At Boston College, every reported undergraduate academic integrity violation is reviewed by a University-Wide Undergraduate Academic Integrity Committee, made up of academic officers from each of BC’s undergraduate schools and colleges. Unlike many universities, BC’s undergraduate process doesn’t center on a live hearing. The student is notified of the allegation and the evidence and is given the opportunity to respond in writing, and the committee then decides responsibility and recommends sanctions. That makes the written response one of the most important parts of a BC case.
A note on policies: universities revise their policies and procedures over time, and the process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case. This article describes the general structure of BC’s undergraduate process as the university has published it. The current academic integrity policy in BC’s University Catalog is the controlling source. BC’s graduate and professional schools have their own procedures.
Who Reviews Academic Integrity Cases at BC?
The University-Wide Undergraduate Academic Integrity Committee reviews all reports of academic dishonesty involving undergraduates.
According to BC’s policy, the committee is made up of academic officers from each of the undergraduate schools and colleges.
How Does a BC Case Move?
A case typically begins when a faculty member reports a suspected violation. The committee then notifies the student of the allegation and the evidence.
According to BC’s policy, the student is given an opportunity to respond to the allegation in writing, within a short deadline, and the case is then reviewed by the committee. The Associate Dean of the school in which the course is taught conveys the committee’s findings as to responsibility and recommended sanctions to the faculty member and the student.
What Sanctions Can BC Impose?
BC’s published guidance describes sanctions for academic dishonesty that may include failure on the assignment, failure in the course, or suspension or expulsion from the university for multiple findings of academic dishonesty.
Can a BC Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. A student may appeal the committee’s decision by written request to the Dean of the school or college in which the course is taught, within the deadline set by BC’s policy. According to BC’s policy, the Dean’s decision is final.
Why Does the Written Response Matter So Much at BC?
Because BC’s undergraduate process is built around the committee’s review of the case rather than a hearing, the student’s written response is the main way the student’s account and evidence reach the decision-makers. For more on what’s at stake beyond the course, see does academic misconduct follow you to graduate school.
Common Misconceptions About BC Cases
“I’ll get a hearing where I can explain.” BC’s undergraduate process gives the student an opportunity to respond in writing rather than centering on a live hearing.
“My professor decides the outcome.” A university-wide committee reviews every reported violation.
“There are multiple levels of appeal.” BC’s policy states that the Dean’s decision on appeal is final.
“A first finding can’t lead to suspension.” BC’s guidance describes suspension or expulsion as possible for multiple findings, and findings are tracked over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides academic integrity cases at Boston College?
The University-Wide Undergraduate Academic Integrity Committee, made up of academic officers from each undergraduate school and college.
Is there a hearing in a BC academic integrity case?
BC’s undergraduate process gives the student an opportunity to respond to the allegation in writing, and the committee then reviews the case.
Can I appeal a Boston College academic integrity decision?
Yes, by written request to the Dean of the school or college where the course is taught. BC’s policy states that the Dean’s decision is final.
What sanctions can BC impose for academic dishonesty?
Failure on the assignment, failure in the course, or suspension or expulsion for multiple findings, according to BC’s guidance.
Can I get outside help with a Boston College academic integrity case?
Yes. Because BC’s undergraduate process relies on the student’s written response, students can work with an outside advisor to prepare that response, their evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Boston College Case
BC’s academic integrity process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case, and for undergraduates it centers on the student’s written response. 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 BC students behind the scenes, helping them understand the policy, prepare their written response, organize supporting evidence, and prepare any appeal to the Dean. 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.