By forwarding a suspected violation to the GHS for investigation, the GHS and the University assume responsibility for the case. In the event that a faculty member takes unilateral action, any subsequent claims or litigation that may arise as a result of such action shall be the full and complete responsibility of the faculty member. Once a case is reported, a block is immediately applied to the accused student's records so that the student can not graduate, drop courses, or obtain transcripts until the case is resolved. A judicial panel is a separate group of faculty and students who determine guilt or innocence by reviewing the evidence and directly questioning those involved in the case. If they find the student guilty, they also recommend a penalty that is imposed by the Dean of the Graduate School.
More serious violations can result in suspension and permanent dismissal from the university.
Although these penalties are very severe, there are typically cases that result in these outcomes each year. Often these students feel that they cannot complete the work on their own, so they break the rules to complete the work on time. An observant professor or classmate can easily spot all of these violations. Always ask what is expected of you. Your professors would much rather answer these questions than report you for a potential violation.