I can’t very well explain why I used ChatGPT to write my term paper. Sure, I had left it to the last minute. And sure, I was stressed with other exams. But that was nothing new—I was always under a deadline and always a little stressed around final exams.

I suppose I was just fed up with other students getting away with it—if they could turn in an AI paper, why couldn’t I? How was it fair that I had to put in the work and they didn’t? I didn’t expect to be caught, I didn’t expect for it to be a big deal.

The consequences though were very well known. Every student is provided the rules of the college at orientation. Every student knows that the consequences of breaking the most serious rules are different than other institutions. The college doesn’t just expel someone outright for dishonesty, but rather offers a choice to accept a punishment instead.

I had heard rumors of these punishments before. Apparently you would be sent to the dean’s office and receive strokes with a paddle, cane, or strap depending on the severity of the offense. Every student knew it could happen, but few expected it to happen to them.

So I was surprised when I received an email detailing my choice: expulsion or an alternative punishment. I was surprised again when, in response to my election of the punishment, I received a quick follow up telling me to be at your office at 3:00.

I knew you by reputation only—the dean of undergraduate studies. We had never met before despite this being a rather small institution.

I arrived at 2:59 and knocked softly at your door.

If you’re interested in continuing this RP, please send me a chat.