Academic Integrity
Academic Standing Policy
Academic Credit
Academic Appeals
Alternate Final Exams Times
Excused Examinations
Excused Absence Policy
Because of its mission to promote a tradition of excellence, Snow College expects all students to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and to submit work for academic credit that reflects their own learning, skills, and best efforts. A student who cheats, commits fraud, or plagiarizes is in violation of this principle. Academic dishonesty is not tolerated by the College.
2.1. Academic Dishonesty is any violation of academic integrity. An attempted act of academic dishonesty (even if unsuccessful) is also a violation of academic integrity. Below are examples of the most common forms of academic dishonesty. This list is instructive rather than exhaustive.
2.2. Cheating is the use, gift, or acquisition, of unauthorized assistance, or of other activity that violates stated assignment or testing instructions. The following behaviors are considered cheating:
2.2.1. using unauthorized assistance when taking a quiz, test, or exam, or when completing a graded assignment, whether the work is done in a classroom, a testing facility, or any other location;
2.2.2. giving unauthorized assistance to a student taking a quiz, test, or exam, or completing a graded assignment, whether the work is done in a classroom, a testing facility, or any other location;
2.2.3. substituting for another student, or allowing someone else to substitute for oneself, when taking a quiz, test, or exam, or when completing a graded assignment, whether the work is done in a classroom, a testing facility, or any other location;
2.2.4. acquiring, by any means, a quiz, test, exam, or other course material before the instructor has authorized its use;
2.2.5. continuing to work after time has expired for a quiz, test, exam, or other graded assignment without authorization;
2.2.6. submitting the same work for credit in more than one course. (Exceptions may be possible with prior approval from instructors of all classes involved.)
2.2.7. using generative AI (programs such as ChatGPT) to complete an exam, assignment, essay or other graded work when the use of AI has been prohibited by the instructor.
2.3. Fraud is the deliberate misrepresentation of knowledge or the source of that knowledge. The following behaviors are considered fraud:
2.3.1. citing a source (book, article, etc.) that does not exist;
2.3.2. citing a source for information that it does not contain;
2.3.3. citing a source for a proposition that it does not support;
2.3.4. identifying a source in a bibliography when the source is not cited in the text of the accompanying project;
2.3.5. intentionally distorting the meaning or applicability of data beyond a legitimate range of interpretation;
2.3.6. misrepresenting fictitious information as real.
2.4. Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use (intentional or otherwise) of language or ideas taken from an outside source (web page, book, article, film, television program, student essay, etc.) and presented for credit as one’s own. Submitting plagiarized work in any form is a breach of academic integrity, regardless of how much or little material has been borrowed. The following are common forms of plagiarism:
2.4.1. plagiarism of words: using the exact words of a source (that is, verbatim copying of even as few as three consecutive words) without indicating that the words have been borrowed (usually by placing them within quotation marks and appropriately citing the source):
2.4.2. plagiarism of ideas: presenting the unique ideas of a source without citing the source (at the very least by naming the source; or in a documented paper, by using in-text and bibliographic citation). As deemed appropriate by the instructor, exceptions may be made for encyclopedic or common knowledge information.
2.4.3. patchwriting (combination of 2.4.1 and 2.4.2): copying and only partially changing the language from another source and presenting it as one’s own without attribution and citation.
2.4.4. “whole-cloth” plagiarism: misrepresenting the work of another person (an encyclopedia article, a friend’s essay, an essay purchased from someone, etc.) as one’s original work.
2.4.5. group work on an individual take-home exam or other similar assignment for which group collaboration has not been explicitly permitted by the instructor.
3.1. Instructors should investigate any suspicion of academic dishonesty in their students’ work. This expectation not only reflects the College’s high standards of academic integrity but should also be recognized as being in the best interests of student learning and development. An instructor who has reason to believe that an act of academic dishonesty has occurred, or who has been notified of a report of academic dishonesty in their class, should gather the needed information to form a reasonable inference of the nature of the act. As circumstances permit, and as the instructor determines appropriate to the situation, this should include conferring directly with the student(s) involved. In every case, the instructor should respect the privacy and dignity of any student(s) involved.
