has been received and evaluated.

[Top]

Credit by Examination

Credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom may be obtained through Excelsior College Examinations (formerly known as Regents College Examinations) and through subject-based College Entrance Examination Board (College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP) examinations. Credit earned through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, U.S. Armed Forces Institute/Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Services (USAF/DANTES), examination credit from other institutions and through correspondence may also apply to degree credit. Up to 32 external examination credits may be accepted; however, each undergraduate school within the University determines the number and kind of credit that counts toward its degree.

Acceptance of these examinations for major credit is governed by school and/or departmental policy. (See the section titled “Academic Credit” for a discussion of these exams and of International Baccalaureate credit.)

[Top]

Rules Governing Academic Life

Academic Integrity

The faculty assumes that themes, term papers, studio work, results of laboratory experiments, examinations and computer-generated material submitted by the student represent the student’s own work. The presentation for academic credit of the same work in more than one course is prohibited, unless a joint project receives the express and prior consent of the instructors involved. The following remarks are intended to clarify this for all students:

Cooperation in Preparing Course Material

Cooperative study of coursework is one of the legitimate ways to master a subject. Joint discussion of problems is, therefore, encouraged. Sometimes instructors encourage collaborative methods of learning, including peer review of papers. This too can be a productive way of mastering material and promoting one’s writing abilities. Students should be aware that wherever such learning results in an instructor’s evaluation, they are responsible for acknowledging their membership in the group fostering their learning.

Written Work

Much coursework is assigned to students individually rather than in groups. In carrying out such assignments, a student may ask others for criticism of a piece of writing. Effective learning is often fostered by cooperation and assistance. Nonetheless, such assistance should never be so complete or so detailed that the piece of writing becomes more the work of the person assisting than of the student. That would be a form of misrepresentation. Similarly, a student may occasionally feel the need for preliminary aid in understanding the principles involved in various problems and the methods to be used in solving them (for example, in mathematics and foreign language courses). Such aid is legitimate, but in every case the student must be responsible for the preparation and presentation of assignments. Without these precautions, the student may unwittingly become involved in collaborative work so extensive that it may be considered plagiarism.

Laboratory Experiments

Although students may be permitted or required to cooperate with one or more other students in a laboratory experiment, many experiments are to be done by the students independently, and all require some independent work. For students to submit the results of another’s experiment as their own, or to accept unauthorized help in an experiment, constitutes academic dishonesty.

Credit

All sources of assistance — published or unpublished — are to be scrupulously acknowledged in every piece of writing and in oral reports.

[Top]

Academic Progress and Standing

Academic Standing

To remain in good academic standing, students must demonstrate that they are passing courses at a satisfactory rate to earn a bachelor’s degree in a reasonable period of time; that is, they are required to show a reasonable rate of progress toward their degree. Students in all schools must maintain a satisfactory grade-point average. Academic progress is reviewed at the end of the fall and spring semesters. If students fail to maintain satisfactory academic standing, they are subject to dismissal. For detailed discussion of how academic standing is computed in the various undergraduate schools, see the individual school sections in this publication.

Grade-Point Averages

Grade-point averages are computed for students in all of the University’s undergraduate schools.

For the purpose of computing semester or cumulative averages, each letter grade is assigned a quality point value as follows:

A    =    4.0              C+  =    2.3

A–  =    3.7              C    =    2.0

B+  =    3.3              C–  =    1.7

B    =    3.0              D    =    1.0

B–  =    2.7              F    =    0.0

These grade values are combined with course credit hours to produce a grade-point average.

Repeating Courses

Students may not gain additional credit by repeating an undergraduate course in which they received a passing grade, except where this option is specified in the course description. Harpur College students should see the school section.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

The academic standards committee of each school determines policies by which students are placed on academic probation when academic performance, as reflected in the grade-point average, raises doubts about the students’ capability to complete requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Academic probation does not imply either suspension or dismissal, and does not preclude the students’ registering or receiving financial aid. Academic probation ordinarily entails a contract with the student to complete a specified amount of coursework in a specified period of time at a specified level of performance.

Students are subject to academic dismissal from the University at any time their record warrants. Students dismissed for academic reasons may apply for readmission by following the procedures outlined in “General Readmission Policies” below. The students must also explain in writing any extenuating circumstances that contributed to their poor record. If readmitted, their continued enrollment is subject to the academic standing requirements of their school. Students dropped from a Binghamton University school may not be readmitted to another Binghamton school without the approval of the deans of both schools.

Confidentiality of student records is maintained in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. (See Rules of Student Conduct.)

Dropping a Course or Withdrawing from a Semester

Students who wish their records to indicate good standing when dropping a course or withdrawing from a semester must follow formal drop and withdrawal procedures. Mere absence from class does not constitute due notice of drop or withdrawal. Students are advised to check the school sections in this publication for additional information regarding the regulations.

In general, undergraduates may drop a course up to the published course drop/delete deadline. Such a course will not appear on the academic record. After the drop deadline, and until the course withdraw deadline, students may drop a course and receive a grade of W. After the published course-withdraw deadline, students must have the consent of the instructor and the appropriate academic advising office on an approved Late Withdraw Petition Form to drop the course. Students must cite extraordinary circumstances to justify a late withdraw, that is, circumstances beyond their control and beyond their ability to foresee. Poor judgment or academic incompetence does not qualify as extraordinary circumstances. The Late Withdraw Petition Form may be obtained from the academic advising office of the college or school in which the student is enrolled. (For Harpur College students, petitions are available on the Web at harpur-advising.binghamton.edu.)

