At the University of Maryland, academic integrity is governed by the Code of Academic Integrity, a student-administered honor code overseen by the Student Honor Council and administered by the Office of Student Conduct. The standard sanction for academic dishonesty is the “XF” grade, recorded on the transcript as “Failure Due to Academic Dishonesty.” Cases can be resolved informally, in a disciplinary conference, or through a hearing called an Honor Review.
A note on policies: universities revise their handbooks, rules, and procedures over time, and Maryland has changed parts of its process in recent years, including how the XF is removed. The process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case. This article describes the general structure of Maryland’s process as the university has published it. The current Code of Academic Integrity is the controlling source.
What Is the XF Grade?
The XF is a grade indicating failure due to academic dishonesty, and the university describes it as the standard sanction for an academic integrity violation.
Under Maryland’s current published process, once a student’s XF period is over, the “X” is automatically removed from the transcript, leaving an F. Maryland also imposes a permanent XF in some cases, which does not come off.
How Does a Maryland Case Begin?
Suspected academic dishonesty is referred to the Office of Student Conduct, and a student receives a copy of the Code and a statement of procedural rights at a preliminary meeting.
According to the university, Honor Council members or designees review referrals to determine whether a report is supported by reasonable cause. Maryland’s Code also allows students to refer themselves for an act of academic dishonesty, and the university states that students who do so do not receive the standard XF.
How Can a Case Be Resolved?
Maryland’s process has three routes: informal resolution, a disciplinary conference, and an Honor Review.
According to the university, the standard XF is normally imposed if the student agrees in an informal resolution that they committed academic dishonesty. A disciplinary conference is conducted by Office of Student Conduct staff, with a board of students and staff. Only matters that could result in a transcript notation, such as an XF, suspension, or expulsion, are eligible for an Honor Review, a hearing before an Honor Board convened by the Student Honor Council.
Can a Student Have an Advisor?
Yes. Maryland’s published guidance states that a student may consult privately with an advisor during the hearing, and that the advisor may be an attorney, at the student’s own initiation and expense.
The guidance also states that the advisor is not an active participant in the hearing.
Can a Maryland Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. Which body hears the appeal depends on the sanction.
According to the university, appeals of decisions resulting in a permanent XF, suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation are decided by an ad hoc board of the University Senate’s Student Conduct Committee. Appeals of other sanctions are decided by the Appellate Board, a student branch of the University Student Judiciary. Appeals are screened by the Office of Student Conduct, and only those meeting a ground in the Code move forward. The reporting party and the instructor cannot appeal.
Common Misconceptions About Maryland Cases
“An XF is the same as an F.” The XF is recorded as “Failure Due to Academic Dishonesty,” which identifies the reason for the failure.
“Every XF stays on the transcript forever.” Under Maryland’s current process, the “X” is removed automatically once the XF period ends, though a permanent XF is not removed.
“Every case goes to a hearing.” Only matters that could result in a transcript notation are eligible for an Honor Review.
“Lawyers aren’t allowed.” Maryland’s guidance states that a student’s advisor may be an attorney, at the student’s own expense, though the advisor is not an active participant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does XF mean at the University of Maryland?
Failure due to academic dishonesty. Maryland describes it as the standard sanction for an academic integrity violation.
Does the XF come off a Maryland transcript?
Under the university’s current process, the “X” is removed automatically once the XF period ends, except in cases of a permanent XF.
Can I bring an attorney to a Maryland Honor Review?
Maryland’s guidance states that a student may consult privately with an advisor, who may be an attorney at the student’s expense, though the advisor is not an active participant.
Who hears appeals at Maryland?
Appeals involving a permanent XF, suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation go to an ad hoc board of the University Senate Student Conduct Committee; other appeals go to the student Appellate Board.
Representation in University of Maryland Academic Integrity Cases
Every case turns on its specific facts and on the university’s policies as they stand at the time of the case, and handbooks and procedures can change. Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents students in academic misconduct cases at colleges and universities nationwide, including the University of Maryland. See also does academic misconduct follow you to graduate school. Call 855-338-5299.