3.2. An instructor who is certain that an act of academic dishonesty has occurred has two options.
3.2.1. In minor cases resulting from mistakes and/or a lack of understanding on the part of the student and when the academic consequence will not have a substantial effect on a student’s grade, an instructor may opt for addressing the infraction with the student within the purview of the class, with or without academic consequences, and without filing a Record of Academic Dishonesty. This decision is entrusted to the instructor on the basis of two criteria: 1) pedagogical value and effectiveness toward student learning; and 2) the College’s high standards of academic integrity.
3.2.2. In cases where the act of dishonesty is serious, premeditated, or deceptive; needs to be documented to prevent further acts of dishonesty; and/or warrants a substantial academic consequence up to and including failure in the class, an instructor should submit a formal Record of Academic Dishonesty to the Dean of Students, who will preserve a record of the case. A Record of Academic Dishonesty should be filed within two weeks of the instructor’s discovery of the act in question. When possible, a timelier filing is preferable, but it is also critical that instructors be allotted the time necessary to thoroughly investigate and properly confirm the details of the infraction before filing.
3.3. The most severe sanction that an instructor may carry out is failure in a course, a sanction that must be documented with a Record of Academic Dishonesty. Repeated cases of academic dishonesty and/or other violations of the student code of ethics may warrant additional sanctions through the Office of the Dean of Students.
3.4. When a Record of Academic Dishonesty is filed with the Dean of Students, the instructor must use the academic dishonesty letter template to notify each involved student. It will guide the instructor in explaining the significance and consequences of the infraction as it applies to the particular class. It will also ensure the student is given options should they decide to appeal the instructor’s decision.
3.5. A student receiving academic consequences for academic dishonesty may appeal the instructor’s decision. The first step is to discuss the issue with the faculty member, chair, and/or dean in an attempt to resolve the issue. If this process fails to resolve the issue, the student should give written notification of intent to appeal to the Academic Standards Committee, organized under the authority of the Faculty Senate. Appeals of decisions made by the Office of the Dean of Students must be directed to that office.
3.6. Students may appeal to the Academic Standards Committee on two general grounds: questions of fact and questions of consequence.
3.6.1. Students who wish to appeal the finding that they committed an act of academic dishonesty may argue that the facts of the case are in error or incomplete or that the academic dishonesty policy has been misinterpreted or not followed. The instructor has the burden to prove that the preponderance of the evidence supports the determination that an act of academic dishonesty occurred.
3.6.2. Students who wish to appeal the academic consequences imposed by an instructor may argue that the consequence was unfair or has been applied inconsistently. The student has the burden to prove that the preponderance of the evidence calls into question the academic consequences.
3.7. Upon receiving a notice of appeal, the Academic Standards Committee will invite the student to provide a full written statement outlining the reasons they are pursuing an appeal and to provide any additional information to support their stance. That written statement is shared with the instructor, who can provide a response and any additional information to the committee. The committee may meet with the student and/or instructor at their discretion, but will not meet both parties in the process at once.
3.7.1. The student must be given at least five business days to write the statement, and the instructor must be given the same amount of time to respond. The Academic Standards Committee must then consider the case no later than thirty days from the date on which the student’s written statement is received, or by the fifth day of the following regular semester, whichever comes first.
3.7.2. The student may be supported by an advisor of their choice, including legal counsel. However, legal counsel or other advisors may only advise the student and may not speak on their behalf. A student who chooses to be supported by legal counsel shall notify the chair of the Academic Standards Committee at least three business days before providing the written statement.
3.7.3. Only factual evidence having an immediate bearing on the case at hand shall be considered.
3.7.4. The Academic Standards Committee will conclude whether or not the preponderance of evidence supports the decision made by the instructor.
