At the University of Miami, undergraduate academic integrity is governed by the Undergraduate Honor Code, which was ratified by student referendum in 1986 and covers cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and other academic dishonesty. Its most distinctive feature is classification: alleged violations are sorted into Class I, Class II, and Class III, and the class largely determines where the case is heard, how serious the sanctions can be, and what appeals are available. Miami’s process limits advisors to members of the university community.
A note on policies: universities revise their handbooks 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 Miami’s undergraduate process as the university has published it. The current Undergraduate Honor Code, including the university’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, is the controlling source. Miami’s graduate and professional schools have their own codes.
How Does the Class System Work?
Miami’s Honor Code sorts alleged violations into three classes, and the class determines the path a case takes.
According to the university’s policy, Class I and Class II violations are handled at the level of the student’s school or college, through an Academic Integrity Committee. Class III covers repeated violations or violations serious enough to require an Honor Council hearing, and those cases go directly to the Honor Council.
What Sanctions Can Each Class Carry?
The maximum sanction rises with the class. According to Miami’s Honor Code, the maximum for a Class II violation is dismissal from the university, and the maximum for a Class III violation is expulsion.
Miami’s code also provides that grade sanctions stated in a course syllabus take precedence over the code’s recommended grade sanctions.
What Is the Honor Council?
The Honor Council is the body that hears Class III cases and appeals from school or college Academic Integrity Committee decisions. It includes both faculty and students.
If either the student or the reporting party disagrees with an Academic Integrity Committee’s determination on a Class I or Class II case, the matter can be appealed to the Honor Council. Honor Council hearings are private.
Can a Decision Be Appealed Further?
For Class II and Class III cases, Miami’s code provides an appeal to an Appeals Board after the Honor Council. Class I cases don’t have an Appeals Board stage.
According to Miami’s code, the Appeals Board can affirm the sanction, reduce it, increase it, or refer the case back. That means an appeal can lead to a more serious sanction as well as a less serious one.
Can a Student Have an Advisor?
Yes, but under Miami’s Honor Code, the advisor must be a University of Miami undergraduate student, faculty member, or staff member, and the advisor may not speak on the student’s behalf.
Outside advisors, including attorneys, can’t attend the hearing under this rule. Students can still work with an outside attorney to prepare their written materials and their presentation before a hearing.
Common Misconceptions About Miami Cases
“Every case goes to the Honor Council.” Class I and Class II cases are handled first at the school or college level.
“An appeal can only help.” Miami’s Appeals Board can increase a sanction as well as reduce it.
“I can bring anyone to my hearing.” Miami’s code limits advisors to University of Miami undergraduates, faculty, and staff.
“The code’s recommended grade sanction always applies.” A grade sanction stated in the course syllabus takes precedence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Class I, II, and III Honor Code violations at the University of Miami?
Miami’s three categories of alleged violations. Class I and II are handled at the school or college level, while Class III, covering repeated or serious violations, goes directly to the Honor Council.
What is the maximum sanction for a Miami Honor Code violation?
Under Miami’s code, dismissal for a Class II violation and expulsion for a Class III violation.
Can I bring an attorney to a University of Miami Honor Council hearing?
No. Miami’s code limits advisors to University of Miami undergraduates, faculty, and staff, though students can work with an attorney to prepare beforehand.
Can a Miami appeal make my sanction worse?
Yes. Miami’s Appeals Board can increase a sanction as well as reduce it.
Representation in University of Miami 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 handbooks 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 the University of Miami. At schools where outside advisors can’t attend hearings, he helps students prepare their written responses, evidence, and hearing presentations. Call 855-338-5299.