- Joined
- May 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 2
Last edited:
Someone cheated off of me but we both got in trouble
- Thread starter ToBeDr.IndecisiveGirl
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2017
- Messages
- 2,505
- Reaction score
- 2,336
I am not sure if you can get actual help at this forum.
How can people on this forum know what has really happened?
As far as I know, your professor has the last word. Most of the time they show 0 mercy. If you are 10000% right, maybe you can explain that to your professor.
When I have taken tests, I would seat far from others, cover myself up and do not even raise my head until tests are done to avoid even 1% chance of someone saying I looked over.
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2017
- Messages
- 2,505
- Reaction score
- 2,336
Maybe more knowledgeable SDN residents can share some suggestions for your situation.
- Joined
- May 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 2
We had to sit in the middle and no gap seats allowed because the class was small. What I don't get is why wont the professor accuse the other student . Clearly I did much better than them and I'm still getting a IA on my transcript. This will for sure ruin my chances for med schools. On my Amcas app I have to include the IA, no? I've read so much stuff on these forums about students not getting in, but why do I have to suffer too when it's not my fault.
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2017
- Messages
- 2,505
- Reaction score
- 2,336
You have to disclose any IA you have had recorded or not. If it is recorded on your transcript, they will see it anyways. AAMCas requires all IA's to be disclosed.
You have asked about how to get it removed. Even if you get it removed, it must be disclosed. Your committee letters might mention it, LOR's, other school records might have it recorded even if it is removed from your transcript.
You have asked about how to get it removed. Even if you get it removed, it must be disclosed. Your committee letters might mention it, LOR's, other school records might have it recorded even if it is removed from your transcript.
- Joined
- May 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 2
I completely understand, but do not see how the professor is wrong here. Why would I cheat off of someone else exam when I did better than them? And with the IA still on my record would it prevent me from getting acceptance to medical school even if were to explain the same scenario to them?
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2010
- Messages
- 74,823
- Reaction score
- 120,046
When you are taking the exam, the professor doesn't know how you were doing. He says he saw you looking at the other person's paper. That's enough. Period. End of story. The other person's grade is irrelevant at this point. Also, what the professor does with the other person is not your concern right now.
There has to be some sort of appeals process at your school (I hope). Take this to the Dep't Chair, the Dean, the Chancellor/Provost/President etc.
Take an F in the course if it means keeping this off your transcript.
And yes, this can be lethal to your med school chances.
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2016
- Messages
- 111
- Reaction score
- 229
I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you're telling the truth here.
I'm so sorry you're in this situation. It really sucks to be punished so severely for something you didn't do. I would be freaking out in your shoes. But you need to try your hardest to calm down and collect yourself on this, because that's the only way this will work out.
The first thing that you need to do is read your school's student handbook. As @Goro said, there is almost certainly an appeal process at your school, and you want to make sure you go about requesting that appeal the way the school wants you to. My guess is your case goes to a committee hearing after this (that's how it worked at my school, I think).
The key points if you do get an appeal are to be as calm as possible and keep the focus 100% on what you did and did not do. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT TRY TO BLAME OR BADMOUTH THE PROFESSOR OR YOUR CLASSMATE. The school is more likely to trust the professor over you (he's likely been there longer and will be there after you, and students do lie about these things). You can say you think he made an innocent mistake (like it's possible you glanced up without thinking/processing), but nothing more than that. You will not do yourself any favors by suggesting he is lying or being unfair. As for blaming the other student, as @PashaOdesit pointed out, you have no idea what your classmate was doing, since you weren't looking at him or her during the test! You had your eyes on your own paper the whole time, right? Just reiterate that you did not and would not cheat. There really isn't anything more you can do than that.
Also, this goes without saying, but if you do succeed with your appeal, you need to do everything in your power to avoid accusations like this again. You need to keep your nose as clean as possible in every sense.
I'm so sorry you're in this situation. It really sucks to be punished so severely for something you didn't do. I would be freaking out in your shoes. But you need to try your hardest to calm down and collect yourself on this, because that's the only way this will work out.
The first thing that you need to do is read your school's student handbook. As @Goro said, there is almost certainly an appeal process at your school, and you want to make sure you go about requesting that appeal the way the school wants you to. My guess is your case goes to a committee hearing after this (that's how it worked at my school, I think).
The key points if you do get an appeal are to be as calm as possible and keep the focus 100% on what you did and did not do. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT TRY TO BLAME OR BADMOUTH THE PROFESSOR OR YOUR CLASSMATE. The school is more likely to trust the professor over you (he's likely been there longer and will be there after you, and students do lie about these things). You can say you think he made an innocent mistake (like it's possible you glanced up without thinking/processing), but nothing more than that. You will not do yourself any favors by suggesting he is lying or being unfair. As for blaming the other student, as @PashaOdesit pointed out, you have no idea what your classmate was doing, since you weren't looking at him or her during the test! You had your eyes on your own paper the whole time, right? Just reiterate that you did not and would not cheat. There really isn't anything more you can do than that.
