Academic Misconduct Policy & Procedures

Table of Contents​

Effective Date: August 22, 2025

I. Philosophy

The University of New Haven is an academic community based on the principles of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Academic integrity is a core University value which ensures respect for the academic reputation of the University, its students, faculty and staff, and the degrees it confers. 

The University expects that all students, graduate and undergraduate, will learn in an environment where they work independently in the pursuit of knowledge, conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner and respect the intellectual work of others. Each member of the University community has a responsibility to be familiar with the definitions contained in, and adhere to, the Academic Misconduct Policy. 

The policy and procedures to follow apply to all University of New Haven students. 

II. Policy

Violations of the Academic Misconduct Policy include, but are not limited to, the following examples - 

A. Cheating

"Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise." ⁽ⁱ⁾ Cheating includes, but is not limited to: 

1. Having unauthorized notes during an exam or quiz, or communication of information by any means concerning the content of an examination during or after the testing period to anyone who has not yet taken the examination.  The only materials permitted during an exam are those that an instructor explicitly instructs students they may use. 
2. Copying the work of another during a test or quiz. 
3. Use of translation software such as Google Translate without instructor permission. 
4. Use of generative Artificial Intelligence without instructor permission. 
5. Obtaining or providing unauthorized prior knowledge of exam or quiz content. 
6. Using another student's work for an academic exercise or presenting the work of another as one's own. 
7. Using unauthorized materials or information from others for a take-home exam. It is expected that students do independent work for exams whether they are take-home or in- class. Students are expected to comply with the guidelines set by the instructor. 
8. Seeking, receiving, or giving aid during examinations through electronic means (e.g., use of web browsers, cell/smart phone/watch, email, text messaging, Bluetooth communications). 
9. Purchasing papers, research, reports, etc. from commercial services or other individuals for use in any manner other than research for which the source of information is appropriately referenced in the student's work. 

B. Collaboration/Collusion 

1. Non-permitted Collaboration. In some instances, instructors may indicate permitted forms of collaboration with other students. If the instructor does not indicate that collaboration is permitted, it should be understood that none is permitted. Students are encouraged to seek clarification from their instructors regarding the acceptable parameters for collaboration should they be in doubt regarding assignments that require group work.  Acknowledgment of collaboration is required when presenting authorship of student work. 
2. Study Groups and Tutoring. Academic misconduct standards do not prohibit students from studying together or from tutoring each other if done in conformance with other provisions of this policy. 

C. Plagiarism 

"Representing the words or ideas of another as one's own in any academic exercise or resubmitting one's own work under false pretenses." ⁽ⁱⁱ⁾

1. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to: 
   • a. Copying without proper citation from another student's paper(s) partially or entirely or from any source, such as a book, article, notebook, video, or other source material, whether published or unpublished. 
   • b. Purchasing or securing content from any source, to include term-paper vendors, generative artificial intelligence, and internet sources, and submitting that paper or specific portions of the paper as one's own work. 
   • c. Inserting a passage from the internet or any digital source into one's paper without proper citation. 
   • d. Copying data from another source without a proper citation. 
   • e. Appropriating another person's computer programming work for submission as an assignment. 
   • f. Failing to attribute material that comes from other media sources or failing to obtain proper permission for the use of such material when creating a web page, film, musical composition, or other forms of presentation or artistic expression as a course assignment. 
   • g. Any other appropriation of another's intellectual property without proper attribution. 
   • h. Submitting an assignment that was written during a prior semester or submitting the same assignment for more than one class simultaneously, including resubmitting all or substantial portions of previously written work for a current assignment, unless instructors in multiple courses are informed of and approve of the submission.  Students should consult their instructors if they are unsure of what work of their own they may use in preparing an assignment. The student should assume that, unless the instructor specifically permits it, the use of work from one previous or simultaneous course to satisfy the expectations of another course will be perceived as deceptive, and in addition, the work so used fails to qualify as original work for the assignment. 
   • i. Citing sources improperly, which includes, but is not limited to, failure to use quotation marks or other appropriate notation for direct quotes or for an author's distinctive phrases, and following an author's structure of writing and ideas, but rephrasing the sentences partially to give the impression that the whole passage reflects the student's structure and ideas.
2. Guidance on proper citation may be found below or through other designated resources indicated by your academic department. 

