Statement of Philosophy

We, the KGI community, strive for the highest ethical standards and will hold one another accountable to them. We will abstain from improper conduct in our academic and professional lives, ensuring that our successes come only from just and ethical means.

General Principles

Principles inherent in this Code include:

  • Students shall treat all members of the community with respect and without malicious intent to ensure that all students share equal opportunities.
  • Students shall conduct themselves in a manner that upholds their reputation of honesty and integrity in order to promote an environment of trust.
  • It is the obligation of the students to participate in making the honor system viable by reporting violations of potential academic and professional misconduct.
  • KGI students shall report to the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs  any firsthand knowledge of any violation to any of the provisions of this Honor Code.

Prohibited Activities with Respect to Academic Matters

An academic matter means any one of the following: activities which may affect a grade in a course; any activity which in any way contributes to satisfaction of the requirements of a course, or requirements for graduation, or co-curricular activities of an academic nature including student publication and competitions.

In addition, KGI students shall not:

  • Use materials during an examination other than those specifically authorized by the instructor. To avoid even the appearance of impropriety during an examination, all books, notebooks, briefcases, and the like should be placed in the front or rear of the examination room.
  • Use of materials in any research or assignment that are not authorized by the instructor. This includes reuse of the student’s own work or the work of others.
  • Engage in any form of plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the words or ideas of another source directly without proper acknowledgment of that source. While it is often necessary to obtain information from other sources, the willful or inadvertent use of information from another source without acknowledging it (including all types of commercial term paper preparation services; Internet or electronic database sources for term papers, journal clubs, or case presentations; and other students’ work) or permission is considered plagiarism. Ignorance is NOT an excuse. The student bears the responsibility to learn from the individual instructor the procedure for acknowledging sources and indicating quotations as required for each assignment.
  • Engage in any form of copyright infringement. Copyright infringement is the use of works protected by copyright law without permission, infringing certain exclusive rights granted to the copyright holder, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, display or perform the protected work, or to make derivative works. While it is often necessary to obtain information from other sources, the willful or inadvertent use of information from another source without permission is considered copyright infringement. Ignorance is NOT an excuse. The student bears the responsibility for permission to use copyrighted materials.
  • Give, solicit, or receive information or assistance to or from any person or source in regards to an examination, group examination, makeup examination, or written assignment unless specifically authorized to do so by the instructor.
  • Submit modified or changed completed tests, answer sheets, or assignments for re- grading.
  • Intentionally deface, remove without authorization, or conceal any material from the KGI premises, library, or any other place within the consortium of colleges where information may be stored.
  • Make an unauthorized or improper use of a computer or computer program, including unauthorized use of programmable calculators during an examination.
  • Willfully conceal or misrepresent information and/or material to an investigation of any alleged violation of this Honor Code when the information is sought by the Division of Student Affairs , Student Conduct Committee (SCC), faculty, Dean, or the Dean’s designee.

Prohibited Activities with Respect to Nonacademic Matters

As members of the KGI community, students represent not only themselves, but also KGI. Therefore, while they have the right and freedom to exercise individual autonomy, they also have the responsibility to exercise that autonomy in a manner that will bring honor to themselves and their School.

In addition, the KGI student shall not:

  • Intentionally make misrepresentation on a resume or curriculum vitae concerning class rank, grades, academic honors, work experience, or any other matter relevant to job placement.
  • Purposely furnish false information.
  • Perpetrate any form of theft, forgery, falsification, or fraudulent use of the Institute or work-site property.
  • Willfully conceal or misrepresent information and/or material to an investigation of any alleged violation of this Honor Code when the information is sought by the DOS, SCC, faculty, Dean, or the Dean’s designee.
  • Use or remove unauthorized prescription or nonprescription medications and/or appliances from the site of any clinical experience or rotation.

Violation of Civil Law

KGI shall direct all cases concerning violations of civil laws to the Student Conduct Committee. Any violations will be handled by the Student Conduct Committee as described in the KGI Student Handbook. If the Student Conduct Committee makes a decision that the case represents a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, penalties will be prescribed as outlined in the Student Handbook. The handling by the Student Conduct Committee of such cases does not preclude the accuser from filing a complaint within the public court system.

Penalties

The instructor of the course may define penalties for a student who violates a particular course regulation. The professor must clearly state these regulations and penalties in their course syllabus which has gone through the curriculum committee approval process. The student has the right to appeal such penalties if the student believes as though the penalty has been enforced incorrectly. This appeal must go to the DOS. One or more of the penalties will be applied to offending students depending on the severity of the infraction and whether or not the student has previously been in violation of the Honor Code or Clinical Code of Conduct.

