At the University of Virginia, the student-run Honor System covers three offenses: lying, cheating, and stealing. For most of its history, which dates to 1842, the only sanction for an honor violation was permanent dismissal from the university. That has changed. After a 2023 Multi-Sanction referendum, UVA’s Honor System now allows a range of sanctions. A reported student is assigned an Honor Advisor, can choose to file an Informed Retraction to take responsibility and make amends, and otherwise faces an investigation and possibly an Honor Hearing.
A note on policies: universities revise their constitutions and procedures over time, and UVA’s Honor System has changed significantly in recent years. The process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case. This article describes the general structure of UVA’s Honor System as the university and the Honor Committee have published it. The Honor Committee’s current constitution, bylaws, and procedures are the controlling sources.
What Does UVA’s Honor System Cover?
UVA’s Honor System covers acts of lying, cheating, and stealing. The Honor Committee doesn’t file reports itself; anyone in the community can report an alleged honor offense.
What Is an Honor Advisor?
When a report is filed, the reporter and the reported student are each assigned an Honor Advisor. According to UVA, Honor Advisors provide information and support through the entire case process, including interviews, evidence collection, and any Honor Hearing, and they explain the student’s options.
What Is an Informed Retraction?
An Informed Retraction allows a student who has been reported for lying, cheating, or stealing to take responsibility for the offense and make amends, both by admitting the offense to the affected parties and by agreeing on amends that are presented to a Panel for Sanction made up of Honor Committee representatives.
According to the Honor Committee, after the 2023 Multi-Sanction referendum, an Informed Retraction no longer carries a single, automatic two-semester suspension; instead, the student receives sanctions that reflect their commitment to honor. A student may file only one Informed Retraction during their time at UVA, and the window to decide after a report is short. UVA also has a Conscientious Retraction, which a student must file before any report is made.
What Happens at an Honor Hearing?
If a student is formally accused, they can request an Honor Hearing or admit guilt. UVA’s regulations describe a standardized Honor Hearing panel, created in 2023, that includes seven randomly selected students, with an experienced Honor Committee member serving as Hearing Chair.
According to the Honor Committee, at a hearing, two Honor Counsel help the student present their case, and two Honor Counsel present the community’s case.
What Sanctions Are Possible Now?
Under the multi-sanction system, outcomes vary with the case. The Honor Committee’s published case summaries describe sanctions such as a one-semester suspension, participation in a seven-week Honor Restorative Ethics Seminar, apology letters, reflections, and meetings with an academic advisor.
Common Misconceptions About UVA Honor Cases
“An honor violation means expulsion.” That was UVA’s single sanction for most of its history, but the 2023 Multi-Sanction referendum created a range of sanctions.
“An Informed Retraction always means a two-semester leave.” The Honor Committee states that after 2023, Informed Retraction sanctions vary.
“I can use an Informed Retraction more than once.” The Honor Committee states a student may file only one during their time at UVA.
“The Honor Committee files the reports.” Reports come from community members, not the Honor Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is expulsion still the only sanction at UVA?
No. After the 2023 Multi-Sanction referendum, UVA’s Honor System allows a range of sanctions.
What is an Informed Retraction at UVA?
A way for a reported student to take responsibility for an honor offense, make amends to affected parties, and receive sanctions from a Panel for Sanction. A student may file only one during their time at UVA.
Who sits on a UVA Honor Hearing panel?
UVA’s regulations describe a standardized panel of seven randomly selected students, with an Honor Committee member as Hearing Chair.
Can I get outside help with a UVA honor case?
Yes, behind the scenes. UVA assigns an Honor Advisor and Honor Counsel, and students can also work with an outside advisor to prepare their decisions, statements, and evidence.
Getting Help With a UVA Honor Case
UVA’s Honor System is an internal, student-run university process, not a court case, and it provides its own Honor Advisors and Honor Counsel. 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 UVA students behind the scenes, helping them weigh whether to file an Informed Retraction, prepare their statements and evidence, and get ready for an Honor Hearing or Panel for Sanction. 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.