Resources on Proper Citation of Sources: 

• American Psychological Association. (2020) Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author. 
• Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.).(2017) Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 
• Gibaldi, J. (2009) MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. (7th ed.), New York: Modern Language Association. 
• Sources online: https://libguides.newhaven.edu/citation 
• Strunk, W. & White, E.B. (2000). The Elements of Style (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. 
• Turabian, K.L. (2013) A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations (8th ed.), Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 

D. Fabrication 

"Unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise." ⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾ Fabrication includes: 

1. Furnishing false information, distorting data or failing to provide all necessary required information to the University's advisor, registrar, admissions counselor, instructor, etc., for any academically related purpose. 
2. Forging a signature to certify completion of a course assignment or a recommendation to graduate school or to employers, internship sponsors, or other sponsors of on- or off-campus engagements. 
3. Fabricating data in support of laboratory or field work, whether for course-related assignments or for non-course-related internally- or externally-funded, extracurricular, or co-curricular projects. 
4. Misrepresenting one's academic accomplishments. 
5. Fabricating or falsifying a bibliography. 

E. Facilitating Academic Misconduct 

Knowingly helping or attempting to help another to violate any provision of this Policy, ^(iv) or otherwise facilitating academic misconduct. 

1. Examples include but are not limited to: 
   • a. Providing to other students one's own work or that of others with the reasonable expectation that these will be used for the purpose of cheating or plagiarism.
   • b. Maintaining academic content with the reasonable expectation that these will be used for the purpose of cheating or plagiarism. 
   • c. Unfairly advancing one's academic position by hoarding, stealing, or damaging library materials. 
   • d. Theft of other students' academic content, or textbooks for academic gain.
   • e. Placing another person's academic content on the internet without his or her permission for academic gain. 
2. The use of any electronic means to assist another without authorization is strictly prohibited. 

Copyright infringements shall be considered violations of the Academic Misconduct Policy. More information on copyright issues and copyright law can be found at: https://libguides.newhaven.edu/c.php?g=505122&p=3457984

III. Faculty and Student Responsibilities for Upholding the Academic Misconduct Policy 

A. Faculty 

1. Faculty are responsible for creating an educational environment where academic misconduct is defined and understood, perhaps by referencing the University's policy on academic misconduct in their course syllabi and explaining, modeling, and reinforcing expectations for appropriate academic conduct and the consequences for violations. 
2. Departments and/or instructors may choose to implement standards more stringent than those contained in this policy, provided they are clearly communicated to students. 

B. Students 

1. Students are responsible for the completion of their own academic work and for encouraging their peers to act with integrity in all academic matters by: 
   • a. Acting with honesty and integrity. 
   • b. Learning the principles of ethical conduct, and being familiar with and abiding by the definitions contained in the policy on Academic Misconduct and any other policies established by their instructors, departments, and Colleges. 
   • c. Informing the instructor or the Student Conduct Administrator if they become aware that any form of academic misconduct has occurred. 
   • d. Clarifying with the instructor what their expectations are regarding proper conduct in the completion of assignments (e.g., collaboration, citations, use of study aids on examinations, etc.).
2. Individual students may report a violation of Academic Misconduct to the Student Conduct Administrator who will notify the appropriate academic department. 

IV. Procedures for Addressing Cases of Academic Misconduct 

For instances of misconduct in the context of non-course-related research and other co- curricular academic projects (e.g., grant-funded research, internship placements, summer research fellowships, work study assignments in laboratory settings), the term "supervisor" may be substituted for the term "instructor" in the procedures to follow. For this policy, "supervisor" is defined as research supervisor, administrative supervisor, or a University official as defined in the Student Handbook. 

Similarly, reference to a University official (e.g., Provost, Student Conduct Administrator) is interpreted to include "or designee" such that the policy or procedure being described may be applied to or carried out by the official's designee. 

