At Florida State University, academic integrity cases are governed by the Academic Honor Policy and handled through the Office of the Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement, on the academic side of the university rather than through student affairs. A case can be resolved between the student and instructor, or it can go to a hearing before an Academic Honor Policy Hearing Panel, with an appeal available afterward.
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 FSU’s process as the university has published it. FSU’s current Academic Honor Policy is the controlling source.
How Can an FSU Case Be Resolved?
FSU’s policy provides a path for resolving a case between the student and the instructor, and a path for contesting it through a hearing.
According to FSU’s published materials, a student who accepts responsibility and the instructor’s proposed sanction can resolve the case directly with the instructor. A student who accepts responsibility but believes the sanction is too harsh can contest the sanction. A student who disputes the allegation can have the case referred for a hearing. FSU’s policy states that a student has the right to continue in the course during the entire process.
What Is an Academic Honor Policy Hearing?
It is a hearing before a panel that decides whether the student is responsible and, if so, what sanctions apply.
According to FSU’s published materials, the panel includes one faculty member from the academic unit where the work was done, one faculty member from outside that unit, and two students. If the student is found responsible, the panel issues a decision letter addressing each charge, explaining the basis for the finding, and setting out the sanctions it considers appropriate.
Can a Student Have an Advisor?
Yes. FSU’s policy provides that a student may be assisted by an advisor who may accompany the student throughout the process.
FSU’s policy places limits on the advisor’s role, and the specific scope is set by the policy in effect for the case.
Can an FSU Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. Hearing panel decisions can be appealed to the Academic Honor Policy Faculty Appellate Officer, on limited grounds.
FSU’s recognized grounds include due process errors that substantially affected the outcome of the hearing. Appeals are limited to a review of the record of the initial hearing and the appeal documentation. FSU’s materials state that the Faculty Appellate Officer may affirm, reduce, or reverse the panel’s decision, or order a new hearing.
Common Misconceptions About FSU Cases
“Student affairs handles academic honor cases.” At FSU, these cases run through the Office of the Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement.
“I have to stop attending the class.” FSU’s policy states that a student has the right to continue in the course during the entire process.
“Contesting means denying everything.” FSU’s process allows a student to contest just the sanction while accepting responsibility.
“An appeal is a new hearing.” FSU’s appeals are limited to a review of the record of the initial hearing and appeal documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles academic honor cases at Florida State?
The Office of the Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement, under FSU’s Academic Honor Policy.
Who sits on an FSU Academic Honor Policy Hearing Panel?
One faculty member from the academic unit where the work was done, one faculty member from outside that unit, and two students.
Can I keep attending the class during my case?
FSU’s policy states that a student has the right to continue in the course during the entire process.
Can an FSU hearing decision be appealed?
Yes, to the Academic Honor Policy Faculty Appellate Officer, on limited grounds, with review limited to the record of the initial hearing and the appeal documentation.
Representation in FSU Academic Honor Policy Cases
Every 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 Florida State University. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision. Call 855-338-5299.