At Arizona State University, academic integrity cases are governed by the university’s Student Academic Integrity Policy, but they are handled inside each college or school rather than by one central office. Each college has an Academic Integrity Officer who manages the investigation and adjudication process and guides both the student and the instructor through it. That decentralized structure means the student’s college shapes the experience of the process, though the university-wide policy sets its framework.
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 ASU’s process as the university has published it. The university’s current official policies are the controlling source, and details may differ from what is described here.
How Does an ASU Case Begin and Move?
According to ASU’s published materials, a case generally begins when an instructor reports an alleged violation through the college’s academic integrity process. The student is given an opportunity to respond and to provide information to the Academic Integrity Officer, and the student then receives notification of the outcome and any sanction, including information about the right to request an appeal.
If the student appeals, the case goes before a College/School Board, a standing board appointed by the dean that includes faculty and at least one student. The board hears the case and sends a recommendation to the dean. When the outcome involves suspension or expulsion from the university, the student is notified of the right to a further appeal to the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board, appointed by the Provost. ASU’s policy notes that a student who did not appeal, or abandoned an appeal, at the college level generally cannot appeal to the university-level board.
What Is an XE Grade?
The XE is ASU’s grade for failure due to academic dishonesty. Under the university’s policy, it is recorded on the student’s official and unofficial transcripts with a notation identifying the failure as due to academic dishonesty, and it is treated the same as an E for grade point average and academic standing. ASU’s policy states that the XE generally remains on the transcript permanently, while also describing a limited process for petitioning to have it replaced with an E.
What Other Sanctions Exist?
ASU’s published sanctions include reduced or failing grades for an assignment or course, the XE grade, and in serious cases suspension or expulsion. The university keeps records of sanctioned violations, and its materials state that multiple violations result in more severe consequences. ASU’s materials also note that, once a case is closed, violations with sanctions less serious than an XE are not placed on the transcript.
Common Misconceptions About ASU Cases
“Every ASU college handles cases the same way.” The university-wide policy sets the framework, but cases are administered by each college’s Academic Integrity Officer.
“Withdrawing from the class ends the case.” ASU college materials state that a student notified of an alleged violation should not withdraw from the course before communicating with the Academic Integrity Officer, reflecting that withdrawal does not by itself resolve a case.
“Any sanction goes on the transcript.” According to ASU’s materials, violations with sanctions below an XE are not placed on the transcript once the case closes, though the university keeps records of sanctioned violations.
“An XE can always be changed later.” ASU’s policy describes the XE as generally permanent, with only a limited petition process.
How These Cases Connect to the Rest of a Student’s Record
ASU findings can matter beyond the course, including on later applications that ask about misconduct. ASU’s very large online population also means many cases involve the same issues seen across online education, including AI detection and the appeal of misconduct findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles academic integrity cases at Arizona State?
Each college or school’s Academic Integrity Officer manages cases under the university-wide Student Academic Integrity Policy.
What does XE mean on an ASU transcript?
Failure due to academic dishonesty, noted as such on the transcript and treated as an E for GPA purposes.
Who hears an appeal at ASU?
A College/School Board appointed by the dean, with a further appeal to the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board available in cases involving suspension or expulsion.
Is the XE grade permanent?
ASU’s policy describes it as generally permanent, with a limited process for petitioning to replace it with an E.
Representation in Arizona State Academic Integrity Cases
Every academic integrity 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 Arizona State. Call 855-338-5299.