Huge problem!!

[scoobysnackxx]

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Okay, so I'm taking OChem over the summer and we have a quiz every week well, today was our 5th quiz out of 7... and as I was taking the quiz I took out scratch paper to write out some of my answers and what I didn't notice is the fact I had my practice problems that I had been working on the back of some of my papers and after class was over he called me and was like let me see those papers and I should him and then I realized that I had my random problems worked out and he accused me of cheating... what do I do? I didn't cheat... I didn't even know that the "scratch" work was there until he brought it to my attention... I'm so sad because I would have never even thought of doing such a thing and now to think that because of stupid careless mistake he may drop me from the course, give me a F, or kick me out of the university.... I'm so freaking out what should I do? He said he would have to penalize me for this quiz... and he said he would think about it...

I tried to explain to him that I didn't even know and it wasn't my intention and I also emailed him once I got home... this isn't fair. What should I do... 😡 😡 😡 😡

 

[Teva]

Okay, so I'm taking OChem over the summer and we have a quiz every week well, today was our 5th quiz out of 7... and as I was taking the quiz I took out scratch paper to write out some of my answers and what I didn't notice is the fact I had my practice problems that I had been working on the back of some of my papers and after class was over he called me and was like let me see those papers and I should him and then I realized that I had my random problems worked out and he accused me of cheating... what do I do? I didn't cheat... I didn't even know that the "scratch" work was there until he brought it to my attention... I'm so sad because I would have never even thought of doing such a thing and now to think that because of stupid careless mistake he may drop me from the course, give me a F, or kick me out of the university.... I'm so freaking out what should I do? He said he would have to penalize me for this quiz... and he said he would think about it...

I tried to explain to him that I didn't even know and it wasn't my intention and I also emailed him once I got home... this isn't fair. What should I do... 😡 😡 😡 😡

awww, that totally sucks. There's nothing you can really do now after trying to explain to him and emailing him. I think you should just try to prove to him that you know your material and was not cheating. Perhaps ask him to give you another quiz just to show him you know what you are doing. And maybe on the next quiz/exam, sit in front of class so you can clearly see you. In other words, try to gain his trust again? Good Luck. =/

 

[DASicari]

How are you doing grade-wise in the class so far? One quiz out of seven plus your tests and other grading factors shouldn't kill you terribly.

 

[Passion4Sci]

How are you doing grade-wise in the class so far? One quiz out of seven plus your tests and other grading factors shouldn't kill you terribly.

Unless he takes the "you done been cheatin'" route

 

[scoobysnackxx]

Unless he takes the "you done been cheatin'" route

Grade wise I started off at a low B and then worked my way up to a low A. I'm a good student. I've been busting my ass trying to get an A in his course and he knows that. I'm the only one that participates and I've hired one of his adjuct facutly memebers as my tutor. I don't know what else I could do... Last week on his quiz as he was collecting them I pulled out my book to review material that he would be covering during his lecture and he yelled at me for pulling out my book. I'm not sure what to do. I told him I'd be willing to take the quiz again when he questioned me... he said no. I don't know what to do.....

What should I do?

 

[tomk]

honestly, unless this is your first year in college, you should know you shouldn't use your own scratch paper (usually the school provides this)

then, say the school didn't provide the scratch paper and allowed you to use your own. What would cause the teacher suspect that you were cheating? could it be because you were sneaking glances at the back of your "scratch" paper?


something isn't adding up.

 

[Kirbypuff]

Wait, your professor lets you use your OWN scrap paper for exams?? What a *****!! It's not your fault, it's his fault! A professor should provide scratch paper. 🙄 I mean, if he DID provide it but you took out your own, then you're kinda cheating, but if he told you you could use your own, then he's an idiot.
​

 

[Maxpwer222]

Most of those classes allow you to drop your lowest grade. If anything one quiz is not going to kill your ability to get into Pharmacy school. Just work harder to make up for it.

If you really wanna, you can try going to a higher up in the department. I got accused of plagiarism my Freshman year and my teacher was being a tool, so I went to her boss. She was much more helpful and got it all taken care of. Your teacher might not like you much tho afterwards : /

 

[confettiflyer]

Negotiate, this whole thing can be negotiated. Start at #1 and try to plead/cajole the instructor to minimize damage.

IF you get to either scenario #5 or #6, you can pretty much kiss pharmacy school goodbye IMO barring some major mea culpa or at least 4-5 years past the incident.