Also, this goes without saying, but if you do succeed with your appeal, you need to do everything in your power to avoid accusations like this again. You need to keep your nose as clean as possible in every sense.
- Joined
- May 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 2
Update: So I just spoke with a faculty member. They were on my side at first, but the Professor switched up and made them against me. Right now It's her word against mine, but they say the proof is there. and the only outcome here is to have the IA Which will stay on my record for several years. I proceeded with the appeal, but again the professor has the higher say in this. I'm trying my best, like I'll take the F but I can never take the IA. If the faculty chair switched on me real quick, I'm sure the department chair and others will too. I feel like as much as i'm trying to correct this, it's falling apart. I told the truth about my integrity and everything but it was useless since no one believes me . The sad part is the the professor herself switched up the story to make it seem like I did cheat. Why would a professor hate me so much to switch up her own story and make it valid that I did look. How is someone okay with ruining my entire goal and future? She said that the assistance in class did saw me glance when she initially said they didn't only and she did. I'm sorry, but what do I do. IDK why this professor finds pleasure in giving me a IA and ruining my life. If the IA is final on my transcript I have no plan B or C. My advisor told me to get legal advice, but that's going to cost thousands. I'm willing to pay if you guys think it's necessary?
- Joined
- May 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 2
During my meeting I not once bad mouth the professor nor the other student. I gave my valid response but my professor X did not have any sort of mercy at all. Professor X wanted to continue forward. The only proof there is the 7 questions which had the identical wrong answers and now there's "assistance" who saw what happend. How could a Professor switch up there story to ruin a students career? I'm guessing professor X story was not valid enough that professor X felt the need to add new things.
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2017
- Messages
- 2,505
- Reaction score
- 2,336
those questions that are the same? are the multiple choice or those are sentences written word for word exactly the same?
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2017
- Messages
- 125
- Reaction score
- 132
Coming from someone who sits on an integrity committee, it's a difficult situation to be in. Like you said they will hold the professor's word higher than yours. Also with the 7 identical questions and others who claim they saw you looking, it does not bode well for your case, unfortunately. As for the legal advice its a chance, but it may not work. I know from my institution a lawyer can only give you advice on how to protect yourself and what to say, but they cannot speak for you. Before shelling out what could be thousands I would see what the lawyer can do for you within the policies of your institution.
- Joined
- May 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 2
- Joined
- May 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 2
Can’t I sue the professor for switching up there story to make it seem like I cheated. Like can’t you guys see that the professor wants to ruin my life. Idk why. I’ve never had the professor in my
Life until this year. Like this is going to ruin my life. My life is medicine and I’ve been doing so great so far and all of a sudden this ? I can’t have the IA on my transcript. What do I do , since you’re a chair member. Do you have any advice ?
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2017
- Messages
- 125
- Reaction score
- 132
My advice would be to see what the lawyer could do within the policies of your institution.
How did she switch up the story?
- Joined
- May 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 2
The professor said that They had a feeling that I was cheating the entire time but only saw me glimpse at the end. Professor X also added that the assistance saw me too when in fact that was made up bc in the beginning it was only the professor and now the assistance. When the faculty chair was asking what if I wasn’t found guilty what would happen. The professor replied in such s manner that , they didn’t want me to be forgiven and take the IA. How could someone be happy with this? I’m confused.
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2010
- Messages
- 74,823
- Reaction score
- 120,046
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2017
- Messages
- 125
- Reaction score
- 132
As I've said earlier what is presented does not bode well for a positive outcome, if the policy for lawyers at your institution is similar to mine I do not see a lawyer being beneficial to your case. If teaching assistants and a professor noted to witness you looking at another students paper and you had identical multiple choice answers compared to the person you were accused of looking at, the evidence would be enough to be found guilty if you were appealing to my committee. As for a lawsuit, I agree with @Goro, you wouldn't be able to do that, at least at my institution.
EDIT: and as for the story changing, witnesses are allowed to come forward after the initial accusation
Last edited:
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2016
- Messages
- 928
- Reaction score
- 1,271
I would insist that the assistant(s) be named, and that they give their account directly, rather than simply having a hearsay account by the professor. Obviously if the assistant denies seeing you doing something improper, that would be very helpful. But the professor should not be able to invoke hearsay accounts when witnesses are available to come attest to what they actually saw.
I would also explore this idea that they believed you were cheating before they allegedly saw you cheating. That sounds a little strange.
