At Lehigh University, students have the right to have any alleged academic integrity violation heard by the University Committee on Discipline, a panel of trained faculty, students, and a member of the Dean of Students office. A student who accepts responsibility instead has the case resolved through an Academic Integrity Conference. Lehigh limits advisors to members of the Lehigh community who aren’t attorneys, and Lehigh states that it does not expunge student disciplinary records.
A note on policies: universities revise their handbooks 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 Lehigh’s process as the university has published it. Lehigh’s current Student Handbook and Code of Conduct are the controlling sources.
What Is the University Committee on Discipline?
The University Committee on Discipline is the body that hears contested cases, and Lehigh’s handbook gives students the right to have any alleged academic integrity violation heard by it.
According to Lehigh, a hearing panel of the committee is made up of two trained faculty members, two students, and one member of the Dean of Students office. In hearings before the committee, a student’s past disciplinary record is withheld while responsibility is being decided.
What Is an Academic Integrity Conference?
An Academic Integrity Conference resolves a case when the student accepts responsibility for the academic integrity violation.
According to Lehigh, the conference panel consists of the Conduct Officer, a faculty representative of the University Committee on Discipline, and a student representative of the committee. The panel meets with the student, the instructor, and any witnesses, determines appropriate outcomes, and also works to educate the student on academic integrity. A student who appears before an Academic Integrity Conference keeps the right to appeal.
What Sanctions Has Lehigh Imposed?
Lehigh publishes anonymized examples of recent cases. Those examples include sanctions such as disciplinary probation for two semesters, a grade of F in the course, and required completion of an Academic Integrity Seminar, as well as disciplinary warnings for less serious findings.
Can a Student Have an Advisor at Lehigh?
Yes, but Lehigh’s Code of Conduct limits advisors to members of the Lehigh community, meaning current students, faculty, and staff, and states that the advisor may not be an attorney. Lehigh’s parent FAQ also notes that legal counsel generally isn’t permitted to attend a hearing to represent the student.
Can a Lehigh Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. Appeals go to the Disciplinary Appeals Committee. According to Lehigh, if an appeal is granted, the case goes back to the Office of Student Conduct for re-adjudication. If it’s denied, the original sanctions take effect immediately.
Does a Lehigh Finding Stay on the Record?
Yes. Lehigh’s parent FAQ states that Lehigh does not expunge or wipe clean student disciplinary records. For more on how findings can follow students, see does academic misconduct follow you to graduate school.
Common Misconceptions About Lehigh Cases
“My past record will be held against me at the hearing.” In hearings before the University Committee on Discipline, the past record is withheld while responsibility is decided.
“Accepting responsibility gives up my appeal.” A student who appears before an Academic Integrity Conference keeps the right to appeal.
“My family’s lawyer can be my advisor.” Lehigh’s Code limits advisors to Lehigh community members who aren’t attorneys.
“A finding will come off my record eventually.” Lehigh states it doesn’t expunge disciplinary records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hears academic integrity cases at Lehigh?
The University Committee on Discipline, which students have the right to have hear any alleged violation, or an Academic Integrity Conference if the student accepts responsibility.
Who sits on a Lehigh University Committee on Discipline panel?
Two trained faculty members, two students, and one member of the Dean of Students office.
Does Lehigh expunge disciplinary records?
No. Lehigh states that it does not expunge or wipe clean student disciplinary records.
Can I get outside help with a Lehigh academic integrity case?
Yes, behind the scenes. Lehigh’s advisors must be Lehigh community members who aren’t attorneys, but students can work with an outside advisor to prepare their statements, evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Lehigh Case
Lehigh describes its conduct process as a fundamentally fair process administered by educators, not a courtroom. 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 Lehigh students behind the scenes, helping them decide between a committee hearing and an Academic Integrity Conference, 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.