Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the integrity of Relay Graduate School of Education’s admissions process and to ensure that all admitted candidates meet the highest standards of honesty, professionalism, and ethical conduct. This policy establishes procedures for identifying, reviewing, and disqualifying applicants who have engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with admission to Relay.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals applying to any Relay program, including certification, residency, graduate degree, or alternative-route pathways. It covers conduct occurring before or during the application process.

Definitions

• Fraudulence — Any intentional act of deception, falsification, or misrepresentation related to admission. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Submitting falsified academic records, evaluations, or fieldwork hours
  • Misrepresenting enrollment status, program completion, or dismissal history
  • Using another person’s work, identity, or credentials
  • Providing fabricated or altered documents
  • Withholding required disclosures about prior program removal, sanctions, or investigations

Policy Statement

Relay Graduate School of Education will not admit any applicant who 1) has engaged in fraudulence in the completion and submission of any application at Relay, or 2) has a verified history of fraudulence involving any prior academic or educator preparation program.

Relay reserves the right to:

• Deny admission
• Rescind an offer of admission
• Remove a candidate from enrollment if fraudulence is discovered post-admission

Required Applicant Disclosures

All applicants must disclose:

• Previous enrollment in any academic or educator preparation program
• Any disciplinary actions, investigations, or dismissals from prior programs
• Any known allegations or findings of fraudulence

Failure to disclose required information constitutes an independent basis for denial.

Verification Procedures

Relay may conduct verification through:

• Direct communication with prior academic institutions
• Review of academic or fieldwork records
• Authentication of submitted documents for veracity
• Background checks where required by law

Relay may request additional documentation or clarification from the applicant at any time.

Determination and Disqualification

If evidence indicates that an applicant engaged in fraudulence during the admissions process:

• The application will be denied without further review.
• The applicant will be notified in writing of the decision.
• The applicant may be permanently barred from future applications at Relay.

Relay’s determination is final and not subject to appeal.

Post-Admission Discovery

If fraudulence is discovered after admission or enrollment:

• The offer of admission may be rescinded
• The student may be dismissed from the program
• Relay may report the misconduct to relevant state education agencies or certifying bodies

Recordkeeping

Relay will maintain documentation of all findings of fraudulence and related decisions in accordance with regulatory, institutional, and legal requirements.