Discover our policies crafted to uphold Smith Chason excellence.

Smith Chason College is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity. Academic integrity is expected in all forms of academic work and course-related activities, including but not limited to written assignments, examinations, quizzes, discussion posts, laboratory work, clinical and externship activities, attendance records, and the use of technology or external assistance.

Students are required to submit work that reflects their own original ideas and efforts. When incorporating the words, ideas, or materials of others, students must provide appropriate citations both within the text and in a reference list, in accordance with established academic standards. Students must also clearly indicate the extent to which outside sources have contributed to their work.

Materials requiring citation include, but are not limited to, printed and electronic publications (whether copyrighted or not), as well as verbal, visual, or digital content that originates from an identifiable source.

Academic misconduct may occur in a variety of contexts and is not limited to traditional forms such as plagiarism or cheating on examinations. All students are expected to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior in all academic activities.

Violations of this policy—including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, falsification of information, or unauthorized use of resources will result in disciplinary action and application of sanctions. Such action and sanctions may include a warning with remediation; failing grade on the applicable assignment quiz or exam; course failure; probation; suspension; or termination from the College.

Violations of Academic Integrity

A violation of academic integrity is considered academic misconduct. Academic misconduct includes, but not limited to, the following:

• Using third-parties (e.g. tutor, friend, classmate, reviewer entity, and text-generating AI sources) to complete or make extensive revisions to assignments or test/exams or any other academic work
• Using or attempting to use words, ideas, materials, or work without properly acknowledging, documenting, and citing the source
• Copying work submitted by another student
• Taking exam answers from another student’s paper or using old exams not approved by the instructor of the course
• Falsifying sign-in or sign-out times for lab, externship, and clinicals as applicable to the program
• Operating any type of audio or video recording device in a classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting without prior expressed permission from the Campus Director or Director of Education
• Utilizing unapproved materials to answer exam questions

Utilizing artificial intelligence (“AI”) or unauthorized technology to:

• • Generate exam, test, or quiz responses
  • Automate entire assignment submissions;
  • Directly respond to discussion questions and claim response as your own voice; and
  • Provide real-time suggestions or re-write answers during an exam, test, or quiz

For more information regarding violations of academic integrity specific to AI, see Student Guidelines for Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence.

The most common form of academic misconduct is taking someone else’s work or ideas and presenting them as one’s own and is referred to as “plagiarism”.

Student Guidance

To avoid plagiarism, students must cite their sources and give credit where credit is due. Students can refer to the APA Citation information (links to an external site) in the Smith Library for samples, templates, and guidance for how to properly cite resources.

Students are expected to produce work that displays proper use of the most up-to-date version of APA. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of in-text citations, quotation marks, and references to ensure proper acknowledgment is given to any external source(s) used in the creation of academic material.

Students are expected to submit original work and properly acknowledge external sources used in the creation of academic material. For additional information and support, students are encouraged to review and complete the Smith Chason College – Learning Resource Center Tutorial, Plagiarism: What is it and How to Avoid it.

Policy Violation, Process, and Sanctions

Any alleged violation of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy, including plagiarism, will be investigated to determine whether it constitutes a reportable offense.

Students found in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination from the College. Sanctions will be determined by the College based on the severity and scope of the violation. Multiple sanctions may be applied as appropriate.

Sanctions:

Warning, Academic Integrity Acknowledgment, Remediation, and Failing Grade

Following an investigation, a first academic integrity violation may result in a formal warning. If placed on warning, the student will be required to sign an Academic Integrity Acknowledgment form, confirming understanding of the College’s policy and acknowledging that any future violations will result in termination from the College.

The violation and warning status will be documented in the student’s academic record. The student may also be required to complete remediation, which may include working with the College librarian to review APA standards and citation practices. Remediation may be provided as determined by the College. The purpose of remediation is to allow the student an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors to support academic success. Remediation may be assigned based on the nature and severity of the violation, including but not limited to writing or citation training, writing and submitting a reflection essay, connecting with additional resources to improve academic conduct, and/or meetings with advisors or academic leadership.

As part of warning and at the College’s discretion, the student may receive a failing grade for the assignment, examination, or course, associated with the integrity violation, depending on the circumstances. The student will not be permitted to resubmit the affected work. If a failing grade is issued for a course, the student will be required to repeat the course.

Probation or Probation with Suspension

Following an investigation, a first violation may result in escalation to probation or probation with suspension, depending on the scope, nature, and severity of the violation and its impact on the student’s academic work.

The duration and conditions of probation and/or probation with suspension will be determined by the College. The purpose of suspension is to provide the student with an opportunity to reflect, develop accountability, and demonstrate ethical and behavioral improvement before returning to the academic environment.

The student may be required to complete additional requirements as determined by the College during the suspension period and prior to reinstatement.

