ME Academic Misconduct Policy

ME Academic Misconduct Policy

September 18, 2018

1 Background

This document describes the policies and procedures used by the Department of Mechanical Engineering relating to academic misconduct of any student enrolled in a ME EN course or any course that is crosslisted with a ME EN course. This policy is effective Fall Semester 2018.

In accordance with the Code of Ethics of Engineering formulated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering are dedicated to promoting the highest
level of standards in academic conduct. In line with our Department mission statement, the professional skills necessary “to make impactful contributions to society” include ethics. In order to prepare for a professional career in engineering, law, medicine, science, or academia, students in the Mechanical Engineering program are expected to adhere to generally accepted standards of academic integrity. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, misrepresenting one’s work, inappropriately collaborating, or fabricating or falsifying information. In an effort to establish a united message on our stance toward academic dishonesty, the Department has adopted the following policy for clearly establishing expectations and procedures. This policy is consistent with University Policy 6-400, Section V: Student Academic Conduct, and the Appeals Procedures in the College of Engineering Guidelines.

2 Mechanical Engineering Academic Misconduct Policy

Any course listed as ME EN XXXX, or any equivalent course that is cross-listed with a ME EN course will subsequently be referred to simply as a ME EN course. Any student who receives two failing grade sanctions in any University of Utah courses due to academic misconduct will be subsequently barred from registering for any additional ME EN courses. Any student pursuing any Mechanical Engineering degree who receives two such sanctions will be immediately referred to the College Academic Appeals Committee for dismissal from their respective degree program and will not be admitted to any University of Utah Mechanical Engineering degree programs in the future. Note that a failing grade sanction still applies even for students who withdraw from the course after the sanction is imposed. Per University policy, students receiving sanctions for academic misconduct may be prevented from withdrawing from the class. Any failing sanction due to academic misconduct can be appealed. If the appeal is successful then the failing sanction will be lifted. Hence, this policy applies only to failing grade sanctions that are not successfully appealed.

Academic misconduct of Mechanical Engineering students and students taking ME EN courses is tracked by the Department of Mechanical Engineering for all University of Utah courses. Information about prior offenses is available to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Director of Graduate Studies, the Department Chair, the Academic Standards Committee, and Mechanical Engineering office staff. This information will be protected following established FERPA guidelines.

3 Definition of Academic Misconduct

Per the University’s Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities:

“Academic misconduct” includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresenting one's work, inappropriately collaborating, plagiarism, and fabrication or falsification of information (see https://regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-400.php for more details). It also includes facilitating academic misconduct by intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic misconduct.”

A primary example of academic misconduct would be submitting work that is copied from another student or an outside source as one’s own work. Other examples include showing your work to another student struggling with an assignment or posting solutions or exams to websites.

ME EN course instructors have the right to define what constitutes academic misconduct for their specific class. Such definitions should be provided in the course syllabus or as an attachment provided with the syllabus. If a student has questions about the course definitions, they should seek clarification from the instructor. The departmental definitions of academic misconduct will apply by default and should be referenced if the instructor does not provide course-specific definitions.

4 Training and Acknowledgment of Policy

All students will be notified of the Mechanical Engineering academic misconduct policy both in the course syllabus and by the instructor during the first two weeks of any ME EN course. Each student in a ME EN course must review the Mechanical Engineering Academic Misconduct policy and the course’s definitions of academic misconduct if the instructor chooses to make course-specific definitions. The student must indicate completion of these tasks, typically via a Canvas quiz or a signed form kept on file with the instructor. A link to the acknowledgement process (e.g. Canvas quiz or acknowledgment form) will be available in Canvas or on the course web page. Acknowledgement of the policy and course definitions of academic misconduct must be completed as indicated by the instructor prior to the end of the second week of any semester in which a student is enrolled in a ME EN course. Students who fail to properly provide acknowledgement of the policy and course definitions of academic misconduct by this date will be asked to withdraw from the course. Students who do not withdraw from the course and fail to properly acknowledge the policy and course definition of academic misconduct will receive an EU grade.

5 Sanctions and appeals at the course level

If an instance of academic misconduct is discovered, two possible sanctions could be applied:

Fail-the-course sanction

The default sanction for an offense of academic misconduct is a failing grade for the course.