Committee Sanctions

One or more of the penalties will be applied to offending students depending on the severity of the infraction and whether or not the student has previously been in violation of the Honor Code or Clinical Code of Conduct.

Probation

There are three levels of probation. Probation will appear on a student’s unofficial transcript. Recommended level of probation will be determined by the level of seriousness and history. While typical penalties are described below, additional penalties may be assessed.

LEVEL ONE

This level of probation is intended for minor violation(s) of the honor code. Penalties for Level One infraction include probation for a stated period, along with:

  • A letter of reprimand that will be included in the student’s permanent file with the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs until completion of the degree program, and may include;
  • In the case of honor code violations to which a grade apply, a change of score as it pertains to the specific component of the course (or portion of assignment) to which the violation occurred, and may include;

LEVEL TWO

This level of probation is intended for violation(s) of the honor code more serious than those in Level One. In addition to penalties in Level One, penalties for Level Two infractions will have a Level Two Probation for a period of time that will include: Loss of eligibility for one or more of the following:

  • Holding or running for elected office in student professional organizations;
  • Representing the Institute in any capacity both on campus and away from campus;
  • Competing for honors and distinctions;
  • Active participation as an elected representative or member of an honorary organization.

Note: Violation of the terms of level-two probation may result in extended probation, additional level-two penalties, level-three probation, or in the student’s suspension.

LEVEL THREE

This level of probation is intended for violation(s) of the honor code that are more serious than those in Level Two. In addition to penalties in Levels One and Two, penalties for Level Three infractions will have a Level Three Probation for a period of time that will include one or more of the following:

• Loss of eligibility for attendance at all KGI and/or non-class-related sponsored activities for a stated probationary period,

• Community service for a stated number of hours that will require a student to perform tasks that will benefit the community, the School or the Institute. Tasks will be assigned and administered by the DOS. Note: These community service hours do not count towards any academic or course requirement(s).

• Course failure.

• Suspension or separation from the program and the Institute.

Note: Violation of the terms of level-three probation may result in extended probation, suspension, or separation.

Suspension

Suspension is a temporary state of separation for a definite period from the Institute including the programs, facilities, and activities. The completion of the period of suspension does not guarantee reinstatement. The decision to readmit a student will be the responsibility of the Dean. If the student is reinstated a letter of reprimand will be included in the student’s permanent file. Suspensions will be noted on the student’s official transcript.

Separation

Separation is a state in which the student is not permitted to continue coursework at the Institute. The student shall be withdrawn from all uncompleted courses in which currently enrolled. The student will not be permitted to re-enter the Institute’s educational programs. Separation will be noted on the student’s official transcript.

Honor Code Procedures

General Statement

  • The process of adjudicating alleged violations involves several KGI offices and committees, as follows:
  • The Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs is responsible for the overall administration of all honor code procedures.
  • The Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs also coordinates an initial investigation of all alleged violations, are responsible for scheduling the SCC meetings and hearings, and overseeing penalties.
  • The SCC serves as a hearing board for incidents of misconduct involving violations of the KGI Honor Code and SPHS Student Clinical Code of Conduct. The SCC is responsible for conducting investigations and making recommendations to the Dean as to whether a violation occurred in all cases in which the student accused of a violation denies guilt. In cases where a violation has been found to occur, the Dean may ask the SCC for a recommendation as to the penalty.
  • The Dean is responsible for deciding upon penalties in cases where a student has admitted to guilt or in cases where the SCC has been asked to make a decision but not recommend a penalty.
  • The Dean is also responsible for implementing academic penalties, suspensions, or separation from the Institute.
  • The Dean will address appeals regarding recommendations made by the SCC.
  • The President will address appeals when one of the following situations is thought to have occurred: a substantial mistake of the facts, a fundamental misinterpretation of official policies if evident, or a significant procedural error took place.

Organization of Student Conduct Committee

Each School will have their own SCC appointed on the basis of school bylaws. A minimum of one faculty member and one student from each school will serve on the committee. Each member of the committee has one vote. An ad-hoc member will be chosen to replace any member who cannot or chooses not to attend the proceedings. The Dean of the school housing the infraction is responsible for choosing ad-hoc members of the committee. If a member of the SCC is in conflict, he/she will be excused or recuse oneself from the committee’s proceedings and an ad-hoc member will take their place.