Under each one I've listed what you can try to do to minimize damage.

1) Drop the quiz, stay in the class, doesn't factor in your grade (probably fat chance)

2) F on the quiz, take the hit on the grade, try to rock the final and salvage your grade.
--> If the instructor seems iffy, offer to take an Incomplete for the course and offer to retake it next time they're teaching it (ie fresh start) to replace the grade. Admit to an error in judgment and that you meant no harm, you just want a 2nd chance.

3) Drop from the class, you're probably too far deep to get a full removal so you'll get a Withdrawal on your transcript. No letters in your file, nothing mentioned on transcript, just a W/WF. Not ideal, but neither are the next options...
--> Argue for the "I" grade, see above.

4) Drop from class, F on transcript, NO letter in academic file.
5) Drop from class, F on transcript, letter in academic file.
--> If the instructor is bent on kicking you out of the class, argue for the I (see above). If that doesn't work, work really really hard to make sure a letter doesn't get into your file. See if you can change the grading option to P/NP and elect to take an NP as this won't factor into GPA.
**DO NOT make it seem like you're worried about professional school admission...make it seem like you just erred and want a 2nd chance to redeem yourself.

6) Worst case scenario: drop from class, F on transcript, letter in file, dismissed from the university.

--> At this point, contact your school's ombudsman and file a formal appeal. Decisions like these (even #4 and 5) can be appealed to an independent commission on campus made up of professors and students. Check with your campus structure.

See if you can get any letters/notations "expunged" from your record after a set amount of time (if it gets to that).

 

[Carboxide]

Talk to him as much as you can, but don't bug him. Admit you were wrong for pulling out the paper but never admit to the cheating, especially if you didn't do it.

Here's a hint if you want to go this far; retain a lawyer. Any university will drop the charge if you threaten to sue. The cost of fighting you isn't worth it.

Whatever you do, DO NOT accept any solution that ends with a letter in your file or cheating appearing on your transcript.

 

[diastole]

Just how many papers did you take out of your backpack to use as scratch paper? It sounds like from your story that you took out several. That sounds odd to me. Why would you just assume that you could take out a bunch of papers to use during a quiz? That is just asking for trouble, especially since you were warned about using your book on a previous quiz. If you really needed that much scratch paper, I would assume that a prof would provide paper and it defies belief that another student wouldn't ask for some.

Pardon my skepticism but we get these stories here from time to time where the student who is always innocent just happens to have their book open during an exam or happens to use scratch paper with notes on it. Some people claim to have incredibly bad luck.

 

[WhiteSnows]

Write him this letter:

Professor X,

The incident [on date] has left me very concerned. In my best ability, I have tried to explain to you the unfortunate thing happened to me. I have been working diligently in this class to succeed. I have used scratch papers to write for my homework. I felt terribly regret that I did not carefully check to make sure there were nothing on the papers. This incident happened out of my attention. However, I will leave all of this up to your judgment. I believe that you will have a fair action toward this unfortunate incident.

Your students,

......

 

[confettiflyer]

Yeah I remember one time I left my phone on during an exam...I was ultra paranoid so I called over a proctor and said, "I left my phone on, I'm just gonna pull it out and turn it off...just wanted to let you know," and proceeded to do it.

 

[bazuka]

I would just wait and see what happens. Let him see and analyze the back of the paper and how that work can be used to answer your quiz. If he take off some points or even if he gives you a zero, its better to accept it than to raise hell. I tried to raise hell on my case, and now I have a official record that you just don't want. There is nothing you can do about it but to learn to be careful from now on. Like other post said, just try to regain his trust. Sit in the front and just be extra careful.

They cannot kick you out of the university for this. A failing grade for a quiz should be a minimum penalty but a course grade of F is I think is too much.

 

[Passion4Sci]

When taking exams, I always have my glasses off. I am very myopic, and I know that were I to be accused of cheating, having my glasses off (and being able to prove via documentation from my O.D.) was a safety net. "I couldn't see anything but my Scantron/blue book and I can prove it." It came in handy more than one time, as for some reason, my exams were often the choice for people to copy from. My hand-writing is utter atrocious so I dunno how people ever ended up coming to that conclusion.

It pays to be paranoid when it comes to serious exams. I know it sounds stupid, but you always need to C.Y.A. No one else will do it for you.

