Hey everyone, I’ve been dismissed from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), an online school. They said I violated their academic integrity policy because I let someone else use my login to submit assignments for me. They’re also reviewing credits I earned during my bachelor’s degree. I’m wondering if I have any chance of appealing this? Their evidence is mostly based on IP addresses showing logins from two different locations, which they say proves cheating. I’ve already submitted my statement explaining my situation, but what else can I do to prove my side? Any advice?
Oof, that’s a tough situation. If they have IP address evidence, it’ll be hard to argue. Have you thought about gathering any other proof, like drafts or emails related to your assignments?
Skyler said:
Oof, that’s a tough situation. If they have IP address evidence, it’ll be hard to argue. Have you thought about gathering any other proof, like drafts or emails related to your assignments?
I have some drafts and notes I could show, but not much else. Would that be enough?
@Storm
It’s worth a try. It shows you were actively working on the assignments yourself. Every bit of evidence counts!
Did you explain why someone else had to log in for you? I think if you make it clear it wasn’t an attempt to cheat, it might help your case.
Micah said:
Did you explain why someone else had to log in for you? I think if you make it clear it wasn’t an attempt to cheat, it might help your case.
Yeah, I mentioned I was traveling in Kenya with limited internet, so I asked someone to submit for me. I didn’t think it would be an issue at the time.
@Storm
It might be worth emphasizing that you weren’t trying to gain an unfair advantage, just dealing with logistical issues. Maybe they’ll be more lenient.
I think you should also highlight your previous academic performance. If you’ve had a good track record with no prior issues, it could show that this was a one-time mistake, not a pattern of dishonesty.
@Sage
Good point, I’ve never had any other violations, and my grades were solid throughout my bachelor’s program.
Do you have any travel records that prove you were in Kenya? Might help explain the different logins.
Tracy said:
Do you have any travel records that prove you were in Kenya? Might help explain the different logins.
Yeah, I do have flight records and some messages that could back it up. I’ll gather that.
@Storm
That should definitely help. Anything that shows you weren’t physically able to log in from the other location could make your case stronger.
Have you looked into how to appeal the decision? Maybe focus on showing it was just a misunderstanding and not intentional cheating.
Shea said:
Have you looked into how to appeal the decision? Maybe focus on showing it was just a misunderstanding and not intentional cheating.
Yeah, they gave me the option to appeal, but I’m not sure how to prove that I wasn’t cheating, just trying to deal with being out of the country.
@Storm
Definitely explain the circumstances and express how you didn’t intend to break any rules. They might be more understanding if they see your side.