If a student of one school violates the regulations in the other school or in a mixed class, the misconduct action may be brought against that student at their home school. The name of the student concerned, along with all pertinent information, will be sent to the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs in the appropriate school

Process

Initial Charge and Preliminary Investigation

A faculty member, preceptor, staff member, or student who wishes to make a charge of a violation of the Honor Code or SPHS Student Clinical Code of Conduct against a KGI student must report violations to the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs. It is the responsibility of students, staff, or faculty who suspect such a violation to make a charge in writing, using either the Honor Code Intake Form or SPHS Student Clinical Code of Conduct Charge Form (see link to forms), to one of these individuals. Charges must be filed within Ten (10) business days of the alleged misconduct or discovery of alleged misconduct by an institutional representative.

Upon receipt of an Honor Code Intake Form, the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs will notify the accused student that a complaint has been filed and inform the accused student of their rights under the Honor Code Policy. A Receipt of Acknowledgement document will be sent to the student. This document is a statement that the student received the “charges” filed against them. Both forms are to be signed and returned to the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs within two (2) business days from the date of the written correspondence, whether the student agrees with them or not. The Receipt of Acknowledgment Form is just an acknowledgment of the charges that are pending, and not a plea or an admission of guilt. All letters will be sent via email or hand delivered requiring a student signature if the student is on campus. This will demonstrate and confirm proof of delivery.

Anonymous reports may be submitted using the Silent Witness Form. However, anonymous reports have a lower probability of resulting in an investigation unless there is some corroborating evidence that has been provided by others regarding a particular student or incident. If an anonymous report is submitted, there is no requirement that the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs notify the accused student, or that an investigation be launched.

After receiving the Honor Code Intake Form and notifying the student of the complaint, the DOS will conduct a preliminary investigation. This investigation will normally entail meeting with the accuser(s), witness(es), obtaining and discussing existing evidence of the alleged misconduct, and a meeting with accused to discuss the charges and evidence. This meeting may happen in person, by phone or through the use of online technology. Dated notes should be taken by the DOS to describe these discussions. Every effort should be made by all parties involved to maintain confidentiality in these discussions.

Students who fail to respond to initial notification from the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs, or designee, within two business days of email notification or who cannot be contacted after reasonable attempts, will be notified that the decision-making process will proceed without the benefit of their input and subject to consequent sanctioning. If the student fails to respond to the email notice to schedule an appointment with the Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs, or designee, an administrative hold will be placed on the student’s record prohibiting the student from performing registration transactions until an appointment is scheduled and completed.

Process following preliminary investigation

FOR CASES WHERE DISMISSED BY DOS

Following the preliminary investigation, the DOS may drop the charge and dismiss the case (e.g., unable to substantiate based on current evidence, convinced a violation has not occurred). In such cases the accused student will be notified in writing. A copy of the charge and written summary information from the preliminary investigation shall be placed in the DOS’s office until the student graduates or leaves KGI. Should additional information become available, the DOS can re-open the case.

FOR CASES WHERE THERE IS ADMISSION OF CULPABILITY: RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINT THROUGH ADMISSION OF RESPONSIBILITY

If the accused student admits responsibility for a violation of the KGI Honor Code or SPHS Student Clinical Code of Conduct, the accuser(s) will be apprised of the charge and the student’s admission. If the case involves academic misconduct, the faculty member may then impose academic penalties if outlined in that course’s syllabus. In other cases, the Dean may assess additional penalties or the SCC may recommend additional penalties to the Dean. A letter from the Dean’s office delivered by email or hand delivered will serve as the official notice of the decision and penalty. The decision letter will be shared with faculty or other administrative units (e.g. Registrar, Campus Safety, etc.) on a need-to-know basis.

FOR CASES WHERE THERE IS NO ADMISSION OF CULPABILITY

If the accused student does not admit responsibility for misconduct, a formal process involving the SCC will be launched. Referral to the Committee must be by a referral memo created by the DOS which names the student, describes the alleged misconduct (including pertinent dates, times, witness and/or evidence), and summarizes the content of earlier meetings regarding this case. If the DOS is not available to conduct this process, the Dean of the school where the infraction occurred will appoint a designee.

Within five (5) business days of referral of the case to the SCC, the Chair of the committee will provide a copy of the referral memo to the accused student(s). In addition, the Chair will schedule an initial hearing for any charged student with the Committee.

This hearing should be held within ten (10) business days of the referral of the case to the Committee. If there is an extenuating circumstance that causes a delay in any of these timelines, the student will be notified. Note: Business day(s) refers to official business days—not holidays, weekends or when regular classes are not in session.