If the petition is approved, the student must pay a $20 late drop/withdraw fee to have the late drop/withdraw petition processed.

Students wishing to drop all of their courses in a given semester must complete a Semester Withdrawal Form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and return it to the Office of Student Accounts. Students may officially withdraw from a semester up to the last day of classes for the semester. Such an action is noted on their records as an Official Withdrawal and, in place of a regular grade, the courses have the appropriate school mark for withdrawal. Students who drop all courses without having completed an official withdrawal form are considered unofficially withdrawn and have such a notation posted on the academic record.

Involuntary Medical or Psychological Withdrawal of Students

Students may be involuntarily withdrawn from the University based on the recommendation of the medical director of the University Health Service office or the director of the University Counseling Center without academic penalty; that is, they may continue as students in good academic standing and are eligible to return upon clearance by the associate vice president and dean of students. Efforts are made to preserve a student’s academic progress with Incompletes and/or withdrawals through consultation with faculty. If there are irreconcilable disagreements in these discussions, the provost will make the final decision(s) about the disposition of the student’s academic records.

Recommendations for involuntary withdrawals are submitted to the associate vice president and dean of students for appropriate action. Students are sent written notification of the intended action. Appeals may be made in writing to the vice president for student affairs within 10 business days. See the Financial Aid section for refund policies.

Students who are involuntarily withdrawn from the University for medical or psychological reasons are not readmitted without a recommendation from either the medical director of the University Health Service or the director of the University Counseling Center.

Students on voluntary or involuntary medical or psychological leave who are otherwise eligible to continue with their studies may request a letter to this effect from the associate vice president and dean of students. Health insurance companies may require this type of letter for continuing health insurance benefits for a student covered by the policy of a parent or guardian.

General Readmission Policies

Candidates matriculated for undergraduate degrees, who interrupt their education at Binghamton University and later wish to return, must be formally readmitted. One exception is for students who withdraw from all classes during a major (spring or fall) semester. These students are eligible to return and can be out for two consecutive semesters before having to be readmitted. Students who must be readmitted should go to the admissions website at: http://admissions.binghamton.edu/apply/applications/ReadmissionChecklist.pdf for readmission information and forms. Students must complete and file the readmission form no later than two weeks before the start of classes for the term in which they plan to return.

Continuing education (non-matriculated) students may also interrupt their studies for as long as two major (fall or spring) semesters without having to file for formal readmission application. After two semesters have elapsed without enrollment, a readmission form must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the start of classes for the desired semester.

Note: All students enrolled in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at the time studies were interrupted must receive clearance from the director of EOP in order to resume their studies.

Students dismissed for academic or other reasons should contact their college or school’s academic advising office or the Admissions Office for any conditions to be satisfied before readmission is approved.

All Decker School of Nursing students must file for readmission and have an interview at the school before re-enrolling. Further details may be found in the Decker School of Nursing readmission section in this publication.

Depending on the demand for on-campus housing, a space in one of the residence halls may not be available for readmitted students. First priority is given to readmitted students who have left the University due to health reasons or to participate in a study-abroad program. Students may contact the Office of Residential Life to obtain more information.

Those who require financial aid should notify the Financial Aid Services office by April 15 for the fall semester and by Nov. 15 for the spring semester. After the indicated dates, there can be no guarantee of campus-based financial aid unless specifically authorized by the appropriate office.

[Top]

Off Campus Housing

[Top]

 

For off-campus housing information, readmitted students may view the Off Campus College (OCC) website at occ.binghamton.edu. The site includes the OCC Housing List and an Apartment Complex Listing that advertise available rental units in the community surrounding the University. Also included is a Housemate/Subletter Listing containing information from current off-campus students seeking to fill a vacancy in their rental units. For additional information about off-campus housing, contact OCC at 607-777-2768 or via e-mail at occ@binghamton.edu.

[Top]

Information Regarding Students Called to Active Military Duty

Academic Information

Undergraduate students called to active military duty during an academic term should go to their Academic Advising Office. Graduate students should contact their academic departments. The academic adviser or department will advise each student regarding his/her options. The following factors should be considered when advising the student: timing of orders to report to active duty in relation to the semester start and end dates; the length of the active duty orders; the student’s course workload; percentage of work completed, etc. The student will either be allowed to remain in one or more of their courses, will be allowed to take an Incomplete grade in one or more courses, or will be advised to drop all courses (Withdrawal) for the semester.

Administrative Information

Students who withdraw from all courses for which they are registered at the University must follow a formal withdrawal procedure. Mere absence from class or failure to register does not constitute due notice of withdrawal. For information on withdrawal procedures, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 607-777-6088 or via e-mail at registrar@binghamton.edu.

·         Veteran students recalled to active duty must notify the[tkw1]  TRIO Office for Veterans Services at 607-777-2024.

·         International students called to military service in their homeland[tkw2]  must contact the International Student and Scholars Services Office at 607-777-2510 for information on appropriate departure procedures required under U.S. Immigration law.

