At Pepperdine University’s Seaver College, academic integrity violations are sorted into four levels, and the level shapes everything from who hears the case to how long the record is kept. A student who disagrees with a professor’s finding or sanction can request a formal hearing before the Academic Integrity Committee, and Level Three and Level Four cases must be heard by that committee. The most serious violations result in a permanent “Academic Disciplinary Expulsion” notation on the transcript. Seaver requires advisors to be members of the Pepperdine community.
A note on policies: universities revise their codes 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 Seaver College’s process as Pepperdine has published it. Seaver’s current Code of Academic Integrity is the controlling source. Pepperdine’s graduate schools, including Caruso School of Law, have their own procedures.
What Are Pepperdine’s Four Violation Levels?
Seaver College classifies violations from Level One, the least serious, to Level Four, the most serious.
According to Seaver, Level One violations may occur because of inexperience or a lack of knowledge of academic integrity principles, and records of Level One offenses are kept in the Seaver Dean’s Office until graduation and then expunged. Records of Level Two, Level Three, and Level Four offenses are kept permanently. All Level Three and Level Four cases are heard by the Academic Integrity Committee, and Level Four cases result in a permanent “Academic Disciplinary Expulsion” notation on the student’s transcript.
What Choice Does a Student Make When Reported?
When a professor reports a violation, the student chooses between two options on Seaver’s reporting form: “Guilty/No Contest” or “Request Hearing.”
A student who doesn’t agree with the professor’s judgment or with the sanction imposed can request a formal hearing before the Academic Integrity Committee. According to Seaver, in all matters involving alleged violations of academic integrity, students have the right to request a hearing before the committee. Seaver’s form also notes that if a case moves to a hearing, the committee may determine an alternative sanction.
What Happens at an Academic Integrity Committee Hearing?
The Academic Integrity Committee decides whether the student violated the Code and, if so, the appropriate sanction.
According to Seaver, hearings are confidential and closed, and academic integrity proceedings are not analogous to criminal court proceedings. The results are presented to the Associate Dean of Seaver College, and formal written notice of the decision is sent to the student, the faculty member, and the Associate Dean.
Can a Student Have an Advisor at Pepperdine?
Yes, but Seaver’s Code states that the advisor must be from the Pepperdine community: a faculty member, staff member, or student. Outside advisors can’t attend under this rule.
Can a Pepperdine Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. A student found in violation can submit a written appeal to the Associate Dean of Seaver College, on grounds that include the inappropriateness of the sanction for the violation.
According to Seaver, the appeal process doesn’t require a hearing, and the Associate Dean may return the case to the Academic Integrity Committee for further consideration. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Common Misconceptions About Pepperdine Cases
“Every record disappears at graduation.” Seaver expunges only Level One records at graduation; Level Two through Four records are kept permanently.
“Requesting a hearing can only help.” Seaver notes the committee may determine an alternative sanction if a case moves to a hearing.
“I can bring anyone as my advisor.” Seaver requires advisors to be Pepperdine faculty, staff, or students.
“An expulsion is just a separation.” Level Four cases result in a permanent “Academic Disciplinary Expulsion” notation on the transcript.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the violation levels at Pepperdine’s Seaver College?
Level One through Level Four. Level Three and Four cases are heard by the Academic Integrity Committee, and Level Four results in a permanent transcript notation.
Can I request a hearing at Pepperdine?
Yes. Seaver states that students have the right to request a hearing before the Academic Integrity Committee in all matters involving alleged violations.
Who can be my advisor at a Pepperdine hearing?
A member of the Pepperdine community: a faculty member, staff member, or student.
Can I get outside help with a Pepperdine academic integrity case?
Yes. Pepperdine limits advisors to its community, but students can work with an outside advisor behind the scenes to prepare their statements, evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Pepperdine Case
Seaver College’s academic integrity process is an internal university proceeding, and Pepperdine itself states that these proceedings are not analogous to criminal court proceedings. 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 Pepperdine students behind the scenes, helping them decide how to respond to the reporting form, 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.