The procedures below outline the process for adjudicating academic misconduct violations only, and are unique to this process. Non-academic Code of Conduct violations follow the procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. A subsequent violation of the Academic Misconduct Policy is any violation of the policy that occurs after the first violation has been adjudicated under these procedures.  

A. Student Status and Conduct During Proceedings 

1. Generally, students may continue in their student status until the conclusion of academic misconduct proceedings, defined as the final notification of sanctions or the outcome of the student's appeal. Judgments regarding a student's permission to remain enrolled, to continue registration for subsequent terms, or other elements of a student's academic status are made by the Student Conduct Administrator in consultation with the Provost, the reporting instructor, and others as appropriate. 
2. Withdrawal from a course in which a student has been accused of an academic misconduct violation does not protect a student from receiving an F in the course or from other sanctions, nor will a withdrawal stop further academic misconduct proceedings.  Withdrawal from the University or declaring a change of major likewise will not prevent the disciplinary proceedings or entry of violations in the student's disciplinary record. 
3. Following action by an instructor to report an alleged academic misconduct violation, including the period during and after the Preliminary Meeting, Academic Misconduct Board Hearing, and appeals, students must not harass, threaten, or intimidate the instructor, nor may the students disparage the instructor's reputation in discussion with others.  Such an action will be deemed to violate the Code of Conduct and will be adjudicated under policies and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. 

B. Instructor Submits Academic Misconduct Incident Report 

1. When an instructor suspects, or receives an allegation, that a student has engaged in an act of academic misconduct the instructor will promptly report the alleged violation(s) by completing the Academic Misconduct Incident Report Form. 
   • A. Reported allegations of academic misconduct must be prepared in writing and contain the following: name(s) of the individual(s) involved, alleged misconduct/behavior, and specific date(s), times(s), and location(s) of the alleged incident(s). 
   • B. The instructor will electronically upload any supporting documentation (e.g., a copy of work demonstrating plagiarized text, course syllabus) within the online form at the time of submission. 
2. Complaints cannot be anonymous and must include the name(s) and current contact information of the instructor filing the complaint.  
3. Should questions arise when submitting the Academic Misconduct Incident Report Form, the instructor may consult with the Program Coordinator, Chair, or Associate Dean within their college or with the Student Conduct Administrator.  
4. Upon submission of the Academic Misconduct Incident Report Form, the Student Conduct Administrator will review and apply alleged charges consistent with the alleged behavior and the violations outlined in this policy (see II). The Student Conduct Administrator will also review the student's disciplinary record to determine if this is the student's(s') first violation or a subsequent violation of any part of the Academic Misconduct Policy. 
   • A. If the alleged violation is the student's(s') first offense, the instructor will receive written guidance from the Student Conduct Administrator regarding scheduling preliminary meeting with the student(s) (see IV.C). 
   • B. If the alleged violation is the student's(s') subsequent offense, the instructor will receive written guidance from the Student Conduct Administrator regarding the scheduling of a hearing with the Academic Misconduct Board (AMB) (see IV.E). 
5. Time Limit: Complaints should be reported as soon as possible after the alleged misconduct is discovered and must be filed no later than 30 days from the date of the alleged violation being discovered.  
   • A. Discoveries of violations a year or more after the date of the alleged violation typically will not be addressed formally through this procedure. In extraordinary circumstances, complaints may be accepted beyond this period, but reasons for doing so must be explained in the complaint. The Student Conduct Administrator will determine if a reported violation warrants an exception to the time limit.
   • B. Instructors are encouraged to report violations upon discovery, regardless of their latency. Students so reported will be called by the Student Conduct Administrator to respond to the allegations described in the Academic Misconduct Incident Report Form. The record of the reported violation will remain on the student's record.  

