Students who miss classes routinely ask their fellow classmates for the notes and test answers as a form of catching up, but last week, the Academic Senate threatened to change that.
Many facets of basic behavior rules are undergoing change, including the Academic Honesty and Standards of Conduct (BP5500).
“I think the campus overall is going through a dramatic change,” Ana Safazada, Associated Student Organization (ASO) director of academic affairs said.
“The administration thought it was necessary at the moment. Sections two, six, and nine, of Article I of BP5500 were where the major renovations were being made,” she said.
Under the new literature, BP5500 stated that obtaining or copying exams or test questions was grounds for academic dishonesty, in addition to handing in the same paper or other assignment in more than one class.
ASO President Josh Casper said he believed felt these changes are unfair to students, placing too much responsibility on them, and
“(The new language) was making instructors and students micromanage classes and assignments,” Casper said. “Students (now) are going to be able to copy notes *and get exam questions), unless the professor specifically states otherwise.”
Changing the literature back to its original form was not met with much resistance, as only a few individuals wanted the change to occur in the first place.
“Fortunately, (the Academic Senate) is lenient towards what the students have to say,” Casper said. “What students don’t realize is the entire collegiate consultation, (does) care about what the students’ opinion is.”
Cacie Johnson, 19, said she feels grateful for the job Casper and Safazada did, in changing the language back.
“I think its very good that they did that,” Johnson said. “I didn’t even know it was happening, and I think that (the changes that were made are) ridiculous.”
Johnson, an animal sciences major, said she believes that by looking at what other students have written down, that she can learn more from her own notes.
“I think it’s helpful to get notes from other students and see what they’re copying down from class,” Johnson said.
Students like Johnson are now protected under BP5500, as the power to decide rests with the professors aside from academic legislation.
“People should look at the mission statement for the school,” Casper said. “It really reflects how much the faculty respects and cares about our students.”
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Cheating policy attempts to make changes
By Janae' Green
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October 29, 2009
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