3.8. Appeals of the decision of the Academic Standards Committee can be made to the Provost. However, the Provost will not consider matters of fact or consequences. Instead, appeals to the Provost can only object that this policy or other applicable policies have not been followed.
The Academic Standing Policy at Snow College is intended to ensure that students are making satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their academic goals. This policy seeks to identify students who need additional academic support and to direct those students to available services. A student’s academic status will be posted to their official academic transcript. However, each student attending Snow College is ultimately responsible for monitoring their satisfactory academic progress.
A student is considered in Good Standing when they have both a cumulative GPA and a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Students who complete a program of at least 15 hours of Snow College credit numbered 1000 or above during the semester (transfer credit does not apply) and have a B+ (3.50) or higher GPA for that semester will be placed on the Academic Honors-Dean’s List.
A student who maintains a 3.50 or higher cumulative GPA at graduation will graduate with honors.
A student is placed on Academic Alert when their term GPA is below 2.0, but their cumulative GPA remains above 2.0. Students placed on Academic Alert are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to discuss the prior term’s challenges.
If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0, they will be placed on Academic Warning. Students on Academic Warning should meet with their academic advisor to create an Academic Success Plan. It is recommended that a student on Academic Warning should not enroll in more than 16 credits.
NOTE: A student receiving financial aid whose GPA falls below a 2.0 will be placed on financial aid probation. If, in any semester, a student’s GPA falls below a 1.0, the student will automatically be placed on No Further Aid by the Financial Aid Office.
Requirements for keeping a scholarship are stated clearly on the student’s scholarship contract and may differ from one award to another but are strictly enforced. It is a student's responsibility to know and understand his or her scholarship requirements.
Students remain on Academic Warning when their term GPA is above 2.0, but their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0. Students on Continued Academic Warning should meet with their advisor to create an Academic Success Plan for the following term. It is recommended that a student on Continued Academic Warning should not enroll in more than 16 credits.
If a student is on Academic Warning or Continued Academic Warning and does not achieve a term GPA of at least 2.0, they will be placed on Academic Probation. Students placed on Academic Probation will be limited to 13 credit hours per semester until they are in Good Standing.
Students placed on Academic Probation must meet with their Academic Advisor to establish an Academic Success Plan. A hold will be placed on the student’s account and will not be lifted until the student has created their success plan.
NOTE: A student receiving financial aid whose GPA falls below a 2.0 a second time may be placed on No Further Aid.
Students remain on Academic Probation when their term GPA is above 2.0 while their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0. Students on Continued Academic Probation must meet with their advisor to revise their Academic Success Plan. Students placed on Continued Academic Probation will be limited to 13 credit hours per semester until they are in Good Standing. A hold will be placed on the student’s account and will not be lifted until the student has created their success plan.
A student earning below a 2.0 term GPA or failure to fulfill their Academic Success Plan while already on Academic Probation will be subject to Academic Suspension. This means the student will not be allowed to register for one regular (fall or spring) semester.
Students should create an Academic Success Plan with their academic advisor to successfully navigate their re-enrollment to Snow college once they’ve skipped one regular (fall or spring) semester.
A student subject to Academic Suspension may petition the Academic Standards Committee to be allowed to register. A written appeal must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the desired semester of attendance.
Appeals denied by the Academic Standards Committee may continue to the Curriculum Committee.
NOTE: Financial aid satisfactory progress standards may differ.
For students challenged with a low GPA because they have experienced a period of low grades that does not reflect their academic potential, Snow College offers academic renewal. Academic renewal allows students the opportunity to recalculate their GPA by discounting grades of D+, D, D-, E, F, or UW which were earned five or more years prior to the date of petition. The following conditions apply:
The Federal Higher Education Act will not allow academic renewal for federal financial aid purposes. Students who plan to apply for financial aid must contact the Financial Aid Office before requesting academic renewal.
