Student FAQs

May you refuse to sign the Academic Integrity Form?
You may choose to accept or deny responsibility for the allegations.

May I change my mind about accepting or denying responsibility for the allegation(s)?
After completing the Academic Integrity Form, the student may change or rescind his/her decision within 3 working days of signing the Form. A written statement must be submitted to the Associate Dean.

Is there an automatic review of all Academic Integrity Forms?
If a student has accepted responsibility for the allegation(s), a paper review will occur to determine if the sanction(s) follow the Guidelines for Academic Integrity Violations developed by the Office of Judicial Affairs.

If a student has not accepted responsibility for the allegations but the student has not requested a full hearing, a paper or full hearing will occur, depending upon the sanction recommended by the instructor, to determine if the student violated the academic integrity policy. The types of sanctions under which a paper review will occur are reduced exam grade, exam failure or reduced course grade. The types of sanctions under which a full hearing will occur are failure in a course, dismissal from an academic program, or XF grade.

Can sanction(s) be appealed if the student has accepted responsibility for the violation or if the Committee has found that the student has committed the violation?
Sanctions cannot be appealed. The Committee will use the Guidelines for Academic Integrity Violations developed by the Office of Judicial Affairs, when reviewing the sanction recommended by the instructor and when determining sanctions after a paper or full hearing by the Committee.

Who may request a full hearing?
The student, instructor, or Academic Integrity Chair or committee member may request a full hearing for any allegation. An appeal by a student must be made in writing to the Associate Dean within 5 working days after signing the Academic Integrity Form.

When may a request for a full hearing be made?
A written request for a hearing must be made when the case materials are submitted to the Associate Dean.

How may I review the material submitted for the case?
The material may be reviewed during regular business hours in the College of Agricultural Sciences Office of Undergraduate Education.

How long does the hearing process take?
The maximum amount of time that can elapse from the signing of the Academic Integrity Form and the decision of the Academic Integrity Committee is 40 working days. A student has 5 working days to submit a written appeal to the Associate Dean after the Academic Integrity Form has been signed. Within 5 working days of receiving a request for an appeal, the Associate Dean shall request all relevant materials from the student and instructor. The student and the instructor have 10 working days to submit all relevant materials. The full hearing will be scheduled no sooner than 5 working days after receipt of all relevant materials from the instructor and the student. The decision will be made within 20 working days after receiving the case materials.

What is the procedure for a full hearing?

1. Student will present her/his case, if she/he wishes to attend the hearing. Student has the right to bring an advisor/friend for support. Student must inform the Committee Chair if she/he opts to bring an advisor/friend. No legal representation is allowed. The advisor/friend may assist the student in remembering details of the case but will not be permitted to address the Committee.
2. Instructor will present her/his case.
3. If both student and instructor testify, time will be allotted for responses.
4. Committee members will have an opportunity to question student and/or instructor.
5. Committee deliberates in the absence of student and instructor.
6. The Committee will provide a written summary of its decision.

What are a student’s rights in the full hearing process?
A student has the right to:

• verbally testify before the Committee
• not attend the hearing,
• have a University-related community member as an advisor present,
• change his or her mind concerning his/her decision to contest an allegation,
• prepare for a hearing/review,
• have decisions made by the hearing body only from evidence presented at the hearing, and
• question witnesses and evidence against him or her.

Is there a process through which a student may appeal the Academic Integrity Committee’s decision?
No, the decision of the Committee is final.