At Brandeis University, academic integrity cases are handled by the Department of Student Rights and Community Standards through the Student Conduct Process described in the university’s Rights and Responsibilities handbook. A charged student chooses one of three paths: an Administrative Agreement, an Administrative Hearing before a hearing officer, or a hearing before the Student Conduct Board. Brandeis gives students the right to an advisor at every phase, but its rules state that professional legal counsel may not participate in, or advise a student during, any hearing or related meeting.
A note on policies: universities revise their handbooks and procedures over time, and Brandeis publishes an updated Rights and Responsibilities each year. The process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case. This article describes the general structure of Brandeis’s process as the university has published it. The current handbook is the controlling source.
How Does a Brandeis Case Begin?
A faculty member or other reporting party submits documentation of an alleged violation. The Department of Student Rights and Community Standards reviews it, and if there’s enough information to believe a violation may have occurred, a hearing officer is assigned.
The hearing officer then sends the student an initial meeting letter and a student rights document. Brandeis notes that faculty have discretion over whether to contact the student personally.
What Are the Three Resolution Options?
At the initial meeting, the student chooses one of three options.
Administrative Agreement. The student must accept responsibility to use this option. The hearing officer, student, and faculty member discuss appropriate sanctions, and no appeal is available.
Administrative Hearing. A single hearing officer determines responsibility and sanctions for all allegations. If the student is found responsible, the hearing officer consults with the faculty member about sanctions. Decisions can be appealed to the University Appeals Board.
Student Conduct Board Hearing. Brandeis makes this option available for academic integrity cases, among others. The board determines both responsibility and sanctions, and decisions can be appealed to the University Appeals Board.
What Rights Does a Brandeis Student Have?
Brandeis’s handbook lists procedural rights in the Student Conduct Process, including the right to decline to provide information and the right to be accompanied by an advisor at all phases of the process. In exceptional circumstances, the hearing administrator, in consultation with the board’s chairperson, may allow an advisor to participate actively during a hearing.
Can an Attorney Be Involved at Brandeis?
Not in hearings or related meetings. Brandeis’s handbook states that neither party may employ professional legal counsel to participate in an Administrative Hearing, a Student Conduct Board hearing, or any related meeting, or to advise the student during a hearing or related meeting. Brandeis’s rules don’t address help a student gets outside those hearings and meetings, such as preparing beforehand.
Can a Brandeis Decision Be Appealed?
Yes, for decisions from an Administrative Hearing or a Student Conduct Board hearing. Appeals go to the University Appeals Board. An Administrative Agreement has no appeal. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Common Misconceptions About Brandeis Cases
“The Administrative Agreement is just a meeting.” It requires accepting responsibility, and no appeal is available.
“I have to answer every question.” Brandeis’s handbook lists a right to decline to provide information.
“My advisor can’t do anything.” Advisors can accompany students at all phases, and active participation is possible in exceptional circumstances.
“A lawyer can sit with me at the hearing.” Brandeis’s handbook bars professional legal counsel from participating in or advising during hearings and related meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles academic integrity cases at Brandeis?
The Department of Student Rights and Community Standards, through the Student Conduct Process.
What are the options in a Brandeis academic integrity case?
An Administrative Agreement, an Administrative Hearing before a hearing officer, or a Student Conduct Board hearing.
Can I decline to answer questions in a Brandeis conduct process?
Yes. Brandeis’s handbook lists the right to decline to provide information.
Can I get outside help with a Brandeis academic integrity case?
Yes, in preparing. Brandeis bars legal counsel from participating in or advising during hearings and related meetings, but students can work with an outside advisor beforehand to prepare their statements, evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Brandeis Case
Brandeis’s Student Conduct Process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case, and Brandeis doesn’t allow professional legal counsel in hearings or related meetings. 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 Brandeis students ahead of their meetings and hearings, helping them understand the three resolution options, 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.