At the University of Washington, most academic misconduct cases are decided by a single person: a conduct officer, who meets with the student, gathers the facts, and decides whether a violation occurred. That conduct officer may be a staff member in UW’s Community Standards & Student Conduct office, or a faculty or staff member in the student’s own school or college. Throughout the process, UW’s Student Conduct Code allows students to bring an advisor of their choice, including an attorney.
UW’s Student Conduct Code, officially designated WAC 478-121, is explained in more detail in a companion policy, Student Governance Policy 209. UW has been reviewing its conduct code in recent years, so the version in effect when a case arises is the one that applies. This summary follows the code and policy as currently published.
How a UW Case Starts
An instructor submits a report of possible academic misconduct to Community Standards & Student Conduct, and the report goes to a conduct officer.
The student then has an investigative interview with the conduct officer. According to UW, this is the student’s opportunity to give their account, present relevant evidence, and name witnesses. Cases often hinge on specific kinds of evidence, from plagiarism reports to code similarity in programming courses to texts and emails, so what the student brings to that interview matters.
The Conduct Officer’s Decision
At the end of fact-finding, the conduct officer decides whether the student violated the code, using a preponderance of the evidence standard, and, if so, what sanctions apply. The decision is issued in writing as an initial order.
When a Case Becomes a Full Hearing
During fact-finding, the conduct officer can decide to send the case to a full hearing instead. If that doesn’t happen, students have an opportunity to request a full hearing after the initial order. A full hearing is held before a hearing officer, who decides what evidence is admissible, and the conduct officer’s record becomes part of the hearing record.
Advisors at UW
UW’s code allows students, at their own expense, to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice, including an attorney, throughout the conduct proceedings. During the conduct officer process, the advisor may provide support and advice but may not speak on the student’s behalf. The code gives advisors a larger role in full hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides most University of Washington academic misconduct cases?
A conduct officer, after an investigative interview and fact-finding.
What is WAC 478-121?
The official designation of the University of Washington’s Student Conduct Code.
Can I bring an attorney to a UW conduct meeting?
Yes. UW’s code allows an advisor of your choice, including an attorney, at your own expense. During the conduct officer process, the advisor can support and advise but can’t speak for you.
How do I get a full hearing at UW?
The conduct officer may send the case to a full hearing, or students may request one after the initial order.
Getting Help With a UW Case
Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who serves as an advisor to students in university academic integrity processes nationwide, including at UW, where students may bring an advisor of their choice. He helps students prepare for the investigative interview, organize their evidence and witnesses, and understand their options after the conduct officer’s decision. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.