·         Graduate students called to active duty must provide written documentation of their deployment orders and may then apply for a leave of absence. Students on leave are excused from the registration requirement during the period of the leave. Leaves are normally granted for a period not exceeding 12 months. If possible, requests for leaves of absence should be submitted one month prior to the semester for which the leave is requested. For further details contact the Graduate Office at 607-777-2151.

Financial Information

Tuition

Students who withdraw from the University to enter military service are granted full tuition refunds for the semester if no academic credit is received (does not apply to international students serving the military in their homeland). A copy of the official military orders[tkw3]  must be provided to the University. During the withdrawal procedure, the student must meet with a representative of the Student Accounts Office and make arrangements to provide the document in accordance with State University of New York policy 8 NYCRR § 302.2. (http://www.suny.info/policies/groups/public/documents/sunyregulations/pub_suny_pp_029003.htm)

There shall be no tuition or fee liability established for a student who withdraws to enter military service prior to the end of an academic term for those courses in which the student does not receive academic credit.

Note: The term "military service" means full-time active duty in the US Army, Navy (including Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard of the United States, or qualifying National Guard duty during a war, other military operation, or national emergency as defined in Section 5 of the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act (Public Law 108-76).

Enlistment under a delayed enlistment plan does not constitute "full-time duty" until the student is required to leave school on the effective date of active duty as stated in the student's orders.

Documentation of the call to active duty in the military service (official orders) shall be provided to and retained by the campus.

Housing

Students who withdraw from the University are assessed a prorated room charge based on the date the student removes his/her belongings from the room, completes a room inventory and returns the room key to a member of the Residential Life staff. The prorated charge is calculated by multiplying the weekly room charge by the number of weeks housed.

Dining

The amount of a resident dining plan refund is a percentage of the total meal plan paid for that semester, determined according to a prorated weekly schedule. The same prorated percentage is applied to both the cost of the operations component and the discretionary component. An eligible student will receive the anticipated refund.

Financial Aid Recipients

The University is required to perform a Title IV refund and repayment calculation for any student who withdraws from the University and is a recipient of federal financial aid for the semester of the[tkw4]  withdrawal. The calculation determines how much financial aid must be returned to the federal government. The date of the withdrawal triggers the amount to be repaid.

It is extremely important that students consult with the Student Accounts Office (607-777-2702) before withdrawing.

Loans

Banks and other lenders have procedures in place to grant deferments/forbearance under the amendment to 34 CFR 682.211(c) which was published on November 1, 2002 (at 67 Fed. Reg. 67048). (http://ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/L03241.html)

Borrowers whose Title IV loans are in an in-school, in-school deferment, or grace period status

If a borrower's loan is in an in-school status, in-school deferment status, or in a grace period status when the borrower is ordered to active duty or reassigned, the lender must maintain the loan in that status during the period of the borrower's active duty service or reassignment, plus the time necessary for the borrower to resume enrollment in the next regular enrollment period that is reasonably available to the borrower[tkw5]  if the borrower is planning to go back to school. However, this maintenance of loan status may not exceed a total of 3 years, including the period of time necessary for the borrower to resume enrollment. Additionally, if the loan was in a grace period status at the time the borrower was ordered to active duty, the period of time during which the borrower served on active duty must be excluded from the grace period in order to ensure that the borrower receives the full grace period in the future.

Readmission Information

Undergraduate students who have completed their tour of duty and wish to return to the University to resume their studies should contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 607-777-2171.

Graduate students who have completed their tour of duty and wish to return to the University to resume their studies should contact the Graduate School at 607-777-2151.

[Top]

Official Transcripts

Academic records of all Binghamton University students are maintained by the Registrar’s Office. An official transcript is a student’s complete listing of all coursework taken at the University. Students may obtain copies of their transcripts, or request that the University send them directly to other institutions, provided the students are in good financial standing (free of outstanding debts) with the University. For a transcript to be considered official, it must be sent to a third party; those transcripts sent directly to students will be in a sealed envelope that carries the notation “Issued to Student; Unofficial if Opened.”

Requests for official transcripts may be made via the BU Brain (http://bubrain.binghamton.edu), sent by mail to the Registrar’s Office at Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000 or by fax to 607-777-6515. In addition, students may visit the Registrar’s Office to submit a request in person. Telephone and e-mail requests cannot be accepted.

All faxed or mailed requests for transcripts must include the student’s name, BU number, legible e-mail address, daytime telephone number, dates of attendance, number of transcripts being requested, destination address(es) and the signature of the student. A transcript request form is available for printing at the following Web address: registrar.binghamton.edu/transcript.html

There is no charge to have an official transcript sent unless special handling is requested. There is a $15 charge to have a transcript faxed with a follow-up mailing of an official version. Colleges and universities do not consider a faxed transcript official.

[Top]

Certification of Degrees

Undergraduates should file an “Application for Degree” form with the Registrar’s Office by the add deadline of the semester prior to the anticipated graduation semester. Forms are available at the following Web address: http://registrar.binghamton.edu/graduation.html.

