Policy on Cheating

Cheating in our school is a serious offense. However, because of laxness in our society as well as the example of the adult community in many forms, students oftentimes are inclined to view it as a slight offense or no offense at all. Cheating robs the student of opportunities to master subject matter and develop habits of honesty.

Bishop Garrigan High School expects students to do their own work on assignments, papers, quizzes, and tests so as to provide a true reflection of students’ understanding and achievement.

Cheating, a form of dishonesty, is a serious breach of personal integrity. Since it is harmful to the student as well as unfair to fellow students, the following policies form guidelines for correcting this abuse:

1) First Offense:

If a student is found cheating, and if it is clearly evident that the student is guilty:

a) The teacher will discuss the offense with the student.

b) The work done by the student will receive no grade or a failing grade (teacher’s discretion).

c) The student may be allowed to make up the work outside of school time within three days, but with a substantially lowered maximum score. After three days no make-up will be allowed, and the grade will be zero.

d) A “4” will be marked in Citizenship.

e) A written report of the incident will be filed with the Dean of Students, Principal, and the Guidance Department, as well as personal contact made with the parents by the teacher.

2) Second Offense:

Second offense is defined as cheating after the student has already been guilty of the first offense of cheating. The policy to be followed is:

a) No make-up work is allowed, and a grade of zero will be given for the work.

b) A conference with the student’s parents will be arranged.

c) A “5” will be marked in Citizenship.

d) A written report of the incident will be filed with the Dean of Students, Principal, and the Guidance Department.

3) Third Offense:

If cheating becomes a pattern of behavior for the student, appropriate action will be taken. Help from the Citizenship Committee may be enlisted in determining the action.