Disciplinary action for violations of the NATI ESL Honor Code will depend upon several factors, including the following:

• Whether the student is a first-time offender or a repeat offender
• Whether the violation was intentional or due to carelessness or a lack of knowledge
• Whether the student acknowledges the offense when presented with overwhelming evidence
• Whether the offense occurs early or late in the student’s ESL program
• Whether the offense involves a minor or major assignment
• Whether the violation has major impact on the learning environment at NATI ESL

Once it is determined that a violation has occurred, resulting sanctions may include:

• Written warning – Instructors may issue a written warning at any time – consistent with a reasonable determination that a violation has occurred – to students for minor violations. The warning shall include a description of the violation and the corrective action needed to prevent further violation.  The instructor will provide notification of the action to the designated staff member for inclusion in the student’s official record.
• Grade reduction or failing grade on assignment involved in academic integrity violation – Instructors may determine whether a grade reduction or failing grade on an assignment is justified given the extent of the violation. Such decisions will be upheld unless determined to be arbitrary and capricious. The instructor will provide notification of the action to a designated staff member for inclusion in the student’s official record.
• Grade reduction or failing grade in the course – Instructors may determine whether a grade reduction or failing grade in the course is justified given the extent of the violation. The reduction of a grade or issuance of a failing grade in the course must be made in conjunction with the appropriate staff member. Such decisions will be upheld unless determined to be arbitrary and capricious. The instructor will provide notification of the action to a designated staff member for inclusion in the student’s official record.
• Immediate interim suspension, suspension, expulsion, or revocation of a certificate – If an instructor recommends suspension, expulsion, or revocation of a certificate, the instructor, in conjunction with a designated staff member, must forward the case within ten (10) business days to the NATI ESL Honor Code Committee for action. The designated staff member will notify the student of the referral of the case to the NATI ESL Honor Code Committee and give the student the information on how to submit his or her written information.