C. Preliminary Meeting Procedures 

1. After the instructor receives written guidance from the Student Conduct Administrator, the instructor will schedule a preliminary meeting with the student(s). The instructor should include their department chair or designee in the meeting when practicable. 
2. The instructor will provide the student(s) with written notice of the alleged charge(s) and a summary of the alleged behavior. Student conduct-related communication must be sent through the University email system. Instructors should consider the students' academic schedule as well as the academic calendar (such as scheduled breaks, holidays, or mid/final exams) when scheduling to ensure such meetings are conducted when the student is available but as promptly as practicable. Students shall be provided with a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to the scheduled meeting.  
3. If the student does not respond to an instructor's written request for a preliminary meeting, additional steps to contact the student may include a phone call or assistance from the department chair or designee. If a student remains unresponsive after two weeks, additional assistance from the Student Conduct Administrator should be requested.  
4. At the preliminary meeting, the accused student(s) will have an opportunity to be heard and share their perspective of the alleged misconduct. At this time, the instructor will review available documentation/evidence, including supporting documentation, which is pertinent to the academic misconduct matter. 
5. After reviewing and analyzing all available relevant information, the instructor will make an initial determination on responsibility for the alleged violation(s) of the Academic Misconduct Policy by applying a preponderance of the evidence standard. Instructors may delay a decision if they are actively attempting to obtain information regarding the alleged violation(s).  
   • A. If the instructor finds the accused student(s) not responsible for the alleged violation(s), the instructor will complete the Academic Misconduct Incident Resolution Form.  
   • B. If the instructor finds the accused student(s) responsible for any of the alleged violation(s), the instructor will complete the Academic Misconduct Resolution Form summarizing the preliminary meeting and outlining the sanctions imposed (see IV.F). The instructor must advise the student(s) of the availability of an appeals procedure, which may include an initial administrative review by the Student Conduct Administrator and/or subsequent opportunity to appear before the Academic Misconduct Board (AMB). Additionally, the instructor must provide the student(s) with the following options and indicate their choice on the resolution form: 
     • 1. Admits to violating the Academic Misconduct Policy and accepts the sanction(s) imposed by the instructor. The student waives their right to an appeal. 
     • 2. Admits to violating the Academic Misconduct Policy but does not accept the sanction(s) imposed by the instructor. The student requests a review/appeal of the sanction(s) imposed. 
     • 3. Does not admit to violating the Academic Misconduct Policy and requests a review/appeal. 
6. After receiving the Academic Misconduct Resolution Form, the Student Conduct Administrator will process the case according to the option selected by the student during the preliminary meeting. 
   • A. If the student admits to violating the Academic Misconduct Policy and accepts the sanction(s) imposed by the instructor, the Student Conduct Administrator will counsel the student on the consequences of the violation and will issue a final outcome letter to the student with a copy to the instructor. 
   • B. If the student admits to violating the Academic Misconduct Policy but does not accept the sanction(s) imposed by the instructor or the student does not admit to violating the Academic Misconduct Policy, the Student Conduct Administrator will counsel the student on further recourse through the Academic Misconduct Board, as described in section IV.G. 

D. Academic Misconduct Board (AMB) 

1. Membership. a) The voting membership of the Academic Misconduct Board will comprise seven (7) individuals from the University community: 
   • Four (4) full-time faculty members appointed by the Chair of the Faculty Senate for staggered two-year terms; 
   • One (1) administrative staff member appointed by the Student Conduct Administrator; and 
   • Two (2) students in good academic standing (one [1] of graduate status appointed by the Graduate Student Council and one [1] of junior or senior status appointed by the Undergraduate Student Government Association).

• b) The Student Conduct Administrator ^(v) shall serve as the non-voting Chair of the Board. A pool of alternate members in each of the three categories above may be called upon by the Student Conduct Administrator in order to address temporary absences or issues of conflict of interest affecting specific cases.  Judgments regarding conflict of interest are at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator. 

1. Quorum. The necessary quorum for the AMB to hear cases and conduct its business shall be 4 of the 7 voting members, and will include at least 1 student member and at least 2 of the faculty members. In all cases, the number of faculty members must be greater than the number of student members-student members may be dismissed by the Student Conduct Administrator as necessary to maintain a faculty majority. The Student Conduct Administrator must be present, in addition to the membership quorum defined above. 

