At Johns Hopkins University, undergraduate academic integrity cases at the Homewood campus, covering the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering, are governed by the Homewood Undergraduate Academic Ethics Policy. A case is resolved through either an administrative hearing or a board hearing. Appeals go to the Vice Dean of Undergraduate Education and are decided on the file and the hearing recording, without a new hearing.
A note on policies: universities revise their policies and procedures over time, and Johns Hopkins’ divisions each have their own academic ethics codes. The process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case, in the student’s division. This article describes the general structure of the Homewood undergraduate process as the university has published it. The current policy is the controlling source.
What Are the Two Types of Proceedings?
Johns Hopkins’ Homewood policy provides for two types of proceedings: an administrative hearing and a board hearing.
Which one applies depends on the case and the policy’s criteria. A board hearing is the more formal of the two.
What Happens at a Board Hearing?
According to Johns Hopkins’ policy, the respondent, the advisor, and any witnesses are present in the hearing room only when making a statement or being questioned by the board.
The board hearing is recorded, but the board’s deliberations are not. The student is notified in writing of the findings, the determination of responsibility, and any sanctions.
Can a Student Have an Advisor at Johns Hopkins?
Yes. The Homewood policy encourages the student to have an advisor accompany them throughout a board hearing.
Johns Hopkins’ separate Student Conduct Code, which governs non-academic cases, states that advisors may be anyone other than an attorney, a witness, or certain university personnel, and that an advisor may not speak on the student’s behalf. Students can still work with an outside attorney behind the scenes to prepare.
Can a Johns Hopkins Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. An appeal must be filed in writing with the Vice Dean of Undergraduate Education of the Krieger School or the Whiting School, whichever applies.
According to the policy, the appeal involves a review of the file and the audio recording of the hearing, and doesn’t involve another hearing. The Vice Dean’s decision is final. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Common Misconceptions About Johns Hopkins Cases
“Every Hopkins school uses the same rules.” Johns Hopkins’ divisions each have their own academic ethics codes.
“I’ll sit in on the whole hearing.” Under the Homewood policy, the respondent is present in the hearing room only when making a statement or being questioned.
“An appeal gives me a second hearing.” The appeal is a review of the file and the hearing recording, not a new hearing.
“There’s another level after the Vice Dean.” The policy states the Vice Dean’s decision is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What policy governs academic misconduct at Johns Hopkins?
For Homewood undergraduates, the Homewood Undergraduate Academic Ethics Policy, covering the Krieger and Whiting schools.
What are the two types of Johns Hopkins academic ethics proceedings?
An administrative hearing and a board hearing.
How are Johns Hopkins academic ethics appeals decided?
By the Vice Dean of Undergraduate Education, based on the file and the hearing’s audio recording, without another hearing. The decision is final.
Can I get outside help with a Johns Hopkins academic ethics case?
Yes. Students can work with an outside advisor behind the scenes to prepare their statements, evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Johns Hopkins Academic Ethics Case
Johns Hopkins’ academic ethics process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case. Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who serves as an advisor to students in university academic integrity and disciplinary processes nationwide. He works with Johns Hopkins students behind the scenes, helping them understand the policy, prepare their written statements, organize their evidence, and prepare any appeal. Every case turns on its specific facts and on the policies in effect at the time. Learn more about Richard Asselta or call 855-338-5299.