At Northwestern University, academic integrity cases follow a university-wide framework, the Office of the Provost’s Principles Regarding Academic Integrity, but they are administered within each school. Each school designates an administrator, typically an associate or assistant dean, who meets with the accused student and decides whether a violation occurred. Students can appeal within the school and then request a final, limited review by the Provost. Northwestern’s undergraduate schools allow a student to be accompanied by a person of their choosing, but not by an attorney.
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 Northwestern’s process as the university has published it. The university’s current policies, including each school’s own procedures, are the controlling sources.
How Does a Northwestern Case Move?
Suspected violations are reported to the course instructor or to the relevant administrator of the school in which the course is based. Under Northwestern’s framework, enforcement of academic integrity lies with the faculties of the individual schools.
The student meets with the school’s designated administrator, who serves as the decision-maker and issues a written statement of decision on whether there was sufficient evidence of a violation. Northwestern’s framework guarantees the student reasonable written notice of the facts and evidence underlying the charge, the principles allegedly violated, and the procedure that will be used. Schools’ published procedures describe determinations as made on a preponderance of the evidence.
Can a Student Drop the Course During a Case?
No. Northwestern’s policy states that a student charged with an academic integrity violation may not change their registration or grading basis in a course in which a charge is pending, or in which a finding of a violation has been made.
Can a Student Bring Someone to a Northwestern Meeting?
Yes, but not an attorney. Northwestern’s undergraduate schools state that the student may be accompanied by a person of their choosing, but not by an attorney.
Students can still work with an outside attorney to prepare their response and their presentation before meeting with the school’s decision-maker or an appeals committee.
How Do Appeals Work?
Northwestern’s framework provides two levels of review. First, a student may appeal the finding and school-level sanctions within the school, to a body such as an Academic Integrity Appeals Committee or Dean’s Council, depending on the school. Northwestern’s framework states that the appeals body must thoroughly review both the evidence and the process followed.
Second, a student may request a final review by the Provost or a Provost-designated committee after an unsuccessful school-level appeal. Northwestern describes that review as limited to specific grounds, such as procedural errors that may have substantially affected the fairness of the proceeding. Northwestern’s materials also describe sanctions not being applied until any appeal of the finding has been completed, and its framework states that grades modified by the instructor following a finding of violation may not be appealed.
What Happens in Cross-School Cases?
Because many Northwestern students take courses outside their own school, the framework addresses cross-school situations. An appeal of the finding takes place in the school where the course is based, while sanctions are imposed by the student’s school of enrollment.
Does a Finding Appear on the Transcript?
Not automatically, in most cases. Northwestern’s student newspaper has reported, citing a university official, that expulsion is the only academic integrity sanction that automatically appears on a student’s transcript. A finding can still matter later, though, including on graduate and professional school applications. For more, see does academic misconduct follow you to graduate school.
Common Misconceptions About Northwestern Cases
“I can drop the class to make it go away.” Northwestern’s policy bars changing registration or grading basis in a course with a pending charge.
“I can bring a lawyer to my meeting.” Northwestern’s undergraduate schools allow a person of the student’s choosing, but not an attorney.
“The Provost will rehear my case.” Northwestern describes Provost review as a final, limited review on specific grounds, not a new hearing.
“I can appeal the grade the instructor gave.” Northwestern’s framework states that grades modified by the instructor after a finding may not be appealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides academic integrity cases at Northwestern?
A designated administrator in the school where the course is based, typically an associate or assistant dean, serves as the decision-maker.
Can I bring an attorney to a Northwestern academic integrity meeting?
No. Northwestern’s undergraduate schools allow a student to be accompanied by a person of their choosing, but not by an attorney.
Can I drop a course while my Northwestern case is pending?
No. Northwestern’s policy states that a student with a pending charge may not change their registration or grading basis in that course.
Can a Northwestern academic integrity finding be appealed?
Yes, first within the school and then through a final, limited review by the Provost or a Provost-designated committee.
Representation in Northwestern Academic Integrity Cases
Every case turns on its specific facts and on the university’s policies as they stand at the time of the case, and handbooks and procedures can change. Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents students in academic misconduct cases at colleges and universities nationwide, including Northwestern. At schools where outside advisors can’t attend meetings or hearings, he helps students prepare their written responses, evidence, and presentations. Call 855-338-5299.