At the University of Georgia, academic integrity cases are governed by the university’s policy, A Culture of Honesty. A case begins with a Facilitated Discussion between the student and the instructor, led by a trained facilitator. If the two can’t agree on whether a violation occurred or what the consequence should be, the case moves to a Continued Discussion before an Academic Integrity Panel, which decides the outcome.
A note on policies: universities revise their handbooks, rules, and procedures over time, and the process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case. UGA’s own office names and terminology have changed over the years. This article describes the general structure of UGA’s process as the university has published it. UGA’s current policy is the controlling source.
How Does a UGA Case Begin?
An instructor who believes a violation occurred reports it to UGA’s Office of Academic Integrity, which notifies the student and schedules a Facilitated Discussion.
According to UGA’s published materials, the notification identifies the course involved and explains the Facilitated Discussion process. UGA advises the student and instructor to refrain from discussing the matter until a facilitator is available.
What Is a Facilitated Discussion?
A Facilitated Discussion is a meeting between the student and the instructor, led by a trained facilitator, with the goal of reaching a mutually agreeable resolution.
At this stage, according to UGA, the instructor and student determine the outcome together. If they agree, the matter is resolved through a Facilitated Discussion agreement. UGA’s policy also states that a student does not have to intend to violate the policy for a violation to occur.
What Is a Continued Discussion?
If the student and instructor can’t agree on the violation or the consequence, the case moves to a Continued Discussion with an Academic Integrity Panel, and the panel decides the outcome.
UGA describes the Continued Discussion as a continuation of the Facilitated Discussion, in which the panel determines whether a violation occurred and what the consequences should be. UGA’s policy also provides for a Multiple Violations Review Board for students with more than one violation.
Can a Student Have an Advisor?
Yes. At a Continued Discussion, the student and the instructor may each have one advisor, but the advisor cannot address the panel.
UGA’s materials also note that a Continued Discussion will not be scheduled or postponed around an advisor’s schedule.
Can a UGA Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. A student may appeal the decision of an Academic Integrity Panel or the Multiple Violations Review Board to the President of the university or a designee.
According to UGA’s policy, an instructor may not appeal those decisions. UGA’s office may also place a hold on a student’s record in accordance with university policy.
Common Misconceptions About UGA Cases
“The Facilitated Discussion is just a conversation.” It is the first formal stage of the process, and an agreement reached there resolves the case.
“I didn’t mean to cheat, so it isn’t a violation.” UGA’s policy states that a student does not have to intend to violate the policy for a violation to occur.
“Only the student can bring help.” At a Continued Discussion, the student and the instructor may each have one advisor.
“The instructor can appeal if they disagree.” Under UGA’s policy, an instructor may not appeal a panel’s decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Facilitated Discussion at UGA?
A meeting between the student and instructor, led by a trained facilitator, aimed at a mutually agreeable resolution of the alleged violation.
What happens if the student and instructor don’t agree?
The case moves to a Continued Discussion with an Academic Integrity Panel, which decides the outcome.
Can I have an advisor at a UGA Continued Discussion?
Yes, the student and instructor may each have one advisor, though the advisor cannot address the panel.
Who decides a UGA academic integrity appeal?
A student may appeal to the President of the university or a designee.
Representation in UGA Academic Integrity Cases
Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents students in academic misconduct cases at colleges and universities nationwide, including the University of Georgia. See also why colleges accuse students of cheating even without direct proof. Call 855-338-5299.