What is academic misconduct?

Academic misconduct, academic integrity, or honor code violations are defined differently based on the individual college’s code of conduct. Generally speaking, academic misconduct is cheating - or, anything that would tend to subvert the integrity of academics at the university. This could be receiving or providing unauthorized assistance on assignments or exams (yes, you can get in trouble even if you are just the one providing the information), collaborating on assignments or exams, or utilizing materials on exams that you are not permitted to use. More nuance cheating involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in an assignment, seeking live tutoring help during an exam, using test banks to study actual exam questions from prior years, or posting questions to online forums such as Chegg to receive aid in answering.

What can I expect during a college academic integrity process?

Typically, the academic misconduct process starts by either a professor or TA noticing an issue on an assignment or exam. This causes a complaint to be filed because usually the reporting party is under a duty to notify the academic integrity office is there is a suspicion. The college, and sometimes the instructor of the course, will notify the student of the suspicion. Some universities will provide the accused student with the evidence against them and ask that they either admit or deny guilt, or offer their perspective during a meeting with an investigator who will decide what to do next. Some schools offer the ability to have a hearing with just an investigator, or a hearing body comprised of faculty members, staff, and/or fellow students. It is important to keep in mind that most colleges have a low burden of proof required to make an accusation, and to prove an accusation; the school must be convinced by only a preponderance of the evidence that the student cheated to make a guilty finding. This standard is akin to “more likely than not” that the student cheated, or often referred to as “50% plus a feather” likely that the student cheated.

How can I prepare for a college academic misconduct hearing?

College students accused of academic misconduct need to understand the school’s process, your rights as an accused student, the evidence submitted in support of the accusation, and potential outcomes you may receive. Although we are biased because we see the positive outcomes in cases handled, an experienced attorney | advisor can answer all of those questions for you and set realistic expectations about each step you are facing. An advisor can and should prepare a strategy for a defense, or mitigation, and take steps to prepare you for the upcoming hearing by equipping you with a well-reasoned and written statement to use, and practice answering potential questions that may be asked of you. In most public universities, and some private colleges, an advisor can attend meetings and hearings with you for support.

What sanctions can I expect to receive for college academic misconduct?

When a college student is found responsible for cheating, there is typically two types of sanctions assessed. The first is an educational sanction, that effects the grade on the assignment and/or the overall course. This can be as small as earning a zero on the assignment at issue, or a full course failure. The second category of sanction is a disciplinary penalty, which can range from a formal warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion. Some universities outline likely sanctions depending on categories of offenses, or tiers, or mandatory sanctions that must occur. An accused college student must understand what is at stake, because it can ultimately impact the ability to graduate on time as planned, cancel pre-reqs that are necessary to continue in a program, or result in a dismissal from a specialized program completely, often seen in nursing programs.

How can I appeal a college academic integrity violation?

An appeal of a college academic integrity violation or a finding of academic misconduct usually involves a fast timeline, sometimes as little as 24 hours. Usually each college has a listed process for “grounds” for an appeal, meaning the types of issues that can be assessed on an appeal. For example, if an accused college student is facing a harsh sanction, the student may be afforded an appeal opportunity based on arguing that a “disproportionate sanction” was given. It is a good idea to seek the services of an attorney to help identify appealable issues in your case and write your appeal document if you want the best chance of success.