February 2026
A Clean Slate
A new semester begins with prepared course content and exciting new classroom activities. As you scan your student’s faces on the first day of class, you recognize a student you previously reported to the Academic Integrity Office for a violation. You know they were found responsible and that their previous grade was impacted by the sanction. Their uncertain expression suggests nervousness about taking another course with you. How should you approach this situation professionally? While this situation is not a frequent occurrence, it is something that faculty should consider in advance.
While the Academic Integrity Office works hard to maintain confidentiality, faculty occasionally know when students have completed our process. This may occur because you reported a student directly, or because of your panel services. This knowledge often stays with us long after case closure. However, enabling students to move forward is essential for continued learning and development.
Faculty members understandably experience high emotions following academic misconduct including disappointment, fear of recurrence, and diminished trust. To facilitate a positive semester for everyone, consider these approaches:
Acknowledge the situation by initiating a private conversation. An optional starting sentence could include, “I recognize that we navigated a difficult situation previously. However, I care about your academic success. As your instructor, I want to help you continue learning.” This acknowledgment reduces student shame and encourages open communication in the new class.
Clarify expectations by either reinforcing expectations and documenting them in multiple locations or providing explicit clarification on policies that were previously confusing. It is important to remember that faculty should be very clear about their academic integrity policies with every student every semester, not just those with a known history of academic misconduct concerns.
Be honest with your student about your professional relationship moving forward. If the previous violation affects your ability to provide recommendations or supervise research opportunities, communicate these limitations honestly but compassionately. This clarity establishes appropriate professional boundaries moving forward.
Be honest with yourself about your own concerns. If you cannot move past the incident, consult your department chair to arrange alternative grading procedures, discuss the matter confidentially with departmental colleagues, or identify other support mechanisms that allow you to fulfill your professional obligations while processing the situation.
Supporting students who return to your classrooms after academic integrity violations is fundamental to their educational development. While this responsibility is significant, it requires intentional effort and professional commitment. If you would like to further discuss ways to help a student in your classroom who was previously found responsible for an academic integrity violation, please contact the AIO any time by emailing aio@syr.edu or calling 315-443-5412. Our office is at 550 Bird Library if you would like to stop by for a private consultation; we recommend scheduling your appointment in advance.
Kate Marzen
Director of Academic Integrity
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