At Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), the undergraduate Academic Integrity Policy covers all undergraduate students, regardless of their school. A student charged with a violation can accept responsibility and the proposed sanctions, or deny the charges and request a hearing before an Academic Integrity Board panel. Several WashU rules catch students off guard: not responding to the charge notice is treated as accepting responsibility, the panel can impose sanctions different from those originally proposed, and withdrawing from the course doesn’t stop the case.
A note on policies: universities revise their policies 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 WashU’s undergraduate process as the university has published it. The current Academic Integrity Policy and the Office of the Provost’s procedures are the controlling sources. WashU’s graduate and professional schools may have their own procedures.
What Are a Student’s Options When Charged?
When responding to a charge, a WashU student may accept responsibility for the violation and the proposed sanctions, which ends the process, or deny the charges and request a hearing before an Academic Integrity Board panel.
According to WashU’s procedures, a non-response to the notification within a short period is treated as acceptance of responsibility for the alleged violation and the proposed sanctions.
What Happens at an Academic Integrity Board Hearing?
The panel hearing is chaired by a Student Conduct Officer or an Academic Integrity Coordinator. All parties receive the evidence packet before the hearing, and the student may bring a support person.
At the end of the hearing, the panel decides whether the student is more likely than not responsible. According to WashU, if the panel finds a violation, it assigns sanctions, which may differ from those proposed in the original option letter.
Does Withdrawing From the Course Stop the Case?
No. WashU’s policy states that withdrawing from the course will not prevent the case from being adjudicated. WashU’s Bulletin also describes a transcript notation indicating an unresolved academic integrity matter is pending, and states that the matter must be resolved before re-enrollment.
Are Prior Violations Considered?
Yes, for sanctions. When a hearing is to be held, WashU’s academic integrity coordinator checks with the university’s student conduct office about prior incidents, and that information is used in determining sanctions if the student is found responsible.
Can a WashU Decision Be Appealed?
Yes, if the student believes the panel didn’t conduct a fair hearing or that the sanction is excessive. According to WashU, in cases resulting in suspension or dismissal, the appellate officer is a Vice Provost; in other cases, it is the Chair of the Student Conduct Board.
WashU’s Student Conduct Code states that the appeal officer may not substitute their own judgment of the facts for that of the original decision-maker. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Common Misconceptions About WashU Cases
“I’ll respond when I’m ready.” WashU treats a non-response to the notification as acceptance of responsibility and the proposed sanctions.
“The sanction in my letter is the most I can get.” WashU states that panel sanctions may differ from those in the original option letter.
“Dropping the class ends it.” WashU’s policy states withdrawal doesn’t prevent adjudication.
“An appeal reconsiders the facts.” WashU’s code states the appeal officer may not substitute their judgment of the facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t respond to a WashU academic integrity notice?
WashU’s procedures state that a non-response within the set period is treated as acceptance of responsibility and the proposed sanctions.
Can a WashU panel give me a harsher sanction than proposed?
Yes. WashU states that panel sanctions may differ from those in the original option letter.
Can I bring someone to a WashU Academic Integrity Board hearing?
WashU’s procedures state that the student may bring a support person to the hearing.
Can I get outside help with a WashU academic integrity case?
Yes. Students can work with an outside advisor behind the scenes to prepare their response, evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a WashU Academic Integrity Case
WashU’s academic integrity process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case. 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 WashU students behind the scenes, helping them decide how to respond to the option letter, 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.