I got a letter from my school saying I’m being dismissed. They’re looking into my earned credits and accusing me of cheating and letting someone else do my work. It’s an online school, and they claim my IP addresses show I was in different locations, which they’re using as proof. I’ve told them I travel a lot, but they don’t seem convinced. Has anyone been through something like this? What should I do?
That’s a tough one. Did they give you a chance to explain your situation?
Dezi said:
That’s a tough one. Did they give you a chance to explain your situation?
Yeah, I sent them a letter explaining my travel and that I’ve done all my work myself. Just waiting to hear back now.
Dezi said:
That’s a tough one. Did they give you a chance to explain your situation?
That’s a good first step. Maybe follow up and ask for a formal meeting to discuss everything?
Have you checked if your school has an appeal process? Most schools require a hearing before a decision like this is final.
Nile said:
Have you checked if your school has an appeal process? Most schools require a hearing before a decision like this is final.
Not yet, but I think they do. I’ll look into how to start the appeal process.
Nile said:
Have you checked if your school has an appeal process? Most schools require a hearing before a decision like this is final.
Definitely do that. It’s usually your best shot to present your side and challenge their evidence.
Do they have actual proof, or is it just based on IP addresses?
Abi said:
Do they have actual proof, or is it just based on IP addresses?
It’s mostly the IP addresses. They think I couldn’t have been in so many different locations.
Abi said:
Do they have actual proof, or is it just based on IP addresses?
You could argue that traveling explains the IP changes. Do you have anything like flight tickets or hotel bookings to back it up?
What did they say about your credits? Are they at risk of being taken away?
Dara said:
What did they say about your credits? Are they at risk of being taken away?
They’re reviewing my credits, but they haven’t said yet if they’ll revoke them. It’s stressing me out because I worked hard for those.
Dara said:
What did they say about your credits? Are they at risk of being taken away?
If you earned those credits fairly, make sure to bring that up in your appeal. That’s a big deal.
Have you thought about getting legal help? Schools sometimes make mistakes, and a lawyer can help you challenge this.
Ollie said:
Have you thought about getting legal help? Schools sometimes make mistakes, and a lawyer can help you challenge this.
Not yet, but it’s starting to seem like I might need one if they don’t listen to my side.
Ollie said:
Have you thought about getting legal help? Schools sometimes make mistakes, and a lawyer can help you challenge this.
Yeah, a lawyer can check if the school followed their policies and help you push back if they didn’t.