Refer to the definition of Probation and Suspension within the College Catalog for more information regarding these sanctions.

Termination

Following an investigation, a first violation of the Academic Integrity Policy may result in immediate termination from the College, depending on the severity of the offense. In all cases, however, a second violation of the Academic Integrity Policy will result in termination from the College.

Documentation of the termination decision, including all supporting materials, will be maintained in the student’s academic record.

Smith Chason College recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be valuable resources to support student learning, research, writing, and preparation for the workplace. When used appropriately, AI may help students brainstorm ideas, improve understanding, organize thoughts, review writing, or explore academic topics. However, AI should support learning, not replace a student’s original thought, academic effort, judgment, or demonstration of required skills.

Students who use AI tools are expected to do so safely, responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with college requirements. All academic work must represent the student’s own understanding, voice, and effort unless the use of outside assistance, including AI assistance, is permitted and properly acknowledged. Students remain responsible for the accuracy, quality, originality, and appropriateness of any work they submit.

Academic Integrity

AI is a tool to support learning, not a substitute for learning. Students who use AI in a way that misrepresents authorship, bypasses academic requirements, violates course instructions, or results in submission of work that is not their own will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination from the College.

Appropriate Use of AI

AI may be used when expressly permitted in writing permitted by the instructor, course, assignment instructions, or College guidance. Depending on the course and nature of the academic work, appropriate uses may include support for brainstorming, outlining, studying, research planning, grammar review, drafting practice, or improving clarity, provided the student remains responsible for the final work submitted. The College requires students who use AI tools to do so in ways that protect student and College information.

Students are encouraged to openly discuss appropriate AI use with instructors when students are unsure whether a particular use of AI is permitted and get expressly written approval.

Approved Tools and Protection of Information

Students must only use AI technologies and platforms that have been reviewed and expressly authorized in writing by the College when College systems, student information, or other protected information may be involved. Built-in AI features within College-licensed systems are considered approved unless otherwise noted provided the use case has been expressly permitted .

Students must not enter student records, confidential College information, clinical/externship site information, financial information, personal information, or other protected data into AI tools.

Prohibited or Unauthorized Use

Unauthorized use of AI to complete academic work may be treated as a violation of the College’s academic integrity policy. This includes, but is not limited to, using AI to:

• Generate exam, test, or quiz responses;
• Complete an entire assignment on behalf of the student;
• Directly respond to discussion questions and claim the response as the student’s own voice;
• Replace required student analysis, reflection, clinical judgment, calculation, writing, or other demonstrated competency;
• Assist with scanning competencies and/or clinical competencies;
• Avoid citation, disclosure, or other academic requirements.

Where a course, assignment, or instructor does not clearly permit AI use, students must ask for written guidance before using AI in connection with academic work.

Instructor and Course-Level Expectations

Instructors may allow, limit, or prohibit AI use depending on the course, assignment, program requirements, clinical or lab expectations, accreditation standards, or learning objectives.

Students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior at all times while participating in program activities, whether on campus or in an online learning environment. Professionalism is a fundamental expectation and includes maintaining an appropriate appearance, demonstrating respectful and courteous conduct, and contributing positively to the learning environment.

Students are required to adhere to the College and program specific dress codes and to interact with classmates, instructors, staff, and guests in a professional and respectful manner. Professional behavior includes arriving prepared for class, communicating appropriately, engaging respectfully in discussions, and maintaining a learning environment free from distractions or disruptions.

Instructors are responsible for monitoring and addressing professional conduct concerns. When unprofessional behavior occurs, an instructor may issue either a verbal or written warning to provide the student with an opportunity to correct the behavior. However, if the behavior continues after a warning, or if the conduct is deemed sufficiently disruptive or inappropriate, additional disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with program and College policies.

Examples of unprofessional behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to comply with the established dress code.
• Making disrespectful, offensive, or disparaging remarks about fellow students, instructors, staff, patients, or others.
• Creating excessive noise or engaging in disruptive behavior that interferes with teaching or learning.
• Using inappropriate language, gestures, or communication methods.
• Displaying a lack of respect for classroom rules, institutional policies, or professional standards.
• Engaging in behaviors that negatively impact the learning environment, whether in person or online.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standards and expectations of their chosen profession. Consistent professionalism helps foster a respectful, safe, and productive educational environment for everyone.

Smith Chason College utilizes the TurnitIn® Originality Verification Tool to assist students in ensuring the work they are submitting is their own. Students are encouraged to utilize the tool prior to submitting their work for grading.

While the TurnitIn® Tool does not detect plagiarism, it does assist in the verification of the overall integrity of the work being presented by the student. Students can review the information provided in the Turnitin report and revise their assignments before the official submission.

Faculty members thoroughly review each student assignment regardless of the score provided by TurnitIn® to determine the most appropriate action. Exclusive use of the TurnitIn® similarity score % as criteria for identifying possible violations of academic integrity is prohibited. All student work must be assessed based on the content and contextual use of sources.

