Disciplinary grade!- background check

Question

Hi,

In my mba applications i've come across the question about any disciplinary action taken against me. 
Specifically the question is this :

"Have you ever been subject to verbal or written disciplinary action (e.g., informal or formal reprimand, suspension, dismissal, etc.) 
for scholastic or other reasons in any of the colleges, universities, graduate or professional schools you have attended?"

When I was in undergrad ( I graduated in 2007), I was caught reaching my hostel after regular hours, for which I was suspended from entering the hostel for one semester and due to which my disciplinary grade was reduced to a B+ on my marksheet. 
Is this something that should be mentioned? Should I be showing this on my application?

I'm really not sure.

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hmm, this is a really strange situation. The reason I say that is because clearly your school took their discipline very seriously. Too seriously, if you ask me but that's neither here nor there.

From an ethics standpoint, yes, you should mention it. Especially if your transcript includes a grade that ties to your disciplinary record (which is, again, a little ridiculous).

BUT - honestly, it won't really matter at all. You stayed out too late one night and, in return, the university threw the book at you. With force, it seems. I don't think there is an adcom out there that is going to look at that seriously. Mostly because it's silly.

That question is really there to determine if you were ever caught cheating or suspended for another significant issue. If you didn't have a grade tied to this infraction, I would advise you to not include it. What Housing chooses to do to you isn't generally tied to your Academic record nor does it have anything to do with its integrity. However, because it dropped your grade to a B+ you should mention it.

Bhavik

RhodesJonty · Answer

Hi Bhavik,

As you mentioned above that this question is really there to determine if you were ever caught cheating. My case is a little weird. I was a whistleblower at my University, where I complained against my prof's malpractice. In return he generated a discrepancy in my exam paper, made a cheating case and granted me an F grade, which I covered in the summer semester- got an A.

Now frankly, the university will say that I cheated so I cant put across that story. How should I go about it? How much will it affect my candidature?

Thanks!

CriticalSquare · Answer

Do you have any documentation regarding the whistleblowing or did the university create a case for that?

Posted from my mobile device

RhodesJonty · Answer

Thanks for the reply!

There was a big hullabaloo about this episode that I have mentioned. I was framed for discrepancy in my answer sheet because I had complained about a teacher's wrong doing to the HOD. After I got framed, I wrote to the Director about it and it was an year long ordeal where there were several hearings. The head, who had to take a decision on this, was changed to the same HOD, to whom I had complained earlier. Then it became too easy for them to grant me F grades in subjects as the HOD had vested interests.

I have a copy of the emails that I had written to the Director about it.

Its a weird case. Some people have suggested me to not talk about it at the moment and take it up later if there are questions raised by the adcoms about it.

What do you think?

CriticalSquare · Answer

That sounds incredibly complex. I agree - let this one lie until it comes up. But if it does come up, make sure you state the facts clearly and approach it objectively. Don't frame it as some conspiracy or how it was completely out of your hands. Be incredibly transparent and straight forward!

Bhavik

Bhavik

Disciplinary grade!- background check

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