Accused of Cheating

[Chris]

I was accused of cheating on an exam today at my college. I wasn't, but I can see exactly how it looked that way, and if I'm found guilty, I could face expulsion from the course, losing my position as an RA, or expulsion from the university. Please pray that I will be able to explain things and that I will be believed. Thanks.

[Captain Kirk]

I was accused of cheating once in 8th grade (I didn't) and understand the basic feeling. Clearly not the same level of ramifications but nonetheless I know how to pray.

Kirk

[to_to_toriquah]

I'll keep you in prayer, Chris. Colleges take those things really seriously, especially when it involves a student in leadership. Just keep your cool. You know that you are not guilty, so you have nothing to hide from the Deans or whomever.

[Lampy 2.0]

I will pray for you, my friend.

[YourMathTeacher]

Stay calm and be honest. As a teacher, I always appreciated a student who was honest with me, and who approached me respectfully. It made the possibility that I was wrong about what I thought I saw easier to admit.

As a student in college, I was accused of plagiarism on a major paper for English&Composition because I used the word "amongst." The professor said that "no one uses that word anymore," so I must have copied it from somewhere. After discussing it with her, she realized that there was no proof of plagiarism (she had no source), and believed that I had written it myself. She changed my grade from an F to an A.

FWIW, if need be, you can also speak to the professor's superior. I had to do that in college once also. I flew back home to New Hampshire for a funeral just before my Finals in December one year. There ended up being a snowstorm, so my flight was rescheduled and I missed one of my Final Exams by about an hour. The professor was not going to let me take the exam, regardless of the unusual circumstances, so I talked to the Dean of the Department. That conversation was a little more challenging, but I tried to be patient, and the Dean eventually let me take the exam.

[lp670sv]

because I used the word "amongst." The professor said that "no one uses that word anymore,"

I use this word all the time, i plagiarize my life apparently.

[YourMathTeacher]

because I used the word "amongst." The professor said that "no one uses that word anymore,"

I use this word all the time, i plagiarize my life apparently.

It has come back in style. Apparently back in 1990 it was not in style. 

[Old_Iron_Spine]

because I used the word "amongst." The professor said that "no one uses that word anymore,"

I use this word all the time, i plagiarize my life apparently.

It has come back in style. Apparently back in 1990 it was not in style. 

I would've started to whip out old English on her. "Pardon me, thou
Teacher of English. I hath not plagiarized a single sentence on thy paper. And it would be of much charity for thee to giveth thou a much preferred grade. Thankest thee."

[YourMathTeacher]

I would've started to whip out old English on her. "Pardon me, thou Teacher of English. I hath not plagiarized a single sentence on thy paper. And it would be of much charity for thee to giveth thou a much preferred grade. Thankest thee."

I think you missed the point of my first post. I'm pretty sure I would still have an F if I had taken your approach. 

[Old_Iron_Spine]

I would've started to whip out old English on her. "Pardon me, thou Teacher of English. I hath not plagiarized a single sentence on thy paper. And it would be of much charity for thee to giveth thou a much preferred grade. Thankest thee."

I think you missed the point of my first post. I'm pretty sure I would still have an F if I had taken your approach. 

Yeah.. That's true... Hahaha!

[Korunks]

Praying for you Chris.

[jbeers285]

Also praying for you Chris sorry to hear that man

[Chris]

Thank you everyone for your prayers. The situation I'm in right now is I can sign a paper saying I cheated, get a 0 on that exam, and that will be the end of it. Alternatively, I can challenge it, and end up with nothing. I have a strong case, and two different professors are encouraging me to challenge. I'm meeting with someone from the judicial office Friday morning to make sure I fully understand what I stand to gain or lose from challenging. Spring Break is next week, so I have to let them know by Friday afternoon. Please continue to pray for guidance as I decide whether to challenge or not.

[Professoralstad]

Thank you everyone for your prayers. The situation I'm in right now is I can sign a paper saying I cheated, get a 0 on that exam, and that will be the end of it. Alternatively, I can challenge it, and end up with nothing. I have a strong case, and two different professors are encouraging me to challenge. I'm meeting with someone from the judicial office Friday morning to make sure I fully understand what I stand to gain or lose from challenging. Spring Break is next week, so I have to let them know by Friday afternoon. Please continue to pray for guidance as I decide whether to challenge or not.

Not that I have any experience with the situation, but offhand it seems there is more at stake than a 0 if you sign the paper; not only will you have that incident on your record, your integrity will be in question, and if you have plans to go to grad school (which I think you have said in the past you do) you need professors on your side. Signing the paper doesn't mean you'll get any favors in the future from the prof of the class, but you will likely lose the support of the profs who are encouraging you to challenge. Since you have a strong case, and you have faculty on your side, I think challenging will be the best case scenario for your future. I will continue to pray that God will guide your decision.

[MrMiYoda]

I pray that the Holy Spirit guide and enlighten the decision-makers regarding your case today, son.  You are innocent.  God is just and kind and will let His angels guard you.

Be at peace and have great faith.  You are a child of God!

[jbeers285]

Not to necropost but how did this turn out for you Chris. I have faith it went well but I am curious.

[theselfevident]

because I used the word "amongst." The professor said that "no one uses that word anymore,"

I use this word all the time, i plagiarize my life apparently.

It has come back in style. Apparently back in 1990 it was not in style. 

Unfortunately, the word RAD was lol!

[Chris]

I had my hearing yesterday, and I received an email today saying I was found guilty. I maintain my innocence, and I am working on going through the appeal process that is available. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

[Jmbeers]

Sorry to hear this,

Ill be praying...

[jbeers285]

All the red tape garbage with colleges and universities make me feel like we are more red then the USSR. Sorry to hear this man.

The letter of the law kills. I will continue to lift you up in this and pray that God would open the eyes of the people who are in authority over you.

[KingLeo]

Still praying

God bless and reveal,
KingLeo

[777Godspeed]

My prayers will be with you... It seems the enemy is alive and well and very determined to utilize the smear campaign to tear down our hard earned and fought for integrity. Keep up the good fight, but most of all ReyZens post summed it up....

I pray that the Holy Spirit guide and enlighten the decision-makers regarding your case today, son.  You are innocent.  God is just and kind and will let His angels guard you.

Be at peace and have great faith.  You are a child of God!

(bolded for emphasis)

Godspeed,
Mike

[Prof Underwood]

I was accused of cheating ... I can see exactly how it looked that way

Please keep in mind that the people who have to make the ruling on this have to decide based no the evidence.  If you see that the evidence points to you being guilty, then they probably saw it the same way.

There really isn't a way to "win" in this scenario.  Either you admit to the cheating to get the smaller consequence (which would be lying if you didn't cheat), or you appeal it knowing that you will lose the case (and get a more severe consequence).  Personally, I think I would appeal the decision and just expect to be found guilty anyway.  Your integrity remains intact between you and God (even though it will appear to be destroyed to everyone else).