At Dartmouth College, undergraduate academic integrity is governed by the Academic Honor Principle, and serious alleged violations are heard by the Committee on Standards, known as COS. The COS hears cases that may result in suspension or separation from the College, and a full COS panel includes two students, two faculty members, and one administrator. A student who denies the allegations has the case heard by the COS, while a student who admits responsibility may request a one-on-one hearing with the COS chair. Dartmouth requires advisers to be current Dartmouth students, faculty, or staff.
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 Dartmouth’s undergraduate process as the College has published it. The current Student Handbook and Dartmouth’s current policies are the controlling sources. Dartmouth’s graduate and professional schools have their own procedures.
What Does the Committee on Standards Hear?
The COS hears cases involving undergraduates that may result in suspension or separation from the College, including alleged violations of the Academic Honor Principle.
According to Dartmouth, COS cases are distinguished from administrative hearings by the degree of the violation, the type of violation, and the student’s disciplinary history. Less serious matters are resolved through administrative hearings with designated hearing officers.
Who Sits on a COS Panel?
A full COS panel includes two students, two faculty members, and one administrator, according to Dartmouth.
Committee members receive copies of the case packet before the hearing. For Academic Honor Principle cases, that packet typically includes the academic work at issue.
What Happens If a Student Admits or Denies the Allegations?
If the student denies the allegations, Dartmouth’s procedures state that the case is referred to the COS for a hearing.
If the student admits the allegations, the student may request an individual hearing with the COS chair, who may grant or deny the request depending on the nature of the case. If the chair holds a one-on-one hearing, the chair may impose any sanction appropriate to the circumstances.
What Is a COS Hearing Like?
Dartmouth describes COS proceedings as administrative in nature, not governed by the rules that apply in a court of law, and describes the hearing procedure as informal.
At the chair’s request, an attorney for the College may be available during a COS hearing to advise the committee.
Can a Student Have an Adviser at Dartmouth?
Yes, but under Dartmouth policy, only currently enrolled Dartmouth students and members of the Dartmouth faculty or staff may serve as advisers.
Dartmouth’s adviser guide describes the adviser’s most important role as helping the student review and understand the process, and it notes that students looking for confidential legal advice should consult with an attorney. Students can work with an outside attorney to prepare before a hearing, even though the attorney can’t serve as their adviser.
What Happens After a Finding?
If a student is found responsible, the student’s conduct history may be considered in setting a sanction. Dartmouth notes that when an allegation or outcome reaches the suspension level, it notifies parents or guardians unless the student has been designated as independent by the College.
A student found responsible for an Academic Honor Principle violation can ask for a review, which is considered by the Dean of Undergraduate Student Affairs or a designee. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Common Misconceptions About Dartmouth Cases
“Every case goes to the full committee.” A student who admits responsibility may request a one-on-one hearing with the COS chair, who may grant or deny it.
“COS hearings work like court.” Dartmouth describes them as administrative and informal, not governed by courtroom rules.
“I can bring an outside lawyer as my adviser.” Dartmouth limits advisers to current students, faculty, and staff, though students can consult an attorney separately.
“My parents won’t find out.” Dartmouth notifies parents or guardians at the suspension level unless the student is designated as independent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dartmouth Committee on Standards?
The body that hears undergraduate cases that may result in suspension or separation, including alleged violations of the Academic Honor Principle.
Who sits on a Dartmouth COS panel?
A full panel includes two students, two faculty members, and one administrator.
Can I have a one-on-one hearing instead of the full COS?
If you admit responsibility, you may request one with the COS chair, who may grant or deny the request.
Can an attorney be my adviser at Dartmouth?
No. Dartmouth limits advisers to current students, faculty, and staff, though its guide notes students seeking confidential legal advice should consult an attorney.
Representation in Dartmouth Academic Honor Principle Cases
Every case turns on its specific facts and on the College’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 Dartmouth. At schools where outside advisors can’t attend hearings, he helps students prepare their written responses, evidence, and hearing presentations. Call 855-338-5299.