jaybird3rd

Making yourself as available as you are and those students still choosing to cheat shows underlying character flaw and lack of pride in their work. While not outright cheating like you describe, I have had students in the past that have tried to come to the bare minimum amount of classes to pass and then expect to be able to get top marks for their minimal effort. Of course I grade them accordingly. Same students then wonder why they don't succeed in the program going forward with new material the same way those that have put the time and effort into their studies have. It's mind blowing. Stick to your guns dude, they have earned and deserve whatever grade you give them. 

@Psionic (your reply must have glitched) Our university has a strict academic dishonesty policy, too.  Unfortunately, students can be very litigious, and the process of contesting a grade creates a giant headache for everybody.  I'll stick to my guns, but I'm not looking forward to being put through the grinder for it.

With the prices of college tuition these days, I can understand why they can be upset, but this seems like a lesson that needs to be learned.

I wonder if you could make some kind of accommodation as a compromise? Maybe give them a (difficult) open-book exercise to evaluate them, while keeping the mark against their dishonesty? Not that you should put yourself out there for cheaters. They should be on academic probation, too. 

I see what you mean about how students can be litigious. Ugh. I hope the administration has your back.