Any undergraduate student who files an “Application for Degree” form should also print a Progress Toward Degree report online through the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS). This report is available via BU Brain at http://bubrain.binghamton.edu. The report will show which program requirements have been completed and which, if any, requirements remain for degree completion. If students have questions regarding the Progress Toward Degree report, they should consult with a professional adviser in their college or school or with their major departmental adviser. Completion of undergraduate degree requirements and all academic work pertaining to that completion, must be submitted to faculty within 30 calendar days of the last day of classes of the semester in which the student has declared to graduate. Academic work refers to study abroad courses, courses taken at other institutions and courses taken at Binghamton University. In the semester in which the student has declared to graduate, all incompletes must be finished within 30 days of the last day of classes. If requirements are not met by the deadline, students must submit a new application for degree for a future semester. Faculty should submit the grades for any incompletes or missing grades 72 hours after the work has been received and evaluated.

Undergraduate degrees are conferred for spring and fall semesters as well as summer and winter terms.

Graduate students should file a Declaration of Candidacy Form with the Graduate School. The form is available on the Web at gradschool.binghamton.edu/candidacy.htm. Students should complete the form in the semester in which they expect to receive a graduate degree.

[Top]

Student Academic Honesty Code

Actions outside the Boundaries of Academic Honesty and Integrity

No set of written guidelines can anticipate all types and degrees of violations of academic honesty. To the extent that the examples below are not exhaustive, duly appointed representatives of the University will judge each case according to its merits. They will be guided by the principle that academic dishonesty involves misappropriation of academic or intellectual credit to oneself or to the discredit of others. Instances of such dishonesty include:

Plagiarism

Presenting the work of another person as one’s own work (including papers, words, ideas, information, computer code, data, evidence-organizing principles, or style of presentation of someone else taken from the Internet, books, periodicals or other sources). Plagiarism includes:

·         quoting, paraphrasing or summarizing without acknowledgement, even a few phrases;

·         failing to acknowledge the source of either a major idea or ordering principle central to one’s own paper;

·         relying on another person’s data, evidence or critical method without credit or permission;

·         submitting another person’s work as one’s own;

·         using unacknowledged research sources gathered by someone else.

Cheating on Examinations

Giving or receiving unauthorized help before, during or after an examination. Examples include:

·         unauthorized collaboration of any sort during an examination;

·         reading of an examination before it has been given;

·         unauthorized use of notes, books, tapes, computers or other aids during an examination;

·         allowing another person to take an examination in one’s place;

·         looking at someone else’s examination during the examination period;

·         allowing another person to use one’s own examination during the examination period;

·         passing examination information to students who have not yet taken the examination.

Multiple Submissions

Submitting substantial portions of the same work for credit more than once, unless there is prior explicit consent of the instructor(s) to whom the material is being or has been submitted.

Unauthorized Collaboration

Collaboration on projects, papers, computer programs or other academic assignments that has been prohibited by the instructor.

Fabrication and Misrepresentation

Misrepresenting or fabricating material, including misleading citation of sources as well as falsified or fabricated data or results from experiments or other analyses. Misrepresenting facts related to academic performance, including the justification of absences, late assignments and other activities.

Forgery

Imitating another person’s signature on academic documents (for example, an academic advising form or one’s own paper that is signed with respect to the time of submission) or other official documents that have an effect on academic credit (for example, a medical form submitted in support of taking a make-up examination).

Sabotage

Deliberately impairing, destroying, damaging or stealing another’s work or working material. Examples include destroying, stealing or damaging another’s laboratory experiment, computer program, term paper, examination or project; removing uncharged library materials with the effect that others cannot use them; defacing or damaging library materials with the effect that others cannot use them; hoarding or displacing materials within the library with the effect that others have undue difficulty using them; interfering with the operation of a computer system so it has an adverse effect on the academic performance of others.

Bribery

Offering or receiving any service or article with the purpose or effect of receiving a grade or other academic benefit that was not earned on the merits of the academic work.

Responsibility for Implementation

Each school of Binghamton University, including the Graduate School and the Division of Health and Physical Education, will implement the Student Academic Honesty Code and adjudicate all matters related thereto (except as noted below) through its own committee structure. All reports of findings of guilt (either by admission or by adjudication) will be reported to the Provost’s Office for archival purposes.

For cases involving graduate students in the five professional schools, initial implementation shall occur in those schools. For graduate cases in Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, initial implementation shall occur in the cognizant department or program. Any graduate programs temporarily residing in the Graduate School will report and adjudicate all cases through the Graduate Council’s Academic Standards Committee. At its discretion, the Academic Honesty Committee in any department or school may consult with the Graduate Council’s Academic Standards Committee about unusual or complicated cases. When an act of academic dishonesty violates the University’s policy on ethical research, the procedures outlined in the Policy on Responsible Conduct of Research, as found in the University Bulletin, apply.

Publication and Dissemination of the Code

Students will receive copies of the code during Orientation, when they will discuss its importance and its meaning. They will acknowledge the code and their intent to abide by its terms each semester when they log onto the registration system. Faculty will ensure enforcement of the code.

Interpretation of the Code

Violations of the code vary in severity, so that the appropriate punishments vary. Some violations (Category I) may be handled by the instructor and student(s) involved. However, violations requiring more severe penalties (Category II) are appropriately dealt with by the Academic Honesty Committee of the relevant school in accordance with procedures laid out in the Rules of Student Conduct. Category I violations are serious but may be dealt with by the instructor. Category II violations may result in letters of reprimand, probation, suspension or expulsion from the University. Behavior explicitly permitted in a course syllabus or explicitly permitted by the instructor for a specific assignment is not a violation of the code.