E. Academic Misconduct Board (AMB) Hearing Procedures  

1. Upon submission of the Academic Misconduct Incident Report Form, the Student Conduct Administrator will review the student's disciplinary record. If the alleged violation(s) reported by the instructor in IV.B is the student's subsequent violation of the Academic Misconduct Policy, the student will be required to appear before the Academic Misconduct Board (AMB). The Student Conduct Administrator will notify the instructor that they are not required to have a preliminary meeting as outlined in IV.C and will receive written guidance on participating in the hearing in accordance with the procedures below. 
2. Scope of hearing. If the student(s) does not admit to the violation(s), the hearing will result in a finding regarding whether a violation has occurred. If the student(s) admits to the violation but disagrees with the sanction or with elements of procedure, the hearing will result in a finding regarding these issues alone.  
3. Notification. The Student Conduct Administrator will notify the student(s) that a report has been received of an alleged subsequent violation of the Academic Misconduct Policy and that they are required to appear before the AMB. A time shall be set by the Student Conduct Administrator for an AMB Hearing, not less than five nor more than thirty working days after the student has been notified. Maximum time limits for scheduling of AMB Hearings may be extended at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator. 
4. Notice of hearing. The student and reporting instructor shall be notified of the date, time, and location of the hearing by electronic mail (delivered to the student's and instructor's University email addresses of record) at least 5 working days prior to the scheduled hearing. Both will be advised that the case file may be reviewed prior to the hearing in the presence of the Student Conduct Administrator. 
5. Access to records. The student(s) shall have access to the evidence that may be used against them. Access shall be defined as the ability to review records to be used in the AMB hearing, and in the presence of a Student Conduct Administrator. 
6. Hearing procedure. AMB Hearings shall be conducted according to the following guidelines: 
   • a. Confidentiality. AMB hearings normally shall be conducted in private. Findings and sanctions issued by, and discussions of, the Board will be kept confidential. 
   • b. Attendance. The instructor, student(s), and their advisors, if any (see IV.E.6.d), shall be allowed to attend the entire portion of the AMB hearing at which information is received (excluding deliberations). Admission of any other person to the AMB hearing shall be at the discretion of the Board and/or the Student Conduct Administrator. 
   • c. Multiple respondents. In AMB hearings involving more than one student, the Student Conduct Administrator, in their discretion, may permit the AMB hearings concerning each student to be conducted either separately or jointly.  The AMB will determine its own procedures in these instances. 
   • d. Right to an advisor. The instructor and the student have the right to be assisted by an advisor they choose from among a pool of trained advisors as described below who is a full-time staff member of the University community, is not a faculty member, and is not an attorney ^(vi). Each party is responsible for presenting their own information, and therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak (other than to their advisee) or to participate directly in any AMB Hearing. 
     • 1. The advisory pool. The Student Conduct Administrator will train and maintain a pool of approximately 5-10 full-time University staff members to be available for service as advisors to those involved in AMB hearings. The advisors will be trained regarding this AM policy, the AMB hearing process, the role and conduct of advisors in the administration of this AM policy, protecting confidentiality, and related skills. 
     • 2. Selecting an advisor. The Student Conduct Administrator will present the student or instructor, upon request, with the full list of available advisors, from which the student or instructor will choose. A student should select as an advisor a person whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the AMB hearing because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor. The Student Conduct Administrator will contact the chosen advisor to arrange for their participation and to assure that no conflict of interest exists regarding their service as an advisor. If the chosen advisor is unavailable or unsuitable, the student or instructor may choose another from the list following the same procedure. 
   • e. Role of witnesses. The instructor, the student(s), and the Board may arrange for witnesses to present pertinent information to the Board. Witnesses will provide information to and answer questions from the Board. Questions may be asked by the student(s) and/or instructor to be answered by each other or by other witnesses. Deviations from this procedure will be at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator. Questions of whether potentially relevant information and evidence will be received shall be resolved by the Student Conduct Administrator. 
   • f. Evidence. Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements (including student impact statements) may be accepted as information for consideration by the Board at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator. 
   • g. Rulings on hearing procedure. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the Student Conduct Administrator. 
   • h. Majority decision. After that portion of the AMB hearing concludes during which all available pertinent information has been received, the Board shall determine by majority vote the Board's findings and sanctions.  
   • i. Standard of proof. The Board's findings shall be made on the basis of a preponderance of evidence that the student(s) violated the Academic Misconduct Policy. 
   • j. Rules of evidence. Formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in academic misconduct proceedings. 
   • k. Absence of parties. If a student(s), having been duly notified of a hearing, does not appear before the AMB for a scheduled hearing, the hearing may proceed or be rescheduled, depending on the Board's judgment regarding the circumstances surrounding the failed appearance. Hearings may proceed without the instructor in attendance.  The student and instructor are expected to indicate to the Board, through a response to the notification at IV.E.4 above, whether they intend to appear at the hearing. 
   • l. Participation in absentia. In exceptional circumstances, the Student Conduct Administrator shall consider allowing the use of technological means to allow the student to participate in the hearing. The AMB may accommodate concerns for the personal safety and/or well-being of the instructor, student(s), and/or other witness during the hearing by providing separate facilities, by using a visual screen, and/or by permitting participation by telephone, videophone, closed circuit television, video conferencing, videotape, audiotape, written statement, or other means, where and as determined in the sole judgment of the Student Conduct Administrator to be appropriate. 
   • m. Record of Hearing. There shall be a single verbatim record, such as a tape recording, of all AMB hearings before the Board. Deliberations shall not be recorded. The record shall be the property of the University, and retained in the custody of the Student Conduct Administrator. No other recordings are permitted. 
   • n. Determining Sanctions: All findings of student responsibility for violations will be based only on the information presented before the Board, but previous action taken against students for violations of academic misconduct will be used in the consideration of the imposed sanction(s). 
7. Notice of findings and sanctions. Written notification of the board's findings and sanctions and a rationale for them will be provided within five (5) working days after the conclusion of the hearing. The Student Conduct Administrator will so notify the parties. 
8. Appeal. The student(s) and reporting instructor have the right to appeal to the Provost regarding negative findings or sanctions of the Academic Misconduct Board within five (5) working days of receipt of the notice of findings and sanctions (see IV.G).  

