At the University of Tampa, a student accused of an academic integrity violation has a choice that shapes the whole case: accept the instructor’s sanction, or ask the Academic Integrity Committee to decide. When a student makes that request, the committee decides both whether a violation occurred and what the sanction should be. UTampa’s catalog is careful to note that the committee’s determination isn’t itself an appeal, and the appeal that comes afterward is limited to whether the committee followed the prescribed procedures.
The University of Tampa updates its catalog each year, and the version in effect when a case arises applies. This overview follows the 2025–26 Undergraduate Catalog. As a private university, UTampa follows its own policies rather than the statewide rules for Florida’s public universities described in what rights students have in Florida university conduct cases.
What the Instructor Can Do
Instructors handle many cases directly. UTampa’s syllabus guidance states that an instructor may impose a wide range of sanctions for academic integrity violations, from completing a more difficult replacement assignment to an F in the course.
When a violation seems so serious that sanctions at the instructor’s level aren’t enough, the instructor can ask the Academic Integrity Committee to determine the sanctions. Cases built on AI detection scores are increasingly common; see Can AI Detection Tools Misidentify Your Work? and our college cheating and AI statistics.
When the Academic Integrity Committee Decides
In every case where the student asks for a determination by the Academic Integrity Committee, the committee reviews whether the violation occurred and also sets the sanctions. According to UTampa, the student is notified in writing through their university email about the alleged misconduct and the committee’s procedures, and committee meetings are closed. Sanctions depend on the severity of the violation and on any prior violations.
The Appeal Is About Procedure
UTampa’s catalog states that the purpose of an appeal of an Academic Integrity Committee decision is to determine whether the committee’s process was conducted in conformity with the prescribed procedures. In other words, the appeal isn’t a new hearing on the facts. For more on building an appeal around procedure, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Withdrawing Doesn’t End the Case
According to UTampa’s catalog, if a student withdraws from the university before the academic integrity process concludes, the university reserves the right to deny readmission until the process is complete.
A Note for Graduate Students
UTampa’s graduate students follow a separate Graduate Academic Integrity Policy, with its own hearing panel. That policy allows an advisor to assist and attend the hearing without speaking, but it states that the advisor can’t be a family member or an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides academic integrity cases at the University of Tampa?
The instructor in many cases, or the Academic Integrity Committee when the student requests a determination or the instructor asks the committee to set sanctions.
Is an Academic Integrity Committee determination at UTampa an appeal?
No. UTampa’s catalog states that the committee’s determination doesn’t constitute an appeal.
What does a UTampa academic integrity appeal review?
Whether the Academic Integrity Committee’s decision process followed the prescribed procedures.
Can I withdraw from UTampa to avoid an academic integrity case?
UTampa reserves the right to deny readmission until the process concludes if a student withdraws before it ends.
Representation in University of Tampa Academic Integrity Cases
Richard Asselta is a Florida student defense attorney who represents students in academic integrity cases at Florida universities, including the University of Tampa. He helps UTampa students decide whether to request an Academic Integrity Committee determination, prepare their written materials and evidence, and build any procedural appeal. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.