CGS - College of General Studies - University of Pittsburgh

Academic Integrity Code

Download the complete College of General Studies Academic Integrity Code (PDF), which includes Student Obligations, Procedures for Adjudication, and Grievance Policies and Procedures for Faculty and Senior Administrators.

Academic Integrity Disputes:

If a student is accused of a breach in academic integrity, the professor must assign a "G" grade to the student until a final resolution is determined. The following steps are taken when a student is accused of a breach in academic integrity.

1. The student is notified by the accusing party. The notification usually comes from the professor of the class.
2. The professor and the student attempt to come to an agreed upon resolution.
3. If no resolution is agreed upon, the student and the professor meet with the chair of the department which is offering the class.
4. If no resolution is agreed upon, the professor notifies the academic integrity officer in the College of General Studies. This is the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. The assistant dean undertakes an investigation of the allegations, often talking with the student, the professor, the department chair, and other people involved in the allegations. The assistant dean issues a written statement, usually in the form of a letter, offering a resolution to the allegations. If both parties agree to the resolution, the situation is resolved. If both parties do not agree, then the assistant dean, serving as academic integrity officer, convenes a hearing board. This board is made up of two professors, two students, and two university administrators and is chaired by the Associate Dean of the College of General Studies. All facts are presented to the hearing board and a resolution is given by the board to the Dean who renders a decision. The Dean's decision can be appealed to the Provost.

Disputing a Grade:

1. The student and the professor should meet to resolve a grade dispute.
2. If no resolution is agreed upon, the student and the professor should meet with the chair of the department which is offering the class.
3. The chair of the department puts in writing his/her resolution to the dispute.
4. The student has the option to contest the chair's resolution with the assistant dean of student affairs.
5. The assistant dean of student affairs has the option to interview the student, the professor, and the department chair. The assistant dean puts in writing his/her resolution to the dispute. This resolution may be appealed to the Associate Dean of the College of General Studies and then to the Dean.

The assistant dean of student affairs in the College of General Studies is Cristina Ruggiero, PhD. She can be reached by calling 412-624-6600.