Plagiarism

This may be either a Category I or Category II violation, depending on the amount of material that is plagiarized and the degree of premeditation. A Category I violation involves small amounts of plagiarized material — for example, a single passage or a relatively minor idea. Category II violations occur when more material is plagiarized or where central ideas are plagiarized. Category II violations may involve more planning and premeditation.

Cheating on Examinations

This may be either a Category I or Category II violation, depending on the level or amount of unauthorized help given or received on the examination and the degree of premeditation. Category I includes looking at another’s examination or collaborating on a small portion of the examination. Category II violations involve cheating on most or all of an entire examination — for example, providing a copy of an examination to another student or allowing another student to take an examination in one’s place. Category II violations may involve more planning and premeditation.

Multiple Submissions

This is a Category I violation.

Unauthorized Collaboration

This is a Category I violation, unless it also involves Category II offenses.

Fabrication and Misrepresentation

This can be a Category I or II violation.

Forgery

This is a Category II violation.

Sabotage

This is a Category II violation.

Bribery

This is a Category II violation.

Note that misconduct involving forgery, sabotage and bribery refers only to such offenses when committed for an academic purpose as defined in the Student Academic Honesty Code; any violations involving other aspects of student life or subject to federal, state and/or local law are dealt with through the University judicial system.

Enforcement Procedures

Each school should develop its own procedures, consistent with these guidelines. These procedures may vary, depending on the size of the school and other relevant factors. The appropriate procedures for addressing the two categories of violations are as follows.

Category I Violations

If an instructor discovers one of these violations, the instructor should first communicate with the student regarding the nature of the charge and the evidence on which the instructor has relied in reaching the conclusion that a violation has occurred. The student should be given the opportunity to respond. If the instructor remains convinced by the preponderance of evidence that a violation has occurred, the instructor may check to see if there is a record of a previous violation by the student. Students who are accused of a second Category I offense will be treated as being charged with a Category II offense and referred to the committee of the school in which the offense occurred.

If there is no previous violation, the faculty member should impose the appropriate penalty. The instructor should then fill in a Report of Academic Dishonesty Form describing the violation that occurred and the evidence supporting that finding. The form will also explain to the student the procedures whereby the student may appeal the decision. The student will be asked to read and sign the form and will be provided with a copy. If the student chooses not to sign the form, the case goes to a hearing before the committee of the school in which the offense occurred. The instructor will then forward the Report of Academic Dishonesty Form along with the supporting evidence to the chair of the appropriate committee, who will send a copy to the Provost’s Office, where it will be kept on file. Records of Report of Academic Dishonesty forms should be retained until the student's graduation, or for six years following the semester or term of the violation in the case of a student who departs from the University without graduating.

Category II Violations

If an instructor discovers a Category II violation, the instructor should first communicate with the student regarding the nature of the charge and the evidence on which the instructor has relied in reaching the conclusion that a violation has occurred. If the instructor remains convinced that a Category II violation has occurred, he or she should submit a detailed written charge with supporting evidence to the honesty committee of the school in which the offense occurred. The student will be notified of the charge and the date of the hearing and will receive a copy of the committee procedures. The instructor should assign an Incomplete grade for the student’s work, pending the outcome of the hearing. If, after the hearing, the committee concludes that the charges were unproven, the faculty member should re-evaluate the student’s work in light of that finding. In determination of any penalty for Category II violations, committees will consider all relevant factors, including the nature of the violation and any previous violations that may have been committed by the student. The chair of the appropriate committee will report any guilty findings to the Provost’s Office, where they will be kept on file.  Records of hearing cases should be retained for six years following the semester or term in which the hearing is held. If a hearing case is appealed, the six years would begin after the semester or term in which the appeal decision is made.

Note: This ends the section of the Bulletin and information applicable to Student Academic Honesty Code.

Academic Grievance Procedures

If a student has a complaint about a grade or other academic grievance, the first step is to talk to the instructor involved. If the matter is not settled satisfactorily, the student should contact the department chair or division director about the complaint and submit the complaint through the formal grievance procedure established by the department. The department decision may, if the student still feels aggrieved, be appealed to the appropriate dean.

Copyright Law

Students should be aware that copyright laws cover photocopying and other reproductions of materials. Students should contact faculty members or library staff for information regarding these laws.

Classroom Discipline

Any instructor may exclude from attendance any student who, in the instructor’s judgment, has seriously impaired the class’s ability to achieve the objectives of the course.

The student may appeal the instructor’s action to the department or school via the department’s grievance procedure. If the student is not satisfied with the ruling or recommendation emerging from the grievance hearings, an appeal may be brought to the appropriate dean.

Attendance in Classes

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, laboratories and discussions. Instructors may establish their own attendance criteria for a course. They may establish both the number of absences permitted to receive credit for the course and the number of absences after which the final grade may be adjusted downward. In such cases it is expected that the instructor stipulate such requirements in the syllabus and that the syllabus be made available to students at or near the beginning of classes. In the absence of such statements, instructors have the right to deny a student the privilege of taking the final examination or of receiving credit for the course, or may prescribe other academic penalties if the student misses more than 25 percent of the total class sessions. Excessive tardiness may count as absence.

