At Wake Forest University, alleged academic violations of the undergraduate Honor Code are heard by the Honor and Ethics Council, known as the HEC. When a hearing panel finds it more likely than not that a student engaged in academic misconduct, Wake Forest’s presumptive sanction is an “Irreplaceable F,” a failing grade the student can’t replace by retaking the course. Advisors at Wake Forest are either an assigned Student Conduct Advisor or a current Wake Forest undergraduate.
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 Wake Forest’s undergraduate process as the university has published it. The current Honor Code and HEC procedures are the controlling sources. Wake Forest’s graduate and professional schools have their own honor codes.
How Does a Wake Forest Case Begin?
A report of alleged academic misconduct is submitted to the Academic Student Conduct Coordinator, who provides the student with information about the Honor Code process and schedules a hearing.
Wake Forest’s Honor Code covers academic offenses such as cheating and plagiarism. Alleged non-academic violations are handled separately, by the Office of the Dean of Students.
What Happens at an HEC Hearing?
A hearing panel of the Honor and Ethics Council hears the case and decides whether the student is “Responsible” or “Not Responsible.”
According to Wake Forest’s procedures, only the members of the Council, the investigator, the accused student, and the student’s advisor may be present. Witnesses may be questioned by the accused student, the reporting instructor, and Council members. The panel uses a “more likely than not” standard.
What Is an Irreplaceable F?
An Irreplaceable F is a failing grade for the course that the student can’t replace by retaking the course, and Wake Forest describes it as the presumptive sanction for academic misconduct.
Wake Forest’s other sanctions include a replaceable F, which a student can replace by retaking the course under the Undergraduate Bulletin’s policy; suspension, typically for a semester, during which the student can’t earn credit toward Wake Forest graduation requirements anywhere; and expulsion. Wake Forest’s procedures state that expulsion is the normal sanction when a student who was sanctioned for an academic Honor Code offense commits another.
Can a Student Have an Advisor at Wake Forest?
Yes, but only within the Wake Forest community. Wake Forest’s procedures provide either an assigned Student Conduct Advisor or a currently enrolled Wake Forest undergraduate as the student’s advisor. Outside advisors can’t attend under these procedures.
Can a Wake Forest Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. A student can request an appeal to Wake Forest’s Judicial Council within the deadline set by the procedures.
According to Wake Forest, students who received a sanction other than suspension or expulsion are not guaranteed an appeal hearing. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Common Misconceptions About Wake Forest Cases
“I can retake the class and replace the F.” Wake Forest’s presumptive sanction is an Irreplaceable F, which can’t be replaced by retaking the course.
“A second violation means another F.” Wake Forest’s procedures state that expulsion is the normal sanction for a second academic Honor Code offense.
“I can bring anyone to my hearing.” Advisors are limited to an assigned Student Conduct Advisor or a current Wake Forest undergraduate.
“Every appeal gets a hearing.” Wake Forest states that students with sanctions other than suspension or expulsion aren’t guaranteed an appeal hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Irreplaceable F at Wake Forest?
A failing grade for the course that can’t be replaced by retaking it, which Wake Forest describes as the presumptive sanction for academic misconduct.
Who hears academic misconduct cases at Wake Forest?
The Honor and Ethics Council (HEC), through a hearing panel.
Who can be my advisor at a Wake Forest HEC hearing?
An assigned Student Conduct Advisor or a current Wake Forest undergraduate, under Wake Forest’s procedures.
What standard does the Wake Forest HEC use?
More likely than not.
Can I get outside help with a Wake Forest Honor Code case?
Yes, behind the scenes. An outside advisor can’t attend the hearing, but students can work with one to prepare their statements, witness questions, evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Wake Forest Honor Code Case
Wake Forest’s Honor and Ethics Council process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case, and Wake Forest limits hearing advisors to an assigned Student Conduct Advisor or a current Wake Forest undergraduate. 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 Wake Forest students behind the scenes, helping them understand the process, prepare their 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.