Few universities give students accused of academic dishonesty the hearing options the University of Tennessee, Knoxville does. When the recommended sanction is deferred suspension or greater, a UT student can choose a formal hearing under Tennessee’s Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, conducted by an administrative law judge, with attorneys permitted to advocate for both sides. Most cases never reach that point, but the option shapes everything about how serious cases are handled.
UT’s Student Code of Conduct is revised from time to time, and the version in effect when a case arises is the one that applies. The overview below follows the current code and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards’ published materials.
Where a UT Case Starts
Academic dishonesty at UT falls under the Honor Statement, which asks each student to pledge that they “will neither knowingly give nor receive any inappropriate assistance in academic work.” Students may mark graded work “Pledged” to affirm it.
A case begins with the instructor, who must give the student an informal opportunity to respond. If the instructor still believes dishonesty occurred, the matter is referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, known as SCCS, along with any academic penalty the instructor plans to impose. SCCS then emails the student to set up a meeting.
UT’s code places the primary duty to discourage and address dishonesty on instructors, but it also says plainly that a student isn’t excused from the Honor Statement just because an instructor didn’t address it.
After the SCCS Meeting
If SCCS concludes it is more likely than not that a violation occurred, it recommends a sanction. The student then chooses: accept responsibility and the sanction, or request a formal hearing. SCCS explains the options and leaves the choice to the student.
Three Kinds of Hearings
SCCS describes three formal hearing paths:
- Student Life Hearing Officer. Open to any case on request. A trained university employee decides responsibility and sanctions.
- Student Conduct Board. Available when the recommended sanction is deferred suspension or greater. Students make up at least half of the board.
- UAPA Hearing. Also available at the deferred-suspension level or above. An administrative law judge conducts it, and attorneys may advocate for both the student and the university.
Because a UAPA hearing is a formal state administrative proceeding with attorneys advocating, it is handled by attorneys licensed in Tennessee.
A Protection for Students Who Are Cleared
If SCCS ultimately finds a student not responsible, UT’s code is direct: the instructor may not impose any academic penalty. The grade consequence depends on the finding, not just the accusation.
Advisors at UT
UT’s code gives students the right to be assisted by an advisor during every stage of the student conduct process, and it specifies that the advisor may be, but doesn’t have to be, an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles academic dishonesty cases at the University of Tennessee?
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS), under the Student Code of Conduct.
What is a UAPA hearing at the University of Tennessee?
A formal hearing available when the recommended sanction is deferred suspension or greater, conducted by an administrative law judge, where attorneys may advocate for both the student and the university.
Can my advisor be an attorney at the University of Tennessee?
Yes. UT’s Student Code states the advisor may be, but isn’t required to be, an attorney.
What happens if I’m found not responsible for academic dishonesty at UT?
UT’s Student Code states the instructor may not impose any academic penalty.
Working With an Advisor on a UT Case
For most UT students, the case is decided in the campus process: the SCCS meeting, the choice of resolution, and, if needed, a hearing officer or Student Conduct Board. That’s where Richard Asselta, a student defense attorney who advises students in university conduct matters nationwide, can help. UT’s code allows students an advisor at every stage of the campus process, and he helps students prepare for the SCCS meeting, weigh their options, organize their evidence, and get ready for a campus hearing. Call 855-338-5299 or read more about Richard Asselta.