Less-than-fail sanction

As defined in the course syllabus, or due to instructor discretion, an academic misconduct sanction may be relaxed from a failing grade. Records of a relaxed sanction will also be kept in the student’s permanent file but will not count towards dismissal from the degree program or ME EN course enrollment restrictions. For either type of academic misconduct sanction, the sanctions and appeals procedure is prescribed in the College of Engineering Guidelines and Section V.B of the University of Utah Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Should a student need advice or guidance about his/her appeal, the Mechanical Engineering Director of Undergraduate or Graduate Studies can serve as an informal advisor, and the student is encouraged to seek such help.

6 Student Responsibilities

1. Students are required to understand this policy and to not engage in any activity that could constitute academic misconduct as defined in this policy, which includes course definitions established by the instructor.
2. Students must provide acknowledgement of this policy and course definitions of academic misconduct prior to the end of the second week of the class. Acknowledgement must be provided as indicated by the instructor, either via a Canvas quiz or signed acknowledgement form.
3. Students should notify the instructor immediately if they suspect academic misconduct is occurring.

by Davey Stevenson

Thesis and Dissertation Help

Thesis and Dissertation Help

Manuscript Approval Steps

• Thesis Office - Manuscript Submission Instructions
• Thesis Office - Manuscript Tracking

Thesis Office Information and Resources

• UofU Thesis Office Homepage
• Thesis Office FAQS
• Submission Deadlines
• Thesis Handbook
• UofU Thesis Templates (Word and LaTeX)
• Activate Free Grammarly Account
• Thesis Office YouTube Videos
• Meet with an Editor
• Inventions and Patents
• Publications of Theses and Dissertations Involving Patents and Restricted Data
• Copyright and Other Forms

Department of Mechanical Engineering Resources

• Formating Checklist (as of 04/24)
• Guide to Figure and Table Placement
• GitLab LaTeX Template (as of 09/21)
• Overleaf LaTeX Template (as of 09/21)
• Example LaTeX Manuscript
• How to run a Grammarly Report
• ME Thesis-Dissertation Presentation (as of 10/30/23)

MS Word Help

• Suggestions for Working with Word 2016 for PC
• Suggestions for Working with Word for Mac

LaTeX Help

• UofU LaTeX Info
• LaTeX Cheat Sheet

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External Open Tenure-Track Faculty Positions

The following are PDF's or links we have received from the institution listed:

(updated upon receipt of new ads)

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Graduate Degree Programs

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Course Offerings

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Graduate Visitation Weekend Application

February 21-24, 2019 (Thurs.-Sun.)

Submission Deadline January 1

Graduate Visitation Weekend (GVW) is an exclusive and organized event hosted by the College of Engineering. Invitees will learn about the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the graduate program, the University of Utah, and the Salt Lake City area.

Traditionally our best Ph.D. applicants are invited for a campus visit to meet with professors. Note, an application to the mechanical engineering graduate program is a prerequisite to GVW.

Typically, the majority of attendees receive offers for full funding. Plus, your travel expenses (including transportation to SLC, lodging, and meals) are on us!*

For further information please contact the Grad Advisor at m.fehlberg@utah.edu.

*Note: Airfare, lodging, dinner on Thursday; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday; lunch and activities on Saturday are provided by the Department. All other meals and expenses are reimbursable with original receipts as long as the student-visitor attends all scheduled meetings, meals, and activities.

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Combined B.S./M.S. Degree Program Application

First Name *

Last Name *

Select the current semester Spring 2024Summer 2024Fall 2024Spring 2025Summer 2025Fall 2025

U of Utah Student ID Number (uNID) *

Enter uNID as 8 digits with leading zeros (e.g., 00123456)

Email *

Education

List your UofU and transfer (if applicable) GPA's and number of credits:

Cumulative Transfer GPA, if applicable (see the transfer section of your degree audit if not sure)

____/out of 4.00

Number of transfer credits (see transfer credit section of your audit if not sure)

Cumulative U of U GPA (see top section of degree audit or unofficial transcript in Academic Records in CIS if you aren't sure)

____/out of 4.00

Number of U of U credits (see Total Hour Requirement at top of audit where it says "U OF U COURSE CREDIT HOURS THAT WERE COUNTED TOWARDS THE 122 TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED.")

Unofficial Transcripts

Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Current Educational Standing

Expected date of B.S. degree completion *

Are you interested in a thesis or non-thesis Master's degree?

