Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Instances of academic dishonesty and plagiarism disrupt the spirit of Christian
community in a seminary environment. In cases in which the professor has
concluded that academic dishonesty has occurred:
1) the professor will discuss the incident with the student and take measures
appropriate to the nature of the assignment and course;
2) the professor will submit a written report, together with a copy of the student’s
work in question, to the offi ce of the academic dean and registrar. The Dean’s offi ce
will provide the student with an opportunity to view the professor’s report and to
respond in writing.
Upon the fi rst incident of academic dishonesty, the associate dean for student
academic affairs or the academic dean, at his or her discretion, may refer the student
to the Committee on Student Life/Student Standing in executive session, which
will make a recommendation to the academic dean and the faculty regarding that
student’s continuance or dismissal from the Seminary;
3) a subsequent incident of academic dishonesty will result in an additional
written report, including an opportunity for the student to respond, and automatic
referral to the Committee on Student Life/Student Standing in executive session,
which will make a recommendation to the academic dean and the faculty regarding
that student’s continuance or dismissal from the Seminary.
It is the aim and hope of the Seminary that an atmosphere of respect for one
another and of commitment to disciplined inquiry will prevail and constructively
guide personal and professional development.
GRADE APPEALS
The evaluation of students’ academic work is an integral part of the educational
process to be carried out with the utmost seriousness. The process of grading is
essentially a private matter between individual students and instructors, ruled by
principles of academic profi ciency, professionalism, and confi dentiality.
Grades also have a public dimension. They are, for example, a signifi cant factor
in qualifying for fellowships and being accepted into other academic institutions.
They also can have an impact on students’ self-confi dence, and their sense of
their own abilities and potentials. It is therefore important for Austin Presbyterian
Theological Seminary that students and instructors have confi dence in the grading
system. Grading a student’s work is the responsibility and prerogative of the instructor
and, in principle, any alteration in a student’s grade rests in the discretion of the
instructor.
If a student has a question about a course grade received from an instructor,
the student may make an appeal in the manner and according to the procedures
outlined in full in the Student Handbook. If the grade being appealed is not a failing
course grade, the appeal process ends with the appeal to the associate dean for
student academic affairs whose decision, in consultation with the academic dean,
is fi nal and binding.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary by its mission to educate and equip
individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service
and leadership, upholds particular standards and expectations in behavior for all its
members in their life together. These qualities of life are grounded in a common
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POLICIES AND INFORMATION