At the University of Florida, academic integrity is governed by the Student Honor Code, which sits alongside the Student Conduct Code in a single university regulation, and both are administered by one central office: Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, known as SCCR. Faculty who believe a violation occurred report it to SCCR, which manages the case from there. A defining feature of UF’s process is that a contested honor code case goes to a hearing: when a student does not accept responsibility or the proposed sanctions, a hearing is required rather than optional.
A note on policies: universities revise their handbooks, rules, 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 UF’s process as the university has published it. The university’s current regulation on the Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code is the controlling source, and details may differ from what is described here.
How Does a UF Honor Code Case Begin?
According to UF’s published materials, a faculty member who suspects a violation gathers the relevant information, decides on proposed sanctions, and submits a report to SCCR. SCCR then notifies the student and explains the process and the forms of resolution available. For a first-time honor code allegation, a student who accepts responsibility and the proposed sanctions may resolve the matter without a hearing.
When Is a Hearing Required?
UF’s materials describe a hearing as required when the student does not accept responsibility, disagrees with the proposed sanctions, or has previously been found responsible for an honor code violation. Hearings are conducted by a hearing body authorized under the university’s regulation, which may be an individual hearing officer or a committee, and the hearing body determines responsibility on each charge and, if appropriate, sanctions.
What Sanctions Can Result?
UF’s regulation describes several categories of sanctions for honor code violations. Academic sanctions affect official university grades on an assignment, course, or program. Status sanctions affect the student’s standing at the university and can include conduct review, probation, and separation from the university. Educational sanctions may be assigned as well. Which outcomes apply depends on the facts, the student’s history, and the hearing body’s determination.
Can a UF Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. UF’s regulation provides appeal routes, with the appeal authority depending on how the case was resolved. UF’s materials state that if an appeal is granted, the appeal authority may modify the sanctions or send the case back for a reopened or new hearing, and that modified sanctions can decrease or increase in severity.
Can a Student Have an Advisor at UF?
Yes. UF’s regulation defines an advisor as a person chosen by the student to serve as an advisor, advocate, or legal representative to assist them throughout the process, and it gives the student the right to have an advisor and a support person present during hearings and meetings. The advisor cannot serve in any other role in the case, such as a witness.
Common Misconceptions About UF Cases
“A professor handles honor code cases privately.” Under UF’s process, faculty report suspected violations to SCCR, which administers the case.
“A hearing only happens if I ask for one.” UF’s materials describe a hearing as required when a student contests responsibility or the sanctions, or has a prior honor code violation.
“An appeal can only help.” According to UF’s materials, sanctions modified on appeal can increase as well as decrease.
“Advisors must be from the university.” UF’s regulation defines an advisor to include an advocate or legal representative of the student’s choosing.
How These Cases Connect to the Rest of a Student’s Record
A UF finding can follow a student well beyond one course, including on graduate and professional school applications. Many UF cases arise the same ways they do nationally, including through AI detection results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles honor code cases at the University of Florida?
Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR), which administers both the Student Honor Code and the Student Conduct Code.
When does a UF honor code case go to a hearing?
UF’s materials describe a hearing as required when the student does not accept responsibility, disagrees with the proposed sanctions, or has a prior honor code violation.
Can a UF student bring an attorney?
UF’s regulation defines an advisor as a person chosen to serve as an advisor, advocate, or legal representative, and provides for an advisor’s presence at hearings and meetings.
Can sanctions change on appeal at UF?
Yes. UF’s materials state that sanctions modified on appeal can decrease or increase, or the case can be sent back for a new hearing.
Representation in University of Florida Honor Code Cases
Every honor code 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 Florida. Call 855-338-5299.