Missouri State University and the EdD program are committed to fostering an academic
environment rooted in integrity, fairness, and student-centered support. This section
outlines the core academic policies and procedures that guide student conduct, program
expectations, and recourse mechanisms. These policies uphold the university’s Public
Affairs Mission and promote a culture of ethical scholarship and accountability.
This section provides guidance on university and program-level policies related to
academic integrity, grade appeals, grievances, and use of technology. These procedures
are in place to uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability as you engage in
scholarly work and collaborative inquiry.
Missouri State University holds all graduate students to the highest standards of
academic integrity. Acts such as plagiarism, cheating, falsifying data, or misusing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies compromise the academic mission and violate
university policy.
Each instructor will specify expectations around academic honesty and permitted tools,
including AI-assisted technologies. Students are responsible for reading their course
syllabi carefully and seeking clarification when needed. Violations of academic integrity
will be addressed through the formal procedures outlined by the university.
Students who believe that a final course grade was assigned incorrectly or unfairly
may pursue a grade appeal. Grounds for appeal include:
Calculation or clerical errors
Inconsistencies with the grading criteria stated in the syllabus
Evidence of unfair or biased treatment
Students are encouraged to begin by discussing the issue with the course instructor.
Many concerns can be resolved informally and quickly when addressed directly. Instructors
may also outline preferred procedures for initiating conversations about grades in
their syllabi.
If informal resolution is not possible, students may follow the university’s formal
appeal process as outlined in the Grade Appeal Policy, which may involve department-level, college-level, and Graduate College reviews.
Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor or program director
for guidance.
Missouri State University provides clear pathways for students to express concerns
or file complaints related to university services, policies, or interactions with
faculty, staff, or peers. These grievances may include—but are not limited to—issues
of discrimination, harassment, violation of university policies, or procedural unfairness.
Students are encouraged to resolve issues informally when possible by communicating
with the involved parties. If informal resolution is not feasible or effective, students
may initiate a formal grievance process.
The use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, or other generative technologies must
align with the expectations set by individual course instructors. These expectations
will be outlined in syllabi or course policies. In some courses or assignments, use
of AI may be permitted as a support tool; in others, it may be restricted or considered
a violation of academic integrity if used improperly.
Students are responsible for:
Understanding course-specific AI policies
Citing or disclosing AI use when required
Asking for clarification if unsure of permissible use
Unauthorized use of AI tools may be subject to academic misconduct proceedings. Refer
to the Academic Integrity Policy for more information.
The dissertation serves as the culminating experience of the EdD program, requiring
original, practice-based research that demonstrates scholarly inquiry and leadership
impact. Dissertation-related policies include:
Completion of a formal dissertation proposal approved by the dissertatio committee
Adherence to IRB protocols
Continuous enrollment in dissertation hours until successful defense
Oral defense of the dissertation and submission of final documents in accordance with
Graduate College formatting and submission guidelines
Students are advised to consult their dissertation chair, committee, and program and
DiP handbook for specific expectations and milestones.