F. Sanctions for Academic Misconduct Violations 

1. Sanctions. Dependent on the seriousness of the violation and the student's record, sanctions for academic misconduct violations may include the following: 
   • From the instructor - course-specific penalties including but not limited to grade penalties or failure for the entire course, or termination of the student's employment in the University position in question. 
   • From the Student Conduct Administrator and the Provost - range from an educational module on academic misconduct; disciplinary probation through expulsion or revocation of a degree/earned credential; termination of participation in research or the project in question; termination of University support in research; change in course grade; and restitution for any stipends, research funds, or financial support. 
2. Sanctions for first violation. Students found responsible for a first violation will be required by the Student Conduct Administrator to participate in a training session and satisfactorily complete an educational module on academic misconduct. Students who fail to complete the educational module will have a hold placed on their account until the module is completed.  
3. Sanctions for subsequent violations. Students found responsible for a second or subsequent violation will receive a minimum sanction of an F in a course (or termination from a co- or extracurricular project). Other sanctions also may be applied.  
4. Additional penalties. Other penalties may be imposed by the University to include loss of membership in student organizations and honor societies; ineligibility to participate in study abroad, athletics, or other programs; and/or ineligibility to hold office in a student organization that receives University funds or uses University facilities.  (Infractions of this policy that relate to research or other co- or extracurricular activity also may expose the student to civil or criminal proceedings.) 
5. Allegations following withdrawal. Violations relating to course-specific performance reported after a student withdraws from the University or after a grade has been given for a course will result in the grade reverting to a "Grade Not Submitted" (GNS). A notation will be placed on the student's academic record that an academic misconduct case is pending.  The student will have the right to a hearing before the Academic Misconduct Board as outlined in this policy. Refer to section IV.B.5 on time limits. 
6. Revocation of degree. Violations reported within a year of graduation may result in revocation of the student's conferred degree, certificate, or other credential.  The grade given for the course in which the allegation has been made will revert to a "Grade Not Submitted" (GNS), and a notation will be placed on the student's academic record that an academic misconduct case is pending.  