A problem is that you allege a vendetta on the part of the professor. This does not have -- as I sometimes tell my daughter -- the "ring of truth." It is incredibly unlikely that your professor could be bothered to care about you individually to the extent that he/she would falsify a weighty allegation of academic misconduct. I can assure you this is the perspective of the disciplinary committee or appeals board. If you did not cheat, then this is the result of a mistake by your professor, not a personal attack, and you should re-orient your approach to adopt this more palatable defense.
You must become an expert in the appeals process. I mean you tear through those procedures and know each and every rule backwards and forwards. You must know the burden of proof -- must the professor sustain the action by a preponderance of the evidence, or is it your burden to demonstrate an abuse of discretion? Are you allowed to ask questions and request documents in advance of the hearing? In court cases this is called "discovery" and it is how most evidence is generated. Can you subpoena witnesses? Perhaps you would want to call the assistant(s) or the other student. Perhaps you have other professors who would like to attest as to your trustworthiness and honesty. This is totally up to you to overcome, so you really need to dig in and work the process. Find out who is on the appeals board, how many members and who they are. Write everything out, prepare bound notebooks containing: timelines summarizing each and every relevant conversation/email/action; all the documentary evidence of any kind; your class notes showing you attended the relevant lectures; your own academic record (which presumably does not include other instances of cheating), anything else you can think of. Hand these bound notebooks to each board member when it is your turn, then work through the notebook in your own testimony. If you can outwork the other side you might impress people with your tenacity and desire to be vindicated, which is often equated with innocence. But just showing up and blubbering will result in a quick loss.
Good luck.
I would also explore this idea that they believed you were cheating before they allegedly saw you cheating. That sounds a little strange.
A problem is that you allege a vendetta on the part of the professor. This does not have -- as I sometimes tell my daughter -- the "ring of truth." It is incredibly unlikely that your professor could be bothered to care about you individually to the extent that he/she would falsify a weighty allegation of academic misconduct. I can assure you this is the perspective of the disciplinary committee or appeals board. If you did not cheat, then this is the result of a mistake by your professor, not a personal attack, and you should re-orient your approach to adopt this more palatable defense.
You must become an expert in the appeals process. I mean you tear through those procedures and know each and every rule backwards and forwards. You must know the burden of proof -- must the professor sustain the action by a preponderance of the evidence, or is it your burden to demonstrate an abuse of discretion? Are you allowed to ask questions and request documents in advance of the hearing? In court cases this is called "discovery" and it is how most evidence is generated. Can you subpoena witnesses? Perhaps you would want to call the assistant(s) or the other student. Perhaps you have other professors who would like to attest as to your trustworthiness and honesty. This is totally up to you to overcome, so you really need to dig in and work the process. Find out who is on the appeals board, how many members and who they are. Write everything out, prepare bound notebooks containing: timelines summarizing each and every relevant conversation/email/action; all the documentary evidence of any kind; your class notes showing you attended the relevant lectures; your own academic record (which presumably does not include other instances of cheating), anything else you can think of. Hand these bound notebooks to each board member when it is your turn, then work through the notebook in your own testimony. If you can outwork the other side you might impress people with your tenacity and desire to be vindicated, which is often equated with innocence. But just showing up and blubbering will result in a quick loss.
Good luck.
Everyone has already given great advice in trying to go through the appeals process and get this straightened out. The things that don't make sense to me are: (1) Is the Professor's only evidence that you cheated the fact that you shared 7 wrong answers with the person sitting next to you? Do they think you were cheating off of that student or that they cheated off of you? and (2) If they think you cheated off of someone else sitting close to you, is there any reflection of that in your test when compared to the person they think you cheated off of? If not then maybe you have a way to convince an appeals board that your professor was mistaken.
Since the professor seems to be unwilling to cooperate and hear your side of the story, maybe you can ask your TAs if they think you were cheating and get a feel for if they would be willing state in the appeals process that they didn't see you cheating or doing anything suspicious.
I hope that you get this straightened out because if you are telling us the truth it would be a nightmare situation to be in.
Since the professor seems to be unwilling to cooperate and hear your side of the story, maybe you can ask your TAs if they think you were cheating and get a feel for if they would be willing state in the appeals process that they didn't see you cheating or doing anything suspicious.
I hope that you get this straightened out because if you are telling us the truth it would be a nightmare situation to be in.
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2015
- Messages
- 2,446
- Reaction score
- 1,215
Hopefully you can get it resolved.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2016
- Messages
- 1,401
- Reaction score
- 3,306
Technically he can, he just wouldnt win.
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2017
- Messages
- 125
- Reaction score
- 132
Agreed, but be sure to look at your school's policy on how the appeal process works. At my institution ( the only one I have experience with, so could be different) if you speak to anyone involved in the process they could potentially cancel your appeal and leave you with the professor's penalty.
EDIT: and by anyone involved in the process I mean anyone on the accusing side.
Last edited:
