At Stanford University, academic integrity is governed by the Honor Code, and alleged violations are handled by the Office of Community Standards, known as OCS. Since 2023, cases have been adjudicated under the Stanford Student Conduct Charter of 2023, which sets out hearing panels and an appeal panel. Stanford’s materials allow a student to bring a support person of their choice through the process, and Stanford has described that person as potentially a friend, family member, or attorney, though the support person gives private advice and doesn’t speak for the student.
A note on policies: universities revise their charters and procedures over time, and Stanford replaced its earlier 1997 judicial charter with the 2023 Charter. The process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case. This article describes the general structure of Stanford’s process as the university has published it. The current Charter and OCS guidance are the controlling sources.
What Is Stanford’s Honor Code?
The Honor Code is Stanford’s standard for academic integrity. Alleged violations, such as cheating or plagiarism, are handled through a process overseen by the Office of Community Standards.
Stanford also has a separate standard for personal conduct, called the Fundamental Standard. Both are covered by the 2023 Student Conduct Charter.
How Does a Stanford Honor Code Case Begin?
A case begins when a concern about a possible Honor Code violation is submitted to the Office of Community Standards.
According to Stanford’s Charter, OCS administers the formal disciplinary and informal resolution processes for conduct concerns. The Charter refers to the student involved as the “Responding Student” and the person who submitted the concern as the “Reporting Party.”
What Is a Stanford Hearing Panel?
A Hearing Panel is the body that decides contested cases under the 2023 Charter, with an Appeal Panel available afterward.
According to the Charter, a Conduct Advisor provides general assistance to Hearing Panels and Appeal Panels and informs a student found responsible of their right to appeal.
Can a Student Bring Someone to a Stanford Hearing?
Yes. Stanford’s guidance states that responding students may bring a support person to the hearing, as permitted by the Charter.
Stanford’s guidance also states that students are expected to speak for themselves at hearings, and that a support person may only give private advice to the person they accompany. Stanford’s published overview for responding students has described the support person as someone of the student’s choice, such as a friend, family member, or attorney.
Does Stanford Use Lawyers in the Process Itself?
Stanford has piloted a program using hearing examiners drawn from a pool of lawyers who serve pro bono. According to Stanford’s guidance, these examiners act as neutral advisers to the hearing panel, which remains the only body with decision-making authority.
Common Misconceptions About Stanford Cases
“Stanford still uses the 1997 charter.” Stanford’s current process is set out in the Stanford Student Conduct Charter of 2023.
“My support person can argue my case.” Stanford’s guidance states that students speak for themselves and support people give private advice only.
“Only students and staff can accompany me.” Stanford’s materials have described the support person as someone of the student’s choice, including an attorney.
“The hearing examiner decides the case.” Stanford’s guidance states that the hearing panel is the only body with decision-making authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles Honor Code cases at Stanford?
The Office of Community Standards, under the Stanford Student Conduct Charter of 2023.
Can I bring an attorney to a Stanford Honor Code hearing?
Stanford allows a support person of the student’s choice, and its materials have listed an attorney as an example, but the support person may only give private advice.
Do I have to speak for myself at a Stanford hearing?
Yes. Stanford’s guidance states that students are expected to speak for themselves at hearings.
Can a Stanford Honor Code decision be appealed?
Yes. The 2023 Charter provides for an Appeal Panel, and a student found responsible is informed of the right to appeal.
Representation in Stanford Honor Code Cases
Every case turns on its specific facts and on the university’s policies as they stand at the time of the case, and charters 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 Stanford. See also accused of an honor code violation at an Ivy League school. Call 855-338-5299.