Thesis

Non-Thesis

Not sure yet

Graduate Information

Potential faculty advisor #1 (list up to 3) *

Potential faculty advisor #2 (optional)

Potential faculty advisor #3 (optional)

List up to 3 areas of specialization you are considering for your graduate course work and research (i.e., fluids, composite materials, etc.) *

Faculty Reference Name that we have permission to contact: *

We may just informally ask this person about you, no letter required at this time. This recommender may also be 1 of 3 required for your application to the University, if you desire.

Next step: Make an appointment with Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Mark Fehlberg to review degree requirements and discuss your acceptance to the program.

By checking this box I give the Mechanical Engineering department permission to review my academic record including degree audit/transcripts, class grades and GPA. *

I agree

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Δ

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Magdiel Student Financial Relief Fund Application

If you are a student nearing completion of your mechanical engineering program and experiencing a significant or unforeseen financial hardship, the Magdiel Financial Relief Fund may be able to help you with grants aimed at enabling you to complete your degree. GPA is not a factor to receive assistance from the fund, and grants may be renewable based on need and available funds.

Preference is given to tuition and those nearest to graduating. Once submitted you will be contacted via email regarding the status of your application. Applications for financial relief are accepted year-round, however decisions are made the first week of class and funds are limited.

APPLICATION DEADLINES: AUGUST 6 & DECEMBER 1

First Name: *

Last Name: *

uNID: *

Enter uNID as 8 digits with leading zeros (e.g., 00123456). Please check for accuracy.

Email: *

Mailing Address: *

City: *

State: AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingOption 51

Zip code: *

What is your degree program? *

BS

MS

PhD

Who is your Faculty Advisor? *

What project are you working on? *

(undergraduate capstone project or graduate thesis/dissertation)

What is your GPA? *

What is your anticipated graduation date? *

What are your plans following graduation?

Describe current hardship or unforeseen financial situation you are experiencing *

Please provide rationale for your request of assistance from the Magdiel Student Fund

What is the amount of funding you need? *

How will funding be used?

The next four questions deal with the semester funds are being requested

Which semester will these funds be used? *

Number of credits you will be taking during the semester funds will be needed *

What other funding sources do you anticipate using for this semester of need? *

Graduate Students Only: Are you eligible for the Tuition Benefit Program for the semester of need?

Yes

No

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BS/MS Degree

BS/MS Combined Degree (Link to Prescreening Form)

For undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Master of Science (MS) degree, the Department offers a combined degree program intended to foster undergraduate research (thesis option) and to accelerate progress toward the MS degree (thesis or non-thesis option). The program allows advanced students to complete both their BS and MS degrees in five years, one year earlier than if the degrees were done separately. This gives students an advantage in the job market by providing them with more training, an advanced degree, more research experience (thesis option), and increased earning potential.

M.S. Thesis option

For undergraduate students interested in the vigorous pursuit of research, students are pre-screened to participate in the BS/MS-thesis program in the second semester of their junior year and need to begin doing research in a lab as soon as possible. During the senior year, 2 of the 4 undergraduate technical electives are taken at the graduate level and are counted toward the MS degree. This means the BS degree is shortened by 6 credit hours. The students also use their senior year to work on their independent thesis research. Then, during the final year (the 5th year of a 4-year BS degree), students finish their graduate coursework and research and defend their thesis. At the end of the program, students graduate with their BS and MS simultaneously. This is the best option for students intending to advance to a PhD program or pursue research-oriented positions in industry.  Students need a faculty advisor to be admitted as a thesis Master's student. This option may take longer than one extra year to complete depending on at what point the student started their research and how long it takes to complete and defend the thesis.

M.S. Non-Thesis option

For undergraduate students not interested in pursuing research, the MS Non-Thesis option provides an in-depth educational experience in a specific area of interest and more breadth at an advanced level in mechanical engineering through courses in complementary areas. Students may be pre-screened for participation in this program as early as junior year and as late as the first semester of their senior year.  During the senior year, 2 of the 4 undergraduate technical electives are taken at the graduate level and are counted toward the MS degree. This means the BS degree is shortened by 6 credit hours. At the end of the program, students must complete an exit interview with the Graduate Advisor and they graduate with their BS and MS simultaneously.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Students in the BS/MS Program may receive financial support in the form of an hourly position during the fourth year. After students are admitted to the Graduate School and classified as an MS student, they may receive funding as a research or teaching assistant or grader and are eligible for the University of Utah Tuition Benefit Program.