[Top]

Policy on Responsible Conduct of Research

 

The Public Health Service and National Science Foundation require recipients of grants to develop policies on scientific misconduct and adopt procedures to both uncover acts of research fraud and examine allegations of misconduct in the conduct of research. On the advice of the Graduate Council and its Advisory Committee for Scholarship and Research, the University has adopted the following policies regarding the responsible conduct of research in all fields throughout the University.

 

Definition

 

Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification or plagiarism in proposing, conducting or reporting research and creative scholarly activity. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data.

 

Policy

 

The University has established a procedure to review reports of research misconduct. The principles associated with Binghamton’s policy and procedure are as follow:

 

·        The University shall treat all parties with justice and fairness and shall be sensitive to each person’s reputation and responsibilities.

·        Procedures shall preserve the highest attainable degree of confidentiality compatible with an effective investigation response.

·        Procedures shall be as expeditious as possible in leading to the resolution of the charges in a timely manner.

·        The integrity of the process shall be maintained by carefully avoiding any real or apparent conflict of interest.

 

Procedure

 

The vice president for research (VPR) has primary responsibility for overseeing research integrity, and shall appoint a research integrity officer (RIO), who will be primarily responsible for the correct observance of the procedures set forth below. The RIO will normally be the operations manager of the Research Foundation at Binghamton.

 

Reports of misconduct shall be handled in a four-stage process:

 

·        an inquiry to determine whether the allegation or related issue warrants further investigation;

·        when warranted, an investigation to collect and examine all pertinent evidence;

·        a formal finding on the allegation; and

·        appropriate administrative action on the matter.

 

1.      Inquiry

a.      The contact person for allegations of research misconduct is the research integrity officer. The RIO shall be responsible for securing and maintaining written records for all allegations.

b.      An inquiry shall be made into any allegation that the initiator (the person making the allegation) provides in writing to the RIO. The purpose of this inquiry is to determine whether a full investigation is warranted. The RIO will notify the respondent (the person about whom the allegation is made) in writing of the allegations (if possible, maintaining the confidentiality of the initiator), and of the respondent’s right to submit a written response to the allegation. The RIO shall submit the allegation along with all evidence that may exist, any written rebuttal from the respondent, and any other pertinent documentation to the Advisory Committee for Scholarship and Research of the Graduate Council for review. The RIO will provide staff support to the committee. The Advisory Committee shall make a written recommendation to the VPR on whether a formal investigation is warranted. This process must be completed within 60 days of the receipt of the initial allegation unless an extension of time is approved by the VPR.

c.      Within 10 days of receiving the recommendation, the VPR, after consulting with Legal Affairs and the RIO, shall determine whether to conduct an investigation, to drop the matter or to take some other appropriate action. If the VPR decides not to pursue the matter further, the RIO will seal all files and notify the respondent and the initiator in writing that allegations have been dropped. If the VPR decides to proceed with an investigation, the RIO will notify the respondent and initiator in writing, and the VPR will notify the respondent’s chair, dean and vice president; the RIO will also notify external funding agencies and governmental offices as contractually required.

 

2.      Investigation

 

a.   The VPR, within 30 days of the inquiry report, will appoint an investigation panel of persons who have no conflicts of interest with the respondent and have research backgrounds that qualify them to understand the subject matter of the alleged research misconduct. The panel will consist of a minimum of three persons, at least one of whom must be a faculty member. The respondent may challenge any panel member, within 14 days of written notification of panel membership, on the ground that the member does not meet the above criteria.

b.   The VPR shall define the subject matter of the investigation in a written charge to the investigation panel. The VPR may change the subject matter during investigation if substantive new material is discovered by the investigation panel; the panel must notify the VPR of such new material.

c.   The RIO will convene the first meeting of the investigation panel, and will provide staff assistance to the panel. The panel will select a chair at the first meeting.

d.   The panel shall present a written report to the VPR within 90 days of its appointment. This report will contain an explicit finding of fact with respect to each allegation in the investigation charge listing the supporting evidence, and will describe the investigative process used. The report will also state the panel’s conclusions as to whether any of the proven allegations violate research integrity. Investigation will be completed within 120 days or an extension must be justified by the vice president.

e.   A copy of the report will be made available by the RIO to the respondent. The respondent may submit written comments within 14 days of receipt of report to the VPR through the RIO.

 

3.      Finding

 

The VPR will send the report, with any written comments of the respondent, to the president through the vice president for academic affairs, together with the VPR’s recommendations.

 

4.      Action

 

a.   Where allegations are not substantiated, the University shall take action to clear the reputations of those falsely accused; all files relating to the case will be sealed.

b.   When the findings of the investigation substantiate the allegation of misconduct, the president shall initiate appropriate action, depending on the nature of the misconduct and the employment status of the individual involved, and shall notify the sponsor of the action if the research was performed with external support. United University Professions-represented employees may be disciplined according to Article 19 of the agreement with UUP or may be subject to such other action as the president deems appropriate.

c.   The research record shall be corrected if fabricated or fraudulent information has been published.

