Navigating Tough Conversations: How to Talk to Students Suspected of Cheating

Talking to students about suspected cheating is a delicate and often challenging task, but it’s necessary for maintaining academic integrity. In this webinar, you’ll discover how to navigate these tough conversations with empathy and clarity, addressing academic integrity concerns through constructive dialogue without alienating students.

Administrators from Coastal Alabama Community College will share their experiences in using exam report data as evidence to support conversations about academic integrity. They will also discuss unexpected factors, such as disabilities, that play a role in these discussions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Best practices to initiate and prepare for these challenging conversations
  • Practical strategies for managing these discussions, backed by real-life examples from educators
  • Communication tips to help maintain empathy and respect during the discussions
  • How to collect and present evidence of academic dishonesty using Honorlock exam insights

Intended Audience:

Faculty and instructors, administrators, and student support personnel

This webinar is sponsored by:

Speaker Bio
Mary Beth Lancaster, Ed.D.

Dean of Academic Instruction – Coastal Alabama Community College

Dr. Mary Beth Lancaster has had the privilege of working in higher education for 31 years. Her experiences in adult education; grant oversight; institutional effectiveness; classroom instruction in English and public speaking; and multiple administrative roles have paved the way for her to embrace all facets of her institution and position herself to be a servant leader. Currently serving as the Dean of Academic Instruction, Dr. Lancaster has the opportunity to work with students, faculty, staff, and administration to forge a path for students to reach their academic, career, and personal goals – and achieve dreams that they might not have thought of yet. Whether serving as President of the Alabama General Studies Committee or working alongside her colleagues on multiple institutional committees, she enjoys the daily opportunities that a multi-campus rural community college presents and counts it a blessing to have a small part in changing lives in Southwest Alabama.
Lee O. Conerly, Ph.D.

Director, Academic Instruction – Coastal Alabama Community College

Building on her experiences in the secondary and higher education classrooms, Dr. Lee O. Conerly approaches her role as Director of Academic Instruction at Coastal Alabama Community College with her classroom foundation in mind. For years, Dr. Conerly learned from students in a variety of composition, literature, and leadership courses and was energized by watching them grow personally and professionally. In her leadership role, she enjoys viewing her colleagues through a similar lens as she works closely with faculty to analyze SLOs, implement initiatives from the Strategic Plan, and remain in compliance with accreditation agencies. Dr. Conerly serves as the Vice President of the Instructional Administrators Association and shares her doctoral research through educational forums as she helps educators better understand the veteran student population.
Tyler Stike

Director of Marketing – Honorlock

Tyler has over a decade of experience in ed tech and higher education. He focuses on creating relevant and useful content for educators, institutions, and technologists.