G. Appeal Process 

1. Criteria for Appeals 
   • A. Appeals of findings and sanctions issued during a Preliminary Hearing or Academic Misconduct Board Hearing shall be limited to one or more of the following grounds:
     • a. Fair process. To determine whether the hearing was conducted fairly in light of the nature of the reported violation and information presented, and in conformity with the expectation that a reasonable opportunity will be afforded to both the student and reporting instructor to prepare and present information during the hearing process. Deviations from designated procedures will not be a basis per se for sustaining an appeal unless it is determined their was significant prejudice that resulted from such deviation.
     • b. Factual basis. To determine whether the findings and sanctions issued regarding the student's case were based on substantial information, that is, whether there were facts in the case that, if believed by the fact finder, were sufficient to establish that a violation of the Academic Misconduct Policy occurred.
     • c. Appropriateness of findings/sanctions. To determine whether the finding(s) or sanction(s) imposed by the instructor, Student Conduct Administrator, or by the Academic Misconduct Board, were appropriate for the violation of the Academic Misconduct Policy that the student was found to have committed. 
     • d. New evidence. To consider new information or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, sufficient to alter a finding, because such information and/or facts were not known or available to the appealing party at the time of the original hearing. 
   • B. Format. An appeal must be prepared in writing through the Academic Misconduct Appeal Submission Form.  Appeals must contain (a) the name(s) of the individual(s) involved; (b) the circumstances of the complaint; and (c) supporting documentation if available, including specific dates, times, and locations.  The accused student requesting the appeal ("student appellant") or the reporting instructor requesting the appeal ("instructor appellant") will prepare a letter addressed to Student Conduct Administrator explaining the reasons for the appeal and the resolution sought. The Student Conduct Administrator is expected to determine that the materials assembled are ready for review by the Board and/or Provost. 
   • C. Access to the faculty's Grievance Committee (GC): The GC does not serve as a forum for appeal of Academic Misconduct procedures or outcomes. Students retain their rights to pursue the grievance process, for reasons not related to the academic misconduct issue, separate from the misconduct process. However, the misconduct process must be completed, including any appeal of the process under IV.G before any faculty grievance may be pursued. 
2. Appeals to the Academic Misconduct Board (AMB)
   • A. Right to Appeal. Findings and sanctions issued by the instructor following a Preliminary Meeting may be appealed to the Academic Misconduct Board by the student. Appeals must be indicated on the Academic Misconduct Resolution Form when completed by the instructor as outlined in IV.C.5.
   • B. Acting on an appeal. Upon review of an appeal submitted by the student, the Student Conduct Administrator will schedule a meeting with the student to counsel them on the appeal process. If the student elects to move forward with the appeal, the Student Conduct Administrator will schedule a hearing before the Academic Misconduct Board.
   • C. Notification. The Student Conduct Administrator will notify the student(s) and reporting instructor that an appeal has been received, and the student(s) have elected to appear before the Academic Misconduct Board. A time shall be set by the Student Conduct Administrator for and Academic Misconduct Board Hearing, not less than five nor more than thirty working days after student has elected to move forward with the appeal. Maximum time limits for scheduling Academic Misconduct Board hearings may be extended at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator.
   • D. Notice of hearing. The student(s) and reporting instructor shall be notified of the date, time, and location of the hearing by electronic mail (delivered to the student's and instructor's University email address or record) at least 5 working days prior to the scheduled hearing. Both will be advised that the case file may be reviewed prior to the scheduled hearing in the presence of the Student Conduct Administrator.
   • E. Scope of hearing. If the student(s) does not admit to the violation(s), the hearing will result in a finding regarding whether a violation occurred. If the student(s) admits to the violation(s) but disagrees with the sanction(s) or with elements of procedure, the hearing will result in a finding regarding these issues alone.
   • F. Hearing procedure. Appeals before the Academic Misconduct Board will follow the hearing procedures outlined in IV.E.6.
   • G. Notice of faculty members' response. If the Academic Misconduct Board changes the instructor's finding(s) or sanction(s), the instructor will notify the Student Conduct Administrator of their decision regarding the Board's decision within five (5) working days. The instructor must provide a written rationale of the reason(s) why they are not accepting the Board's decision. Additionally, failure to respond within five (5) working days will be considered an acceptance of the Board's decision. The Student Conduct Administrator will so notify the parties to the case.
   • H. Appeal: Appellants have the right to appeal to the Provost regarding negative findings or sanctions of the Academic Misconduct Board or notice of the instructor declining any Academic Misconduct Board findings or sanctions that are change to those imposed by instructor within five (5) working days of receipt of the notice of the instructor's response. 
3. Appeals to the Provost
   • 1. Right to Appeal. Findings and sanctions reached by the Academic Misconduct Board may be appealed to the Provost by the student or by the reporting instructor. Appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Student Conduct Administrator within five (5) working days of the date of receipt of the final outcome letter. In extraordinary cases, the Provost may extend this time limit.  Either party to the case is limited to one appeal to the Provost, within which all elements of the case will be reviewed, including a) whether the violation occurred, b) whether appropriate process was followed, and c) whether an appropriate sanction is to be applied.
   • 2. Acting on an appeal. Appeals of findings and sanctions issued by the Academic Misconduct Board shall be limited to a review of the actions taken by the instructor, Academic Misconduct Board, or Student Conduct Administrator and the verbatim record of the Academic Misconduct Board Hearing and supporting documents. Upon review of an appeal submitted by the student or the instructor, and following consultation with the instructor and staff as appropriate, the Provost will render a final decision on the case and act to implement the decision. No further appeals are possible. To the greatest extent possible, the Provost will honor the academic freedom and authority of the instructor. The Provost will notify the parties to the case, the Student Conduct Administrator, and others as necessary.
   • 3. Provost's discretion to intervene. It is not necessary for either party to a case to submit an appeal to the Provost in order for the Provost to intervene in a case. While such unsolicited intervention is expected to be very rare, this discretion is necessary in order to protect the interests of the University and its constituents. A written rationale will be provided by the Provost for such action. 

