Academic Integrity, Grievance Procedure, and Leave of Absence

Students in the Patton College must uphold and follow professional ethics, standards of practice, policies, and legal codes of professional conduct set by Ohio University, the Patton College core values, and Specialized Professional Associations such as the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Refer to departmental and program policies for additional information about the professional dispositions that guide your field of study.

Students must maintain academic integrity and avoid dishonesty or deception when fulfilling academic requirements. The OHIO graduate catalog and student code of conduct provide more information about expectations and consequences for academic misconduct, including dismissal from the university.

Academic Grievance Procedure

The Graduate Catalog and the Ohio University Faculty Handbook provide a process and timeline for individual grade appeals. A grievance should be fully discussed with the instructor. If the problem cannot be resolved at that level, the student should next appeal to the department chair with which the faculty member is affiliated. Further appeals may be made through the grievance committee of the department (if the department maintains such a committee) and the Dean of the college. If the grievance cannot be resolved to all parties' satisfaction at any of these levels, it can be brought before the University Grievance Board for review. The board reviews the grievance and submits its recommendations to all appropriate parties. A copy of the grievance procedure may be obtained from your department office. More information about the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty regarding grade appeals can be obtained from the Office of the Ombudsperson.

Suppose you are enrolled in a degree program but do not expect to make progress towards your degree for a period of time due to personal, medical, or professional reasons. In that case, you should request a leave of absence from the degree program before leaving the program temporarily. Students on an approved leave of absence may not use university resources and services or engage in consultation with the faculty.

Requesting a leave of absence ensures that faculty members in your academic program are aware of your plans and have assisted you in taking the necessary steps to complete work before the leave. An approved request for a leave of absence also confirms third parties of your status as a student in good standing. To request a leave of absence, you must submit a written request to your faculty advisor stating the reason for the leave and the expected duration of the leave. The Patton College Leave of Absence Policy is found on the Forms webpage.  

You are responsible for resolving all issues about financial support, federal financial aid, and any outstanding debt to Ohio University before a leave of absence. Before the completion of the leave of absence, you must notify the Patton College Graduate Student Affairs Office so that the reentry process can be initiated. A leave of absence does not automatically extend the time limit to complete the degree. Refer to the time limit section in this handbook for more information.

Students completing work under a one-term extension will not be eligible for a leave of absence. If such students need more time for completion of their graduate work, they are eligible to request readmission.

A student who does not return and resume enrollment in the degree program after an approved leave of absence will be dropped from the program.

International students in F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status must also obtain authorization from International Student and Scholar Services before the initiation of a leave of absence and before returning to campus to ensure compliance with current SEVIS regulations and visa restrictions.

Continue to Master's Program Requirements or Doctoral Program Requirements