In each edition of the IntegrityStar we typically feature an actual investigation conducted by one of the investigative offices here at UCF. In this edition, however, we wanted to focus instead on some cases that were reported through the UCF IntegrityLine but were more appropriate to report elsewhere. In these instances University Compliance and Ethics refers these cases to the appropriate office. With the UCF IntegrityLine transition to a new third-party provider, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone where to report certain types of concerns.
Police Matters
Criminal matters that require police action should be reported directly to the police. Below are a few incidents that came into the IntegrityLine which University Compliance and Ethics routed to the UCF Police Department (UCFPD):
- A self-identified student reported witnessing a vehicle hit an unoccupied parked vehicle in one of UCF’s parking lots. The individual got out of the car, saw the damage and then got back into their vehicle and drove away without leaving a note. The student jotted down the vehicle make, model, and license plate number of the individual, as well as the make, model, and license plate number of the parked vehicle. All this information was included in the IntegrityLine report, which was extremely helpful. Upon receipt of the report, University Compliance and Ethics sent the information to UCFPD.
- A student reported anonymously that an individual had attempted to sell drugs to them. University Compliance and Ethics sent the information to UCFPD who ultimately referred it to the appropriate law-enforcement jurisdiction.
- A self-identified student reported being extorted by what they believed was another student. The individual threatened to distribute explicit photos of them if they did not pay them money. A copy of the text exchange was uploaded to the system. Upon receipt, University Compliance and Ethics sent the information to UCFPD.
Although the above reported matters were sent to UCFPD, they would have received a more immediate response had they been reported directly to them. The UCFPD is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. UCFPD’s jurisdiction includes the main campus, UCF Downtown, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, and the Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona. UCF Police officers also patrol UCF-managed housing facilities on these campuses and may respond to or assist with emergency calls in the immediate area, as needed. To reach UCFPD immediately, call the non-emergency line at 407-823-5555 or dial 911 in an emergency. As a reminder, the UCF IntegrityLine is not an emergency hotline and you may not receive an immediate response.
Students with Academic Concerns
Reports involving class assignments, grades, or other academic related concerns that are not misconduct are more appropriately handled by the colleges. The IntegrityLine receives many student reported academic concerns for which University Compliance and Ethics responds providing the appropriate contact information to address the concerns. A few examples include:
- A student reported a disagreement with their professor over a grade they received associated with required volunteer service. The student reported not hearing back from the professor within a day after requesting a meeting.
- A student reported that their professor was not grading assignments or responding to emails in a timely manner.
- A student reported concerns with the difficulty of exams and fairness of grading.
- A student reported dissatisfaction with their professor’s teaching style.
University Compliance and Ethics reminds students that they should work directly with their professors to resolve concerns. If they are not addressed, students can speak with the department chair or director. Helping students locate these resources first, without having to reach out to the IntegrityLine, helps to save steps and time in resolving student’s concerns.
Student Conduct Related Matters
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) handles concerns against UCF students and student groups which indicate a possible violation of one or more of the Code of Conduct or Conduct Regulations of Student Organizations located in the Golden Rule Student Handbook. Below are a few examples of IntegrityLine reports that should be reported directly to SCAI:
- A student reported issues with their roommates which violated the golden rule.
- A student reported another student cheating on an exam.
- A student reported another student trying to sell extra graduation tickets on social media.
- A student reported another student hiring a company to work on a course that they were taking online.
Student conduct related matters should be reported directly to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. For academic related matters use the Academic Misconduct Report Form and for non-academic matters, use the Incident Reporting Form.
The university developed a Reporting an Incident or Issue website that contains more information on where to report concerns based on the nature of the concern. Additionally, Student Success and Well-Being has a Student Complaints and Appeals website containing information on various resources for students. We encourage the university community to use these resources when confronted with an issue or concern, to help navigate to the appropriate resource.
If you become aware of a situation that you believe is not in accordance with UCF regulations, policies, procedures, or standards of conduct, please report it through the available reporting mechanisms or submit a report through the UCF IntegrityLine.