I recently completed my capstone project for my web development degree, and my professor praised my presentation, suggesting I have a bright future in the field. However, he later accused me of using AI to create my project and insisted that I prove I didn't. I've shared all my wireframes, user journey maps, and other documentation that align with my project's timeline, but he dismissed them as potentially faked. He told me that to truly confirm my work was original, he would need evidence that I had regularly presented updates to him every week. I'm feeling devastated and overwhelmed, especially with finals coming up for my seven classes. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation as I prepare for a meeting with my department chair and access services advisor. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Definitely go to the department head! If your professor is making such serious accusations without solid evidence, they need to be challenged. The burden of proof should be on him, not you. Bring all your materials including your wireframes and sprint tracker to the meeting. If he dismisses all of that, it raises serious concerns about his integrity as an educator.
It’s a tough position to be in, and I feel for you. Just keep your cool when you meet with the department chair. Explain clearly the evidence you have and the unfairness of the situation. Ensure that you know your rights and what protections exist for academic integrity. You’ve got this!
Yes, staying calm is crucial. Sometimes professors can act out of frustration or misunderstanding, so showing you are reasonable and willing to cooperate might help ease some tension.
This sounds really unfair. To accuse you of cheating without any solid evidence is a big deal. Look into what your university’s policy is on academic dishonesty and how appeals work. Document everything that’s happened so you can present a clear case. Your professor’s actions could be considered discriminatory given your disability plan, so you have grounds to escalate.
Good point! Make sure to gather all your documentation and anything written relating to this situation. It will help back up your claims when you meet with the department chair.
I'd recommend being proactive. If you have a detailed git commit history, that's great evidence to show the progress and effort that went into your project. AI can't generate a git history that reflects real learning and coding practices. Make sure you emphasize to the department chair that he is unjustly placing the burden of proof on you.
Exactly! If your commits show regular work and development, it's clear you put in the effort. I always say, if they can question your work, they should be prepared to question it with real evidence.
Exactly! And if the department head doesn't take action, escalate it further up the chain. You shouldn't have to bear the weight of an accusation without proof!