Code of Conduct
All participants in the course are bound by the University of California Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline.
Netiquette
In an online course, most our communication takes place in the course forums. However, when we have a need for communication that is private, whether personal, interpersonal, or professional, we will use individual email or telephone. Our primary means of communication is written. The written language has many advantages: more opportunity for reasoned thought, more ability to go in-depth, and more time to think through an issue before posting a comment.
However, written communication also has certain disadvantages, such a lack of the face-to-face signaling that occurs through body language, intonation, pausing, facial expressions, and gestures.
As a result, please be aware of the possibility of miscommunication and compose your comments in a positive, supportive, and constructive manner.
Academic Honesty Policy
The University is an institution of learning, research, and scholarship predicated on the existence of an environment of honesty and integrity. As members of the academic community, faculty, students, and administrative officials share responsibility for maintaining this environment. It is essential that all members of the academic community subscribe to the ideal of academic honesty and integrity and accept individual responsibility for their work. Academic dishonesty is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at the University of California, Irvine. Cheating, forgery, dishonest conduct, plagiarism, and collusion in dishonest activities erode the University's educational, research, and social roles.
Students who knowingly or intentionally conduct or help another student perform dishonest conduct, acts of cheating, or plagiarism, will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of UCI Division of Continuing Education.
University of California policy provides for procedural due process for student discipline. The standards for due process include:
- Written notice must be provided within a reasonable time.
- The student shall have the opportunity for a prompt and fair hearing.
- A record of the hearing, a written decision, and a summary of the facts shall be provided.
- An appeals process must be provided.
UC Irvine’s Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct provides a much more specific description of the appropriate student conduct procedures and actions. All the principles of the policy apply to Division of Continuing Education (DCE) students, although some of the terminology may be somewhat different. Several examples are listed below.
| Terms | Main Campus Reference | DCE Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | Degrees | Certificate programs |
| Appeals | UCI Dean of Students | DCE Associate Dean, DCE Assistant Dean, Director(s), DCE Chief Student Affairs & Student Services Officer |
| Review Board | As written in policy | Dean of Continuing Education |
Some timelines may differ depending on the program in which a student is enrolled. Other exceptions may exist, and are at the sole discretion of the University. Full policies are available at the following websites:
Please contact the Office of the Dean if you have any questions relating to Student Conduct policies or procedures.
Please Note: The student grievances procedures on this page are only applicable to courses taken through UCI DCE. For matriculated UCI students, please refer to the UCI Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct’s Policy on Student Grievance Procedures.
Academic Grievances
UCI Division of Continuing Education (“DCE”) strives to create a positive educational experience for every student. When grade disputes and student complaints arise, DCE has a policy and process in place to facilitate timely responses. Please follow the sequence of steps below to seek resolution for any issue that might arise during your studies.
Contact the Instructor
Students are encouraged to begin by contacting their instructor, either directly or through the department’s Program Representative, to discuss their concerns. To locate your Program Representative, call Student Affairs & Student Services at (949) 824-1010 or e-mail dce-services@uci.edu and include the name of your department and course.
Contact the Program Representative or Program Director
If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, or if your dispute is with the Instructor, you can request that the matter be reviewed at the academic department level. Grade disputes or complaints in writing must be submitted to the Program Representative or Program Director within one month of the final grade being posted online. The Program Representative or Director will review your written grievance and discuss it with you and the instructor in separate meetings. In most cases, the dispute will be resolved here.
Appeal to the Academic Review Team
You may appeal cases that are not readily resolved at the department level to the Academic Review Team (ART). The ART is headed by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and will formally review the grievance or complaint. Upon completion of its review, the ART will render a written resolution and submit it to the DCE Chief of Student Affairs & Student Services.
Non-Academic Grievances
For issues that are not purely academic in nature, students may still seek assistance from their instructors, Program Directors, or the DCE Chief of Student Affairs & Student Services Officer. A written statement of the complaint is preferred. However, if the issue is particularly sensitive, the student may arrange a private meeting with the DCE Chief of Student Affairs & Student Services Officer or the Director of Human Resources.
Resolution
The Chief of Student Affairs & Student Services Officer or Director of Human Resources may research the situation and find a suitable resolution, or the student may be referred to another organization on campus that is better able to handle the nature or severity of the complaint. In either case, a written statement will be provided to the student describing the actions taken.
Final Appeal
Appeal To The Dean
For academic or non-academic issues, the final level of appeal at DCE is the Office of the Dean. The Dean or a delegate will personally review the case and recommend a resolution. A final statement of resolution will be provided to the student.
Other Assistance
Office Of The Ombuds
The Office of the Ombuds provides a safe place to discuss complaints, concerns or problems. The Ombudsman acts as an independent, informal, impartial, and confidential resource. The intervention of the ombudsman may be requested by any party involved in the process. The office can assist both parties by:
- Helping the individual understand his or her rights.
- Explaining or clarifying policies and procedures.
- Advocating for a fair process.
For more information about the Office of the Ombuds, please visit ombuds.uci.edu.