OP, take 5Minutes' advice. You need to be proactive, lest this turn into a serious black mark on your *BIG GOD VOICE* PERMANENT RECORD *BIG GOD VOICE* and ruin your chances at pharmacy school.

 

[jasonbourne]

Drop that class now rather than paying a price!!!!!!

 

[I wish]

Drop that class now rather than paying a price!!!!!!

I would not drop it. That proves you cheated.

 

[Passion4Sci]

And it might incite anger in the professor and cause him to definitely submit this student for cheating.

 

[scoobysnackxx]

Its too late to drop the course. I didn't cheat and running away from the issue will just make it seem like I did. While taking the quiz I needed scratch paper (which I spoke to him about and said it was okay for me to have scratch paper... he didn't provide any) and in my mind I was going to pull out my notebook and ripe out a piece of paper and thought that might look bad and I had a pill of plain white paper and I pulled it out and started working. I didn't think anything of it... since the first couple of pages were clean I just assumed they all were. Total judgment error I should have pulled out a page or something but I wasn't even thinking about the fact that he may assume that I'm cheating... it honestly didn't even come into my mind. We only get 30 mins on the quiz and the quizzes are super long I was more concerned about answering the questions then stopping to look if I pulled anything out that was fishy. Especially since the first couple of pages looked fine. It was a stack of plain white paper and all the so called notes and crap were all the way towards the end of the paper so I would have had to physically look through it all to find them.

Oh, and there are only quizzes in his class. So, 7 quizzes and he drops the lowest one. I already got a 60% on one of them and that was my lowest...

He didn't take any of the papers with him. When I got home I analyzed the papers and noted that I had powerpoint slides from the first chapter that would have not helped me in anyway... and any of my chicken scratch that was on the paper I couldn't even figure out what it was. He left me saying he will penalize me for this quiz... I don't know what that means. I wanted to go to the dean right after he talked to me and bring this to his attention since I am honestly being accused of cheating when I didn't do it (I understand its hard to believe) but I reallyyy didn't.

I emailed him once I got home saying I'm sorry, that I didn't realize there was anything in my scratch paper until you pointed it out to me. If I had realized there was anything there I wouldn't have pulled it out. Hopefully, he understands my situation. Totally judgment error and I won't make this mistake again. I just hope he doesn't ruin my academic record. I've worked way to hard for it to come down to this.

 

[ValeRx]

Okay, so I'm taking OChem over the summer and we have a quiz every week well, today was our 5th quiz out of 7... and as I was taking the quiz I took out scratch paper to write out some of my answers and what I didn't notice is the fact I had my practice problems that I had been working on the back of some of my papers and after class was over he called me and was like let me see those papers and I should him and then I realized that I had my random problems worked out and he accused me of cheating... what do I do? I didn't cheat... I didn't even know that the "scratch" work was there until he brought it to my attention... I'm so sad because I would have never even thought of doing such a thing and now to think that because of stupid careless mistake he may drop me from the course, give me a F, or kick me out of the university.... I'm so freaking out what should I do? He said he would have to penalize me for this quiz... and he said he would think about it...

I tried to explain to him that I didn't even know and it wasn't my intention and I also emailed him once I got home... this isn't fair. What should I do... 😡 😡 😡 😡

Honestly, you aren't very bright for taking out "scratch paper" from your own backpack or whatever to use on a quiz. My ochem quizzes were not given out unless everything was off your desk and under it. If you were seen taking something out of your bag, you were done. So yeah, stupid move on your part.

This reminds me a lot of the cheating post a while ago saying that their book accidentally fell off the table and opened up.

 

[scoobysnackxx]

I totally understand why he would be upset I should have had it out before the quiz started but didn't think I needed it. It was a stupid mistake and thats all it is... a stupid mistake. But, I didn't even know that there would be anything on the papers. I asked him if I could have scratch paper and he said it was fine if he had said no I wouldn't even have thought it was okay to have taken it out. This totally sucks.

 

[bazuka]

If he said he was going to penalize you for the quiz, then hes just going to give you a zero or a lower grade. There is nothing you can do about it except to be very extra careful in his class. I wouldnt worry about him reporting you to the school yet.