The Chair of the SCC will present evidence at the SCC meeting. The accused student(s) shall meet with the Committee and be afforded an opportunity to defend him/herself. The accused student does have the right to solicit advice and to offer witnesses to support their position.

The Chair will notify the student and witnesses of the meeting date in writing at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.

All sessions of the Committee will be closed to all individuals except those immediately concerned in the case. No attorney shall be present, as this is not a court of law. All persons present at the proceedings shall be bound to disclose no more than the Committee does in its official report on the case. Revelation of such details will be considered a violation of the Honor Code.

The testimony of each witness shall be given while the other witnesses in the case are out of the room. Scheduling of all witnesses must be cleared with the chair of the SCC beforehand. The Committee may allow introduction of evidence other than testimony of witnesses provided that the evidence is relevant to the question before the Committee. The Committee shall set rules for the conduct of all cases and all arrangements connected with the taking of evidence. Time frames for instigation of hearings and proceedings may be altered if circumstances warrant. Votes on all matters shall be a simple majority.

Deliberation of the Committee shall take place in private and remain confidential. Voting on decisions of culpability shall be by secret ballot. The result of deliberations will be reported to the Dean. If misconduct is found, the Dean will determine the penalties or implement penalties recommended by the SCC. A letter from the Dean’s office will serve as the official notice of judgment and penalties; this letter should be delivered by email, by hand or by certified mail. “The decision letter will be shared with faculty or other administrative units (e.g. Registrar, Campus Safety, etc.) on a need-to-know basis.

Appeals

APPEAL TO THE DEAN

Any decision reached by the Student Conduct Committee may be appealed to the Dean of the appropriate school. An appeal shall be requested by the student in writing and received by the Dean, within seven (7) business days after receiving the notice of imposed sanctions.

The Dean will review the SCC written report, interview the Chair of the SCC, and/or involved faculty as appropriate and will schedule a meeting with the accused student within a reasonable time after receiving the written notice of appeal.

All appeals to the Dean should be delivered in person or by certified mail to:

Keck Graduate Institute
Dean’s Office
535 Watson Drive
Claremont, CA 91711

APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT

Within seven (7) business days after receiving the Dean’s response to appeal or the notice of Dean imposed sanctions, any accused student wishing to appeal will give written notice of such intention to the President. Only appeals that address a substantial mistake of the facts, a fundamental misinterpretation of official policies if evident, or a significant procedural error will be acknowledged by the President. The accused student will include a focused statement of the basis for such an appeal within the written notice and may include new information that may have been obtained since the charge was filed.

The President will notify the Dean, Chair of the Student Conduct Committee, Division of Student Affairs and/or VP of Academic Affairs, and the involved faculty member, if any, of the appeal.

The President will review the SCC written report, interview the Dean, Chair of the SCC, and/or involved faculty as appropriate and will schedule a meeting with the accused student within a reasonable time after receiving the written notice of appeal.

Factual findings of the SCC will not be overturned on appeal absent a showing that the findings are not supported by relevant evidence. The decision of the President is final.

All appeals to the President should be delivered in person or by Certified Mail to:

Keck Graduate Institute
President’s Office
535 Watson Drive
Claremont, CA 91711

Rights of the Student

With respect to violation of the student Honor Code, a student of KGI is guaranteed the following rights:

  • The right to a reasonable amount of time to prepare for their hearing;
  • The right to a prompt hearing;
  • The right of being presumed innocent until proven guilty;
  • The right to solicit advice;
  • The right to appeal;
  • The right to know their accuser;
  • The right to expect that the SCC will deal with their case in a confidential manner.

NOTES AND DEFINITION

  • The word student in this manual refers to any person who is enrolled in any course offered by the KGI.
  • The words professor or instructor in this manual refer to any person who is authorized by the Institute to hold and teach a class sponsored by the university or precept a student during an off-campus practice experience.
  • The words institute and school refer to KGI and Riggs School, KGI SPHS or KGI MSGC or MSGDA, respectively.
  • The phrase SCC refers to that committee that is assigned by the Dean of each school to review situations in which students are involved in academic, nonacademic, or professional misconduct.
  • The word handbook in this document refers to the edition of KGI’s Student Handbook in effect at the time of the offense.
  • The word day(s) refers to official business days—not holidays, weekends or summer session.

    KGI reserves the right to change, delete or modify any item in this document at any time. Proper notification concerning changes, deletions or modifications of said document will be sent to all students within four weeks.