Academic renewal cannot be used to make an otherwise ineligible athlete eligible. Only a student’s original grades are considered for athletic eligibility.
Academic renewal petition forms are available in the Registrar’s Office or on their webpage. A $25 processing fee applies to each petition.
A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is not less than
Some courses may be repeated to obtain a higher grade. Both courses will show on the academic record; however, only the most recent grade earned (not necessarily the highest grade) is calculated in the grade point average and the credit is only counted once. (A student wishing an earlier grade to count over a more recent one should submit an appeal to the Academic Standards Committee explaining his/her rationale for the change.) Retakes are limited to two per course (a total of 3 attempts at any one course). Once a retake has been completed, students need to contact the Registration Office to be sure the first grade is discounted from the GPA. Students must register and pay tuition for the semester in which the class is repeated. Hours earned in repeat courses may be counted toward graduation requirements only once. The exceptions to this policy are the courses designated as “repeatable” in the class schedule or catalog. These courses will be given credit each time the course is taken. Note: A course repeated at another institution cannot be used to change the GPA on a Snow College transcript.
By Board of Regents policy, the State of Utah requires that students be charged the “full cost of instruction” the third time they enroll in the same course. This means an additional charge of $100 will be charged per credit hour for the repeated class. Subsequent registrations in the course will also be assessed the $100 per credit hour charge. This policy does not apply to classes taken prior to Fall Semester 2002. This charge does not apply to courses that are repeatable as designated in the class schedule or catalog or to classes required to complete a program of study. Students may appeal to the Academic Standards Committee if they have extenuating circumstances that should be taken into consideration. These repeat course charges will be added to a student’s account after the semester commences.
Students must be currently enrolled at Snow College to receive any credit by examination or petition. A maximum of thirty-two (32) semester hours of credit toward graduation from Snow College may be earned by examination in one or all of the following programs, i.e. Comprehensive Equivalency Examination, Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Foreign Language Achievement Testing Services (FLATS), and International Baccalaureate (IB). Please reference the Transfer Articulation section for more information. Students should be aware that if credit is received by exam, credit cannot also be received for enrolling in and completing the same course(s).
Additional Prior Learning Assessment Opportunities Include:
More about Prior Learning
Credit earned for prior learning at a Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institution is transferable to Snow College on the same basis as if the credit had been earned through regular study at the awarding USHE institution. Credit for prior learning will not be assessed for the purpose of receiving credit for a course which Snow College does not offer. Additionally, credit will not be awarded if it duplicates credit that has been previously earned. Students should be aware that if credit is received by exam, credit cannot also be received for enrolling in and completing the same course(s). Credit for prior learning is recorded on a Snow College transcript as Transfer Credit awarded as Credit for Prior Learning and will receive a TR or transfer grade. This grade does not affect the Grade Point Average (GPA). Transfer credit and Proficiency credit will incur a service fee charge of $10 per credit. Proficiency credits of prior learning may incur associated exam or portfolio review fees. Federal financial aid and employee tuition reimbursement may not cover prior learning assessment fees.
Students who have earned credit at a foreign post-secondary institution may be eligible for transfer credit. International transcripts must be evaluated by an approved foreign credential evaluation company. Snow College's preferred evaluation company is SpanTran. If you have already had your international transcript evaluated by a foreign credential company, please contact the Registrar's Office at 435-283-7230. Only courses that are equivalent to Snow College's general education courses and direct equivalencies to a student's specific program of choice will be accepted toward a degree. Granting elective credit may be handled on a case-by-case basis. Select SpanTran Credential Evaluation to start your evaluation.
Any Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institution shall consider its General Education requirements completed by transfer students who have completed the General Education requirements of any other USHE institution. Upon request by transferring students, a sending institution shall provide certification when students have fully completed its General Education requirements.
If students wish to petition for exceptions to a college academic policy, they should be aware of the following:
A request to take a final exam at any time other than when it is officially scheduled must be initiated with the professor of the course. The Dean or Department Chair with oversight over the course must approve the request. A charge of $50.00 per exam will be assessed if the request is approved. Students are strongly discouraged from taking early final exams.
