At Rice University, students take written examinations and designated assignments under the Honor System, and alleged violations are investigated and heard by the student-run Honor Council. A case starts with an investigative meeting, and it can then go to a hearing or, in some cases, be resolved through an Alternative Resolution. At a hearing, a panel of six Honor Council members decides whether a preponderance of the evidence shows a violation occurred. Rice also provides an Ombuds who serves as the accused student’s procedural advisor.
A note on policies: universities revise their constitutions 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 Rice’s undergraduate process as the university has published it. The current Constitution of the Honor System and Honor Council Procedures are the controlling sources. Rice’s graduate students have a separate Graduate Honor Council.
How Does a Rice Honor Case Begin?
A case begins when someone who observes or suspects a violation makes a written, signed report to a member of the Honor Council. The report is forwarded to the Council’s chair.
Rice’s Constitution then provides for an investigative meeting, where the accusation is presented to the accused student and information is gathered, to determine whether the case should proceed to a hearing.
What Is an Alternative Resolution?
An Alternative Resolution is a process in which an accused student formally admits to an Honor Code violation without a hearing.
According to the Honor Council, in return the student doesn’t attend a formal hearing, receives a reduced penalty compared with what would be recommended after an “In Violation” finding at a hearing, and can’t be suspended for the violation. Rice’s procedures describe it as available to students with no prior Honor Code violations, and accepting it waives the right to a hearing and to appeal.
What Happens at a Rice Hearing?
A panel of six Honor Council members hears the student’s testimony, reviews the evidence, and asks questions. The accused student enters a plea of “In Violation” or “Not In Violation.”
According to Rice, the Council then decides whether a preponderance of the evidence shows a violation, meaning a violation more likely occurred than not. Witnesses can be called by the Council or the accused student, and both may question them. Rice’s Constitution states that if an accused student fails to attend the hearing, the Honor Council may recommend suspension.
What Is the Rice Honor Council Ombuds?
The Ombuds serves as a procedural advisor to the accused student. Under Rice’s bylaws, the Ombuds attends the investigation and hearing, tells the Council if procedural errors occur, and is bound to tell the accused student if the deliberative process is defective and present any grounds for appeal.
What Penalties and Appeals Are Possible?
After an “In Violation” decision, the Honor Council recommends a penalty to the university, and Rice’s Office of Student Judicial Programs works with other offices to implement it.
Rice provides two levels of appeal after an “In Violation” decision: first to a Faculty Appeals Panel, and then to the Provost, the President, or in extenuating circumstances, the President’s designee.
Common Misconceptions About Rice Cases
“Faculty decide Rice honor cases.” Rice’s Honor Council is student-run, with a panel of six members hearing each case.
“Skipping the hearing protects me.” Rice’s Constitution states the Council may recommend suspension if the accused student fails to attend.
“Admitting a violation means suspension.” Under an Alternative Resolution, the student can’t be suspended for the violation.
“I’m on my own with procedures.” Rice provides an Ombuds as a procedural advisor to the accused student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles honor cases at Rice?
The student-run Honor Council, which investigates reported violations and holds hearings when the facts warrant.
What is an Alternative Resolution at Rice?
A process in which a student with no prior violations formally admits to a violation, avoids a hearing, receives a reduced penalty, and can’t be suspended for it, while waiving a hearing and appeal.
What standard does the Rice Honor Council use?
A preponderance of the evidence, meaning a violation more likely occurred than not.
Can I get outside help with a Rice honor case?
Yes. Rice provides an Ombuds as a procedural advisor, and students can also work with an outside advisor behind the scenes to prepare their statements, evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Rice Honor Case
Rice’s Honor System process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case, and the Honor Council adjudicates Honor Code violations, not laws. 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 Rice students behind the scenes, helping them understand the Honor System, prepare their written statements and witness questions, 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.