Campus Location: We are located on the bottom floor of the MCC building directly adjacent to the University Center in the Associated Students Main Office.
The University Conduct Division provides assistance with accusations of academic and other types of misconduct - including plagiarism, cheating, theft, and any other alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Our service is free and confidential and we encourage you to contact us immediately if a matter arises.
About the University Judicial Process
Incident Occurs:
If a professor accuses you of academic dishonesty or plagiarism and the charges are undisputed, the professor can choose to give you a failing grade on the work submitted or a failing grade in the class. If you dispute the charges or the professor decides to take further action, the matter may move into the informal resolution process.
Informal Resolution Process
The informal resolution process begins when the reporting party submits an information report to the Assistant Dean of Students or other staff from the Student Judicial Affairs Office (SJAO.) That person will then interview the reporting party, witnesses, and you. This is where you get a chance to tell your side of the story and either deny or admit responsibility. If you admit responsibility, the matter is usually resolved and sanctions can be negotiated between you and the University staff. A member of the Office of the Student Advocate (OSA) can accompany you to that meeting to facilitate communication between the University official and you, and can also help negotiate sanctions. If the matter is unable to be resolved at the informal meeting, a formal hearing will be scheduled. You always have the right to request a formal hearing
Formal Hearing Process
The formal hearing is conducted by the Student-Faculty Committee on Student Conduct. It is made up of four faculty members appointed annually by the Chancellor and four students (three undergraduates and one graduate.) Prior to the hearing, a member of the Office of the Student Advocate (OSA) can provide assistance in preparation for the hearing by discussing strategy, helping you compose a clear personal statement, and gathering witnesses. We can then accompany you to the meeting, providing counsel and support. The hearing body will submit their findings and recommendations of sanctions which you will be informed of within five working days following the hearing.
Appeals Process
If you receive an unfavorable ruling, you may appeal the decision to the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, or Chancellor, depending on who is the appropriate appeal point. OSA staff can aid you in the preparation of an appeals letter, supporting documentation, and accompany you to related meetings / hearings. It should be noted that appeals can only be made in cases of lack of substantial bases of fact, incongruity of sanction with the offense, unfairness in proceedings, and newly discovered evidence not known at the time of the hearing.
Please visit the Student Affairs website for a more comprehensive overview of University judicial process.