Students excused from school during an examination for approved school functions will be allowed to take make-up examinations if the appropriate excused absence form has been signed by the instructor. Make-up examinations for other reasons will be at the discretion of the teacher, who will be the sole judge of the situation.
In addition, if a student has 3 or more officially scheduled final exams on the same day, they may request a change without paying a fee by contacting the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Noyes Building, room 310.
While consistent class attendance and participation are essential to academic success, there are occasions where a student is not able to attend due to an excused absence. An excused absence includes:
For activities whose schedules are known prior to the start of the semester, a student should provide their instructors with a written schedule during the first week of the semester showing days they expect to miss class. An instructor may determine that recurring, frequent, or lengthy absences will interfere with a student's ability to succeed in the course and recommend that the student seek an alternative. No events may be scheduled during final exam periods; exceptions to this must have prior approval by Dean’s Council.
At the discretion of the instructor, as outlined in the course syllabus, documentation affirming the date and time of the excused absence may be required. This could be a note from a health care professional, letter from the office of disability services, documentation from the athletics department or field trip coordinator, jury duty summons, court subpoena, military order, and other forms of documentation.
It is the responsibility of the student to arrange with the instructor an opportunity to complete missed assignments, activities, and labs that will be missed during excused absences. Students should notify the instructor in writing at the earliest advanced notice of the classes they will miss due to an excused absence. In cases where advance notification is not feasible (e.g., accident or emergency), the student must provide notification by the end of the second working day after the absence. This notification should include an explanation of why notice could not be sent prior to the class. Excused absences can usually be anticipated, and the student should be prepared to complete course work prior to the absence. Students are responsible for all material covered in classes missed, even when their absences are excused. Students should be aware that excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may affect their ability to do well in class. Absences exceeding 20% of class meetings may no longer qualify as excused.
Students falsifying information to obtain an excused absence or sharing information about a make-up examination or other materials with other students is in violation of Snow College’s Student Code of Conduct and is subject to disciplinary action.
Upon request, instructors are responsible for providing students with a reasonable and equitable opportunity to complete work due to an excused absence. Students are responsible for developing a plan to complete missed activities and assignments with input from instructors. Instructors may require work to be completed prior to the absence; however, they are encouraged to work with the student to determine a schedule that gives the student appropriate time to complete the work. Instructors may not directly penalize students for participation points accrued during the excused absence without providing comparable alternatives. Instructors are encouraged to be flexible and understanding of students' lives; for example, requests for documentation may introduce inequalities and impinge on the student’s privacy. Furthermore, there are reasons that an absence is not documentable (e.g., short-term illness, family tragedies) and instructors are encouraged to use their best judgment in evaluating student requests.
Instructors concerned with a student's absences may contact the Dean of Students.
Faculty and staff that would like students to be excused from other classes for curricular, performance, athletic, recruiting, or other reasons, are asked to notify their faculty colleagues in advance. This can be done with an email sent by your dean or supervisor who have the ability to send faculty-wide messages. This email should include a list of students who will be missing class, the dates and times they will be gone, and a statement that the students are expected to contact their teachers before leaving to make arrangements for missed work. Travel leaders should work with their students to be responsible for their absences. For re-occurring absences, such as athletic events, it is recommended that a notification is sent for each individual event. This will help clarify which students are excused (e.g. if a student athlete is injured and will not be traveling, that student should not be excused from classes) and times they will be excused (e.g. a student will only be excused starting at 3pm the day of the event, not 10am).
Any student who has presented the instructor with adequate substantiating evidence of an excused absence and feels they have been treated unfairly concerning absences may appeal. Any appeal must be initiated within one week of the instructor’s decision. In the appeal process, the burden of proof shall be on the student. Appeals should be submitted to the department chair or dean with oversight over the course.