 

Notification of Other Agencies during Process

1.   Criminal Activities: If any criminal activities are discovered or claimed during inquiry or investigation, University Counsel shall be informed.

2.   Federal-Sponsored Research: Federal agencies will be kept informed of all inquiries and investigations as required contractually. Specifically:

a.   in the early inquiry stage if there is one or more of the following:

—  an immediate health hazard;

—  need to protect sponsor resources;

—  need to protect human or animal subjects;

—  need to protect person reporting misconduct.

b.   when the VPR recommends an investigation.

c.   the findings of the investigation and the institutional sanctions.

 

Student Research Projects

1.   Students who intend to contact private, voluntary or governmental agencies as part of their research in an academic project should first ask the faculty member who assigned the project to secure permission and cooperation from University and agency officials.

2.   Students engaged in research, independent study, internships or other courses/projects involving human subjects must be made fully aware of their ethical, legal and moral responsibilities and their potential legal/financial liabilities when participating in such activities. Students planning research and/or course work involving human subjects should consult their faculty adviser for project design and methodology. The University’s Human Subjects Research Review Committee (HSRRC) reviews and must approve all research activities involving human subjects; HSRRC approval must be obtained prior to the initiation of the research. The Division of Research staff provides the appropriate review forms and guidance to initiate the human-subjects research review process.

3.   Students planning research and/or coursework involving live vertebrate animals should consult their faculty adviser for project design and methodology. In addition, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must first review and approve such projects to ensure compliance with University, state and federal regulations regarding the humane care and treatment of vertebrate animals. For appropriate review forms and guidance, contact the coordinator for animal care at 607-777-6136.

4.   Students planning projects involving the use of recombinant DNA molecules must consult with their faculty adviser for proper project protocol. The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) oversees all research on campus involving the use of recombinant DNA molecules in order to ensure compliance with both University and federal regulations. IBC approval must be obtained prior to the initiation of any research involving the use of recombinant DNA molecules. Further information and guidelines are available from the Division of Research at 607-777-6136.

5.   Students planning research projects involving the use of radioactive materials must consult with their faculty adviser for proper project protocol. The Radioactive Safety Committee oversees all research on campus involving the use of radioactive materials. For further information, contact the radiation safety officer at 607-777-4370.

 

[Top]

Unlawful Sale of Dissertations, Theses and Term Papers

The following is a reproduction of section (213b) of the Education Law of New York State, concerning the illegal sale of term papers, theses or dissertations:

1.       No person shall, for financial consideration, or the promise of financial consideration, prepare, offer to prepare, cause to be prepared, sell or offer for sale to any person any written material which the seller knows, is informed or has reason to believe is intended for submission as a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report or other written assignment by a student in a university, college, academy, school or other educational institution to such institution or to a course, seminar or degree program held by such institution.

2.       Nothing herein contained shall prevent such educational institution or any member of its faculty or staff, from offering courses, instruction, counseling or tutoring for research or writing as part of a curriculum or other program conducted by such educational institution. Nor shall this section prevent any educational institution or any member of its faculty or staff from authorizing students to use statistical, computer, or any other services which may be required or permitted by such educational institution in the preparation, research or writing of a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report or other written assignment. Nor shall this section prevent tutorial assistance rendered by other persons which does not include the preparation, research or writing of a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report or other written assignment intended for submission to such educational institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a degree, diploma, certificate or course of study. Nor shall any person be prevented by the provisions of this section from rendering services for a fee that shall be limited to the typing, transcription or reproduction of a manuscript.

3.       Nothing contained within this section shall prevent any person from selling or offering for sale a publication or other written material which shall have been registered under the United States laws of copyright, provided, however, that the owner of such copyright shall have given his authorization or approval for such sale and provided further that such publication or other written material shall not be intended for submission as a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report or other written assignment to such educational institution within the state of New York in fulfillment of the requirements for a degree, diploma, certificate or course of study.

4.       No person shall sell, assign or otherwise transfer for business or for any other purpose to any person any information and material of a personal or private nature acquired from a purchaser of a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report or other written assignment without the prior consent of such purchaser. The term "information and material of a personal or private nature" as used in this subdivision shall include, but not be limited to the name of such purchaser, his address and telephone number, the name of such educational institution, the name or number of the course, the name of the faculty member or members for whom such written assignment has been prepared and any description of the research involved or the nature of such written assignment.

5.       A violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a class B misdemeanor.

6.       The attorney general and district attorney of the county wherein a violation of this section occurs shall have concurrent authority to investigate and prosecute any violation of this section and any related violations discovered during the course of such investigation.

7.       Whenever there shall be a violation of this section, an application also may be made by the attorney general in the name of the people of the state of New York to a court or justice having jurisdiction to issue an injunction, and upon notice to the defendant of not less than five days, to enjoin and restrain the continuance of such violation; and if it shall appear to the satisfaction of the court or justice that the defendant has, in fact, violated this section, an injunction may be issued by such court or justice, enjoining and restraining any further violation, without requiring proof that any person has, in fact, been injured or damaged thereby. In any such proceeding the court may make allowances to the attorney general as provided in section eighty-three hundred three, subdivision six of the civil practice law and rules. In connection with any such proposed application, the attorney general is authorized to take proof and make a determination of the relevant facts and to issue subpoenas in accordance with the civil practice law and rules. Additionally, the attorney general may apply in any such proceeding for a monetary penalty of not more than one thousand dollars per violation.