 

[Ji the Captain]

Thats not really fair at all. Any reasonable professor would take the time to listen to your story/argument and THINK about it before he goes off on a tangent accusing you of cheating. personally, if the professor lets you use your OWN scratch paper, then it is his fault. But it is very rare. usually you should check what your using as scratch paper before you pull it out of your backpack. Cheating can cost you your whole academic career

 

[Ji the Captain]

Thats not really fair at all. Any reasonable professor would take the time to listen to your story/argument and THINK about it before he goes off on a tangent accusing you of cheating. personally, if the professor lets you use your OWN scratch paper, then it is his fault. But it is very rare. usually you should check what your using as scratch paper before you pull it out of your backpack. Cheating can cost you your whole academic career😕

 

[charfdorn]

I wanted to go to the dean right after he talked to me and bring this to his attention since I am honestly being accused of cheating when I didn't do it (I understand its hard to believe) but I reallyyy didn't.

Yes you did. Whether you looked at it or not, whether it was intentional or not, you provided yourself with an unfair advantage. Take the zero and work extra hard going forward.

 

[confettiflyer]

Thats not really fair at all. Any reasonable professor would take the time to listen to your story/argument and THINK about it before he goes off on a tangent accusing you of cheating.

what are you...living in a dream world? the OP pulled out paper DURING A TEST that had prewritten things on it. Doesn't matter if it was hieroglyphics or didn't help the OP...it's considered academic dishonesty until proven otherwise. You just do not do that during a test, it's stupid, and I'm glad the OP realizes that.

 

[atticus27]

You know why my books don't fly open during exams or why I don't use 18 pieces of scratch paper with crap written on the bottom one? Because,

#1) I give a sheet.

#2) I am AT LEAST more perceptive than a fence post.


ZING!

 

[BustyPharmD]

well, when you are a student, you are at the mercy of the teacher. And for you to pull out a sheet of paper with "practice problems" on the back then its also your fault for not checking. Like everything in life, just because you didn't know doesn't mean your excussed for it. That's just how life goes.

If he caught you, he caught you. Unless it murder, your basically guilty. I'd hate to break it to but that's how it is. You can try your best to make a stink about the situation but in the end the teacher will always have the upper hand. The lawyers, and so so on so on will only cost you time and money and the results might not be what you are looking for. You should drop the class because thats the ez way out. If not, be prepared to deal with the circumstance. And next time...I'd be smarter about taking exams and using your own material. You should have made sure your materials are clean. If 30 other kids can take the quiz without practice problems on the back then why can't you? What's the world coming too =(

 

[AKN16]

Grade wise I started off at a low B and then worked my way up to a low A. I'm a good student. I've been busting my ass trying to get an A in his course and he knows that. I'm the only one that participates and I've hired one of his adjuct facutly memebers as my tutor. I don't know what else I could do... Last week on his quiz as he was collecting them I pulled out my book to review material that he would be covering during his lecture and he yelled at me for pulling out my book. I'm not sure what to do. I told him I'd be willing to take the quiz again when he questioned me... he said no. I don't know what to do.....

What should I do?

Is there a department chair person you could talk to? If you could talk to another person, that would demonstrate that you were truly sorry about this incident, and that it was a total mistake.

Just by reading what you wrote, I truly and honestly believe your story.

 

[calisoca]

I totally understand why he would be upset I should have had it out before the quiz started but didn't think I needed it. It was a stupid mistake and thats all it is... a stupid mistake. But, I didn't even know that there would be anything on the papers. I asked him if I could have scratch paper and he said it was fine if he had said no I wouldn't even have thought it was okay to have taken it out. This totally sucks.

Then why did he call you up after the quiz to ask to see the papers? So he went from "Yes you can use the scratch paper" to "You cheated with the scratch paper, im penalizing you." You must have given him probable cause to question your use of the ''scratch paper." I don't believe you.

In any event, there's simply a zero tolerance policy on cheating. He said he's going to penalize you on this quiz, and he should do exactly that. Teachers don't have the time to open up an investigation on every student who looks suspicious of cheating which is why they definitively state there's zero tolerance.

 

[bugg]

.

 

[Kaiter]

Thats not really fair at all. Any reasonable professor would take the time to listen to your story/argument and THINK about it before he goes off on a tangent accusing you of cheating. personally, if the professor lets you use your OWN scratch paper, then it is his fault. But it is very rare. usually you should check what your using as scratch paper before you pull it out of your backpack. Cheating can cost you your whole academic career

I both agree and disagree. I agree that a reasonable professor would hear the student out. However, everyone knows of the academic backstabbing and edges students try to get, it would not be uncommon for a student to cheat even just once on a quiz. Professors have experienced A LOT of cheating in their classes than people realize. Over time, said professors tend to go down harder on those they catch cheating.

