Under the current policy found in “Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide,” a dean is informed of academic dishonesty only if a student received a failing grade.

Thomas Wolff, associate dean of engineering for undergraduate studies, said the current system can prevent fair punishment for academic dishonesty.

“One of the key things in making that decision (of further punishment) might be ‘Is this a first time offender or is this part of a pattern?’” Wolff said. “Without a system to track that, there is no way we can tell.”

The proposed changes could put international students unfamiliar with citations at a disadvantage, said Manish Madan, president of the Council of Graduate Students.

A student who doesn’t understand citations could fail without an opportunity to explain their side, Madan said.

But UCAP Chairman Sekhar Chivukula said the drafted policy addresses students who may be confused on plagiarism.

“We want part of the new policy to address education so that we don’t just treat it as an offense and penalize it,” Chivukula said.

A 2003 UCAP subcommittee report prompted ASMSU’s Academic Assembly to call for a universitywide academic integrity policy in 2005.

Three of MSU’s governing bodies — the Executive Committee of Academic Council, Faculty Council and Academic Council — received a drafted policy this month.

Chivukula said the committee asked several different groups for feedback and will present a comprehensive proposal during the spring semester.