What Political Science Professors Should Know in Dealing with Academic Dishonesty

Abstract

Since 1961 there has been a noticeable increase in the number of lawsuits brought by students against their professors over grades and dismissals relating to academic dishonesty. Unfortunately, many political science professors are either unaware or misinformed on how to handle cases of academic dishonesty, and university administrators cannot always be counted on to look after the best interests of their own faculty. The purpose of this article is threefold. First, we look briefly at the changing legal status of college students in the United States. We examine their rights as well as relevant court decisions and recent legislation pertaining to academic dishonesty. Second, we clarify some common misconceptions professors have regarding academic dishonesty. Finally, we offer some caveats and suggestions to aid political science professors in dealing with academic dishonesty. This article was originally prepared for the Annual Meeting of the Missouri Political Science Association, St. Louis, Missouri, Nov...