To OP: I'm not going to lecture you because a lot of people have already, make sure you learn from your mistake. Do whatever it takes to keep the cheating off your transcript...even if it means flunking the course. It is much easier to explain an F than to explain a note of academic dishonesty. However, from what it seems like your professor is probably just going to flunk you for that quiz, BUT that does not mean he will not report you to student affairs at your school (depends how seriously your school takes cheating). If it comes to that, be prepared to explain your situation and reasoning and explain how the scratch work wouldn't have helped you on the quiz.

If you do get a mark on your record...it does not mean you are excluded from pharm school. Some schools will give you the opportunity to explain it. However, your chances for toptop schools will probably be severely compromised.

 

[charfdorn]

Yes you did. Whether you looked at it or not, whether it was intentional or not, you provided yourself with an unfair advantage. Take the zero and work extra hard going forward.

The OP hasn't responded since I posted this (and others expressed the same sentiments, in slightly friendlier language). Did something happen, or did he/she come here looking for help cheating and have his/her hopes crushed?

 

[Passion4Sci]

Very few people ever reply to these threads... Andrew87 is another example. And don't forget the "Dont lost hope" guy/girl.

 

[Kaiter]

OP is a new member and going by commonality...a new member who suddenly starts asking questions usually only stick around for those answers (not always true...just experience from other forums).

 

[charfdorn]

Very few people ever reply to these threads... Andrew87 is another example. And don't forget the "Dont lost hope" guy/girl.

I just assumed he/she losted hope by now.

 

[Passion4Sci]

I just assumed he/she losted hope by now.

Touche'.


[junk post].

 

[charfdorn]

Touche'.


[junk post].

No, this is a junk post.

 

[aboveliquidice]

No, this is a junk post.

It is really troubling to read all of these "I've been caught!!" or "I've been accused!!!" threads...

Here is a true story.

During one of my pharm schools exams - I was really stressed out. We were doing the endocrine system - this included therapeutics, A&P, and Med chem of said drugs wrapped in one exam. I was stressed and worked through the night to prepare. During the minutes leading up to the test, I was reviewing all of my med chem structures / toxicology mechanisms.

When the test began, I tossed my notes under my table and began the test. Midway through, I realized that my notes were showing on the floor and easily readable. I was pretty much screwed. Automatic failure, possible dismissal from school.

There was no question what I needed to do however. I stood up, and walked to the front of the room to where one of my professors was proctoring the exam. I explained what I had done, how my notes were now visible on the floor, and I asked what I should do. He followed me to the table, collected my notes, and instructed me to finish the exam - which I did. Afterward, I was instructed to wait after the test to speak with both the dean and several professors.

Nervous, I met the gaze of my dean and instructors and explained how the mess had occurred. I was commended for my honesty. My academic abilities are well known to the administrative staff, along with my passion for pharmacy. I received no adverse action for my mistake - and passed the exam with a 97%.

These things happen - it is the choices you make after they take place that determines the outcome.

 

[azwethinkweizm]

Okay, so I'm taking OChem over the summer and we have a quiz every week well, today was our 5th quiz out of 7... and as I was taking the quiz I took out scratch paper to write out some of my answers and what I didn't notice is the fact I had my practice problems that I had been working on the back of some of my papers and after class was over he called me and was like let me see those papers and I should him and then I realized that I had my random problems worked out and he accused me of cheating... what do I do? I didn't cheat... I didn't even know that the "scratch" work was there until he brought it to my attention... I'm so sad because I would have never even thought of doing such a thing and now to think that because of stupid careless mistake he may drop me from the course, give me a F, or kick me out of the university.... I'm so freaking out what should I do? He said he would have to penalize me for this quiz... and he said he would think about it...

I tried to explain to him that I didn't even know and it wasn't my intention and I also emailed him once I got home... this isn't fair. What should I do... 😡 😡 😡 😡

It really depends on how you play it. That happened to me once and when the prof went by I just kinda ignored him and said things like "not mine" or "i'm too busy to look at that stuff" and kept writing on the test. He took the notes but didn't accuse me of cheating.

 

[charfdorn]

It really depends on how you play it. That happened to me once and when the prof went by I just kinda ignored him and said things like "not mine" or "i'm too busy to look at that stuff" and kept writing on the test. He took the notes but didn't accuse me of cheating.

Yeah, you're like a week too late to help on this one. The OP isn't even around any more.