Program Requirements

To be accepted into the BS/MS Program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Mechanical Engineering Undergrad Major at the University of Utah
• Pre-Screening during third or fourth year of BS program
• Undergraduate GPA – minimum 3.0
• Research advisor reference (thesis master’s only; list on screening form)

Research

Students are encouraged to begin their research work for the MS-thesis degree during the summer between their third and fourth years of the four-year undergraduate program or sooner. Research work may be incorporated into the Senior Capstone Design Sequence. Examples of potential ways to combine research and other course requirements during the senior year are given below.

• Incorporate work on the senior design project into the thesis research. Projects begun in Senior Design may form the foundation for the thesis research. This will require some adapting on the student's part. Thesis research must be more in-depth than senior design projects and must be original research that contributes new knowledge to the field. Students expecting to specialize in Design and Manufacturing at the graduate level may be best suited for this alternative.
• Work independently with the faculty advisor on thesis research which is separate from the senior design project. This work will need to be done in the student's spare time, such as during the summers and in lieu of heavy course loads. Students using this option may also participate in UROP opportunities.

Other BS/MS Program Policies

All policies and procedures for the MS degrees also apply to BS/MS students. Please see that section for further details. Students complete a minimum of 152 semester credit hours of qualified study for both degrees:

• A minimum of 30 semester credit hours must satisfy the Department's requirements for the MS degree (thesis or non-thesis).
• A minimum of 122 semester credit hours must meet the BS degree requirements of the University of Utah, the College of Engineering, and the Department. The minimum number of credit hours for the combined programs is 6 less than that required for the traditional BS and MS degrees obtained separately.

The only graduate degree that students may pursue in the combined program is the Master of Science (thesis or non-thesis). Courses listed at both the 5000 and 6000 level must be taken at the 6000 level if they are to be applied to the MS degree (see Director of Graduate Studies for exceptions). Students must take a minimum of 6 credit hours of graduate credit the senior year. They may take up to a maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate credit. Transfer from undergraduate to graduate status occurs after completion of the BS degree requirements and admission to the Graduate School. A student is eligible for the Tuition Benefit Program administered by the Graduate School after graduate status is conferred.  Both the BS and MS degrees are conferred simultaneously following completion of the program. No student will be awarded a separate MS degree without satisfying all requirements for the BS degree. Students wishing to exit the combined program can apply qualified coursework toward the traditional BS and MS degree requirements without penalty but wouldn't get the benefit of counting the graduate courses taken as an undergraduate towards the MS degree unless they took more than 4 total technical electives needed for their BS degree (would need to fill out a petition for graduate credit to use extra courses for a future Master's degree).

More Information

For more information about this program from the graduate end, please visit the graduate academic program to learn more!  Official participation in the BS/MS program is contingent on the student being admitted to the University of Utah Graduate School.

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Master of Engineering Forms

Warning! This degree is being discontinued!

• Master of Engineering (project) requirements worksheet

Request for Supervisory Committee

• Due at the end of your second semester of study
• You must have 3 professors on your committee
• 2 must be ME regular faculty (not auxiliary)
• Type everything – handwritten forms will not be accepted

Program of Study

• Due 7 months prior to graduation – check with Amanda for exact deadlines
• You must list every class that counts toward your degree, including classes you will take in the future
• You must gather the original signatures of your professors
• You must earn a B- or better in order for a class to count
• Type everything – handwritten forms will not be accepted

Application for Graduation

• Used to apply for graduation
• Must be submitted to the Graduation Office
• Must be submitted by certain deadlines to graduate in certain semesters
• See the Graduation Office's Website for deadlines
• Deadlines are hard. Late submissions will default to the following semester

Request to Change Committee Form

• Used to change one or more committee members
• If changing your chair, get the signatures of both the old and the new chair
• Type everything – handwritten forms will not be accepted

Amendment to Program of Study

• Used to change/swap courses listed on your program of study
• Due as soon as you know you want to change courses
• Must be signed by committee chair
• Type everything – handwritten forms will not be accepted

Change of Degree Program

• Used to switch from the MEN to the MS or some other degree
• Due 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester
• Must be signed by your committee chair/advisor

Request for Leave of Absence

• Required for any fall or spring semesters that you don’t register
• Must be signed by committee chair/advisor
• Must be typed – handwritten forms will not be accepted
• International students must take additional steps to avoid falling out of visa status

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