Responding to an Academic Misconduct Allegation

Know your rights and learn what happens if an instructor alleges your involvement in academic misconduct.

Your rights

If your course instructor alleges your involvement in academic misconduct, you have the right to due process, which grants you 2 rights:

1. The right to be notified: You'll receive an official notification of the allegation from your college's dean of student affairs after your instructor has made an official report. The instructor does not have to notify you before making this report.
2. The right to be heard:
   • You have 10 business days from the notification date to meet with your dean to informally resolve the allegation and become informed of the administrative sanctions that will be imposed.
   • If you contest the facts of the allegation, you can request a hearing with the Academic Integrity Review Board (3 faculty, 1 undergraduate student, and 1 graduate student) and the instructor to discuss the allegation.

Potential outcomes

The severity of the sanction depends on the nature of the Policy violation and your disciplinary history. Review the list of consequences for cheating to see the sanctions that may be imposed.

Other important details

Read the Academic Integrity Office's Essential Information sheet (PDF) for more detailed information, including:

• A full list of your rights and responsibilities
• Important deadlines
• What to expect at an academic hearing

For help dealing with the allegation, contact the Associate Students' Student Advocacy Office, (858) 534-5920.

Questions? Contact the Academic Integrity Office, (858) 822-2163.