The College recognizes that regular attendance positively impacts students’ success in their program of study. Students are expected to attend class regularly and be on time. Non-compliance with the attendance policy may lead to termination from the College.

The College offers courses and programs via distance learning using an online, blended, and/or hybrid course format. Students may be enrolled in an online course with a required weekly live session (on campus or via a Zoom-based lecture) or an online course with no required live sessions(asynchronous). It is the responsibility of the student to meet the College’s attendance requirements, regardless of the course delivery mode.

The College posts attendance for each course on a weekly basis to support academic success and properly administer financial aid. Students are expected to participate in all scheduled courses during each quarter. Attendance is only recorded based on the activities in the table below.

Students are expected to participate in the course activities listed above at least once per week for attendance to be recorded. If a student fails to attend class or complete a gradable activity as outlined in the table above for a period of fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days (not just scheduled class days), excluding scheduled breaks of five days or more, the student is considered to have unofficially withdrawn. For example, a weekend student would be terminated under this policy if he/she missed class on two consecutive weekends. This policy applies even if the student has submitted an excused absence within the 14-day period.

Refer to the individual course syllabi, which students receive at the beginning of each course, for course-specific attendance policies.

Nursing students should see the applicable Nursing handbook for nursing policies on attendance and make-up work.

Students are allowed one excused absence (defined as one instance, not to exceed seven (7) calendar days) per class, per quarter. In order for an absence to be excused there must be documentation provided to the Registrar upon return to classes. Students have one week from the time of the absence to bring in documentation for the absence to be excused. No documentation will be accepted after this time. Excused absences include; death in the immediate* family, illness or injury with a Doctor’s note, jury duty, and military duty. Any requested exceptions to this policy may be appealed in writing to the Director of Education. Please note lab time missed with an excused absence must still be made up before the end of the quarter in which the absence occurred.

Nursing students should see the applicable Nursing handbook for nursing policies on attendance and make-up work.

*Note: Immediate family members include: spouse or domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent; the spouse’s or domestic partner’s parent, child, sibling, or grandparent.

The College utilizes an absolute grading system for imaging and nursing programs, as stated below.

For the Cardiovascular Sonography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Radiologic Technology programs, the TECHNICAL/CORE LABORATORY COURSES only will follow the grading system below:

Specific grading formulas and policies (i.e. rounding) are found in the individual course syllabi, which students receive at the beginning of each course.

A key characteristic of successful working professionals is the ability to meet project and assignment deadlines. Students are expected to submit the course assignments on or before the due dates. Due dates for every assignment are clearly stated in the syllabus and posted in the assignment list in the virtual classroom (Canvas). A late assignment will receive a ten percent deduction for each 24-hour period it is late, with no credit given for work submitted after 48 hours from the original due date. If you are going to be late submitting an assignment, communicate with your faculty member within a reasonable amount of time prior to or immediately after the assignment’s due date. No late submissions (penalty or not) will be accepted for the last assignment in the quarter/term.

Students must make up any missed minutes from the lab, including lab minutes missed due to a tardy or early departure. Students must complete all missed lab hours by the end of the final scheduled lab session. Failure to complete the required hours by the end of the class will result in a failing grade for the course.

• All lab time must be made up, even if the student missed class time due to an excused absence.
• Missed lab hours must be made up during open laboratory sessions; hours in the library will not be accepted.
• An approved laboratory supervisor will oversee the student during open lab hours and sign an attestation sheet stating that the student completed the hours. All signed attestations of made-up hours must be turned in to the current lab instructor and maintained in the class attendance roster.
• Students are NOT permitted to accrue (bank) hours prior to an absence.
• If a student misses the last day/week of the term, the student must submit an appeal to the Director of Education with supporting documentation. If approved, the student must make up the missed time during the break week (before the next term begins) to avoid failing the class.

Students in the nursing programs must make up all missed time and work. Nursing students should see the applicable Nursing handbook for nursing policies on attendance and make-up work, which is located on the Consumer Information page of our website.

A student found to have committed any of the following violations of the College’s policy will be subject to a range of penalties up to and including termination and legal prosecution at the discretion of the administration:

• Abusive behavior: physical, verbal, harassment, and sexual assault to any faculty, staff, student, or visitor.
• Alcohol and any illegal substance: use, possession, sale, distribution, public intoxication.
• Breach of Peace: disorderly, disruptive, indecent behavior
• Possession of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals or other weapons.
• Property damage, vandalism, and theft: destruction, damage, misuse.
• Cheating or Plagiarism.
• Exhibiting violence, insubordination, or inappropriate language toward any College staff, faculty, student, or visitor.
• Conveyance of threats by any means of communication.
• Bullying by any means of any individual, including coercion and personal abuse.
• Displaying symbols that promote hate and discrimination.
• Violating the social media and/or copyright policy.
• Audio/Video recording during lecture or lab classroom and clinical or externship sites. If outside the classroom, recordings are only permissible with the knowledge and consent of all parties involved.
• Cell phone usage during lectures, labs, externships or clinical.
• Unprofessional Conduct.
• Falsifying information, including but not limited to attendance or information submitted to obtain Financial Aid.
• Dress Code Violations. Observance of the rules and regulations of the College as well as maintaining a professional manner is required at all times. Conduct which interferes with the education of other students and the operation of the College may result in termination.