[Top]

Access to University Records

The Freedom of Information Law (New York State Public Officers Law, Article 6) provides rights of access to University records, except those that fall within one of the nine categories of deniable records [Public Officers Law § 87(2)].

Written application for examination and copying of accessible records must be made during regular business hours on an approved form, by written or electronic correspondence, addressed to the Records Access Officer, Office of University Counsel, 609 Couper Administration Building, or scarlett@binghamton.edu. Appeals of a denial of requested information may be taken within 10 days to Stacey Hengsterman, Office of the Vice Chancellor and Secretary of the University, State University of New York, State University Plaza, Albany, NY 12246.

 

[Top]

Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), commonly known as the Buckley Amendment, provides students with access to their files and assures them of the confidentiality of their records. Undergraduates’ main academic files are kept in the University Registrar’s Office. Graduate records are kept in the Graduate School. The University is not required by legislation to make available to students files kept in the office of the New York State University Police, Binghamton; Binghamton University Counseling Center or the Student Health Center. Students with files in these offices should contact the appropriate office with any questions.

There is to be no oral or written release of personally identifiable information from any student’s educational record without the signed and dated consent of the student, except to:

·         authorized University personnel defined by the person responsible for the file as having a reasonable need to know;

·         state and federal education authorities to whom information must be made available by statute and/or for the audit of federal programs;

·         organizations and educational agencies involved in testing, administering financial aid or improving instruction, provided the information is presented anonymously;

·         accrediting agencies;

·         appropriate persons to comply with a court-ordered subpoena, in which case an attempt is made to notify the student in advance unless prohibited by court order;

·         appropriate persons in the case of emergency;

·         University counsel.

Information printed in the University Directory and information routinely released to the public, such as Commencement listings, election results and rosters of athletic teams, is regarded as public or “directory information” and, as such, may be released without student consent.

The following information is defined as directory information and may be routinely released unless specified differently by the student:

·         name;

·         local address and telephone number;

·         home address and telephone number;

·         e-mail address;

·         class level;

·         degree information (including any associated majors, certificates or minors);

·         dates of attendance.

Students should be aware that even though they may request and receive directory exclusion status, it is a federal requirement that the University promptly provide lenders and guarantee agencies with any information it has regarding the last known address, surname, employer and employer address of a borrower who attends or has attended the University.

Information that is not classified as directory information and may not be released to third parties without written consent of the student includes (but is not limited to) the following:

·         grades;

·         grade-point average;

·         student course schedules (including class name, meeting times and meeting places);

·         financial aid information;

·                     student identification number; social security number.

Third-party sources requesting to know a student’s course schedule for “emergency purposes” should be referred to the New York State University Police, Binghamton. University Police will attempt to ascertain the nature of the emergency and contact the student with the message.

 

Other Information Regarded as Public

Other information occasionally released in a routine manner to appropriate representatives of various media for publicity purposes includes:

·         awards and academic degrees awarded at Binghamton University;

·         participation in recognized University activities (election outcomes, membership in athletic teams, participation in plays, etc.);

·         personal information on members of University athletic teams (height, weight, high school, etc.).

Students with questions about their records or wishing to withhold their names from the University Directory should contact the Registrar’s Office at 607-777-6087.

[Top]

Student Absences for Religious Beliefs

In accordance with New York State Education Law 224-a, student absences may be excused as follows:

·         No person shall be expelled from or be refused admission as a student to an institution of higher education for reason that he or she is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to register or attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirements on a particular day or days.

·         Any student in an institution of higher education who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes on a particular day or days shall, because of such absence on the particular day or days, be excused from any examination or any study or work requirement.

·         It shall be the responsibility of the faculty and of the administration officials of each institution of higher education to make available to each student who is absent from school because of his or her religious beliefs, an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make up any examination, study or work requirements that he or she may have missed because of such absences on any particular day or days. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such equivalent opportunity.

·         If registration, classes, examinations, study or work requirements are held on Fridays after 4 p.m. or on Saturdays, similar or makeup classes, examinations, study or work requirements, or opportunity to register shall be made available on other days where it is possible and practicable to do so. No special fees shall be charged to the student for these classes, examinations, study or work requirements, or registration held on other days.

·         In effectuating the provisions of this section, it shall be the duty of the faculty and of the administrative officials of each institution of higher education to exercise the fullest measure of good faith. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his or her availing himself or herself of the provisions of this section.

·         Any student who is aggrieved by the alleged failure of any faculty or administrative officials to comply in good faith with the provisions of this section, shall be entitled to maintain an action or proceeding in the supreme court of the county in which such institution of higher education is located for the enforcement of his or her rights under this section.

·         It shall be the responsibility of the administrative officials of each institution of higher education to give written notice to students of their rights under this section, informing them that each student  who is absent from school, because of his or her religious beliefs, must be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make up any examination, study or work requirements which he or she may have missed because of such absence on any particular day or days. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to such student such equivalent opportunity.

 [tkw1]Remove Cindy Kerry

 [tkw2]Also need to

 [tkw3]Delete needs to

 [tkw4]Add the

 [tkw5]Remove comma

[Top]