H. Maintenance of Records 

Records of academic misconduct cases will be maintained by the Student Conduct Administrator.  All academic misconduct records will be kept on file on the student's disciplinary record for a minimum period of seven (7) years from the date the student leaves the University. Records of suspension or expulsion shall be retained indefinitely. 

V. Acknowledgments 

This policy has been adapted from the Code of Academic Integrity and Acknowledging the Work of Others, prepared by the Office of the Dean of Faculty, Cornell University and used with permission; Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures at Sacred Heart University, WPI, William Patterson College; and A Model Code of Academic Integrity by Gary Pavela. 

i. Pavela, G. (1997) Applying the power of association on campus: A model code of academic integrity. Journal of College and University Law, 24(1), pp 9 et seq. [journal online] available from https://www.heartland.edu/documents/idc/toomuch2_wrk.pdf; Internet; accessed 30 January 2007.] 

ii. Based on Pavela, page 11. Note that Pavela's qualifiers "intentionally and knowingly" have been dropped from the definition adopted for the UNH policy. 

iii. Pavela, page 10. Note that the qualifier "intentionally" has been dropped from the definition adopted for the UNH policy. 

iv. Pavela, page 10. Note that the qualifier "intentionally" has been dropped from the definition adopted for the UNH policy. 

v. As defined in the Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook. 

vi. For purposes of this policy, "attorney" is defined as: a) an attorney who is admitted to practice law in Connecticut or in any other jurisdiction, regardless of whether the attorney is on active or inactive status, or b) an individual with a law degree, including without limitation a Juris Doctor or Master of Laws (L.L.M.), but who is not licensed or admitted to practice law. This definition has been drafted broadly to protect the University from any liability that could result from allegations that it condoned the unlawful practice of law by unlicensed attorneys, which is forbidden by Connecticut General Statutes § 51-88(a), and punishable under Connecticut General Statutes § 51-88(b), and Connecticut Practice Book § 2-44. Relatedly, the CT Professional Rule of Conduct § 1.18 addresses the obligations of attorneys regarding confidentiality that are relevant to the participation of attorneys in a University hearing process.