Hello.
I was accused of academic dishonesty because other students claimed to see me writing information from the internet on my scratch sheet of paper. I do not know if it was one or multiple. I know who it was, but that is beside the point.
The situation: the scratch paper was handed out. We are permitted
to write information while the exam is getting ready. I started writing. There was a technical issue and the proctor left, he did not give us any instructions. I exited the testing software because it usually requires me to do so in these situations. During this time, I continued writing on my paper information from memory. I googled a final grade calculator to see what I needed to pass and checked the weather. When he returned I logged back in. I do not have my browser history as I was using a private browser.
I was still writing, but did not copy anything from the browser onto my paper.
The information is being shared with a review committee. I have been researching what this means "a preponderance of evidence." I feel this was a misunderstanding. But I fear that because multiple students are making these accusations, and it's a judgement call, I will be found guilty.
I am looking for information about how these hearings are carried out, and any advice on how to handle this. I have an appointment with an attorney tomorrow.