Student Code of Conduct in the Online Classroom

• It is required to be in a safe and quiet place free from distractions.
• No student can join the class video conference while working, driving, running errands, doing household chores, etc.
• The dress code or proper attire is strictly observed.
• During the class session, your video screen (camera) must be on, and audio muted unless instructed otherwise.
• The student should not lie down in bed or on a couch while listening or participating.
• Engaging in disruptive or distracting behavior is not allowed, including but not limited to:
  • Talking in class, interrupting the instructor or other students
  • Using offensive language
  • Personal attack
  • Creating distractions or disturbances
  • Reading unrelated materials
  • Creating distractions or disturbances
  • Reading unrelated materials

The purpose of the dress code is to cultivate a culture and environment of professionalism and to help students in the pursuit of becoming a medical health care professional. Students must appear and dress professionally, at all times, while attending the College, clinical sites, and participating in a virtual learning environment. The virtual learning environment is an extension of the College. As such the expectations and protocols outlined in the catalog and Student Code of Conduct for the Online Classroom apply.

Students who are not in the dress code may not be allowed to attend classes or go to their clinical site that day and will receive an unexcused absence. Repeated noncompliance may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination (see Conduct Policy). Furthermore, please reference the Student Handbook and course syllabi for additional program-specific dress code requirements.

General Appearance: College-issued picture ID student badge is to be worn at all times. If the name badge is lost, the student must purchase another one from the Registrar or Student Services Office. Students must wear school-provided medical scrubs while on campus. Scrubs must be unaltered, laundered, and free of stains and wrinkles. Jackets and/or hoodies can be worn in the classroom setting, however, may not display unprofessional or offensive material.

Shoes: Shoes must be safe, clean, in good repair, closed-toe, and appropriate for the clinical setting. Sandals and open-toed shoes are not permitted.

Hair/Headwear: Hair must be kept clean, neat, and well-groomed and should not obstruct eye-to-eye contact or create a health/safety hazard. Long hair should be secured back. Facial hair must be clean and neatly groomed. Headgear, bandannas, scarves, hats, caps, or beanies are not permitted unless required for medical, safety, or religious purposes.

Tattoos: All tattoos must be covered.

Jewelry: A minimal amount of jewelry is allowed (e.g., wedding bands or engagement rings); however visible facial or body piercings are not permitted. No jewelry is permitted in the lab setting.

Nails: Fingernails should be short and clean. The length of nails should not exceed the length of the finger. Artificial nails are not permitted. Only clear nail polish is permitted.

Personal Hygiene: Good personal hygiene includes grooming, bathing, and the use of deodorant. Scents are not permitted.

Students may not use cell phones for personal use in the classrooms, or laboratories or externship/clinical sites unless approved by the instructor and preceptor. In case of emergencies, cell phones may be kept on vibrate.

• Cell phones are not answered during class. Any call must wait until official breaks.
• Secondary computers, computer pads, and cell phones may be used for note-taking or class activities in direct support of the course objectives with the permission of the instructor.
• The instructor has the right to ask students to shut down any electronic devices.

Copyright Policy

The College has a zero-tolerance policy for copyright violations and requires all students, employees, and agents to abide this policy. Copyright exists in any original work that exists or is fixed in any tangible medium of expression. Images displayable on computer screens, computer software, music, books, magazines, scientific and other journals, photographs and articles, are some of the things subject to copyright. A copyright notice is not required. Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

The College may monitor use of the institution’s network or utilize other technical means to attempt to detect and identify indications of copyright infringement, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing. Any student, employee or agent who engages in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, is subject to disciplinary actions by the College, or any applicable in conjunction with federal and state law.

The unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject you to civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially their FAQ’s at www.copyright.gov/help/faq

The College reserves the right to suspend students for various reasons, including, but not limited to, violations of the College’s policies, standards of conduct, academic dishonesty, or any conduct that significantly disrupts the educational environment or the well-being of others.

Suspension is a temporary removal from the College for a specified period. During a suspension, students may lose access to College facilities, courses, and support services. The specific conditions and duration of a suspension will be determined by the College and communicated to the student in writing.

Find a full list of the most up-to-date academic policies at Smith Chason College in our  School Catalog