DATE: October 16, 2009
PARTIES: University of Toronto v. G.H.J.L.
Hearing Date(s): December 16, 2009
Panel Members:
Ms. Roslyn Tsao, Chair
Prof. Louis Florence, Faculty Member
Mr. Jamon Camisso, Student Member
Appearances:
Ms. Lily Harmer, Assistant Discipline Counsel for the University
Ms. Betty-Ann Campbell, Law Clerk
Prof. Janet Poole, Department of East Asian Studies
In Attendance:
Prof. Donald Dewees, Dean's Designate, Office of Academic Integrity
Dr. Tamara Jones, Academic Integrity Officer, Office of Student Academic Integrity
Mr. Christopher Lang, Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances
Ms. Natalie Ramtahal, Coordinator, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances
Trial Division – s.B.i.1(b), B.i.1(d), and B.i.3(b) of Code – unauthorized aid – plagiarism – academic dishonesty or misconduct – Student did not attend - reasonable notice – s.6(3)(b) of the SPPA – reasonable notice given – clear warnings against plagiarism given to Student – finding of guilt – University submission on penalty accepted – notation length varied – grade of zero in course; two year suspension; two year transcript notation; and report to Provost
The Student was charged under B.i.1(b), B.i.1(d), and, alternatively, B.i.3(b) of the Code. The Student did not attend the hearing. The University met the onus of showing that “reasonable notice” of the Hearing had been given to the Student, pursuant to the Code and the Statutory Powers Procedure Act (SPPA).The Tribunal found that reasonable notice was provided to the Student and that a warning pursuant to s.6(3)(b) of the SPPA had been provided to the Student. The Professor testified that clear warnings against plagiarism were given, and that parts of the Student’s answers on a quiz contained material taken verbatim from online sources. The Tribunal found the Student guilty of plagiarism under B.i.1(d) and dropped the two other charges. The Tribunal varied the University’s request for an extended three year transcript notation, and imposed a two year notation given that it was a first time offence and given that the Student was in second year. The Tribunal imposed a penalty of a zero in the course; a two year suspension; a two year transcript notation; and an order for publication.