At Syracuse University, academic integrity cases are brought under a single charge, violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, and classified by level, from Level 1 to Level 3. A student who contests an allegation meets with a faculty interviewer, and the most serious cases, those that could result in suspension or expulsion, go to a hearing panel. Syracuse requires the student’s advisor to be a Syracuse University faculty member, student, or staff member.
A note on policies: universities revise their policies and procedures over time, and Syracuse has updated its Academic Integrity Policy and the offices that administer it several times 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 Syracuse’s process as the university has published it. The current Academic Integrity Policy is the controlling source.
How Does a Syracuse Case Begin?
Faculty and instructors report suspected violations, and the university’s academic integrity office maintains centralized records of academic integrity cases.
Each school and college at Syracuse has an Academic Integrity Coordinator who implements the policy for that school or college, and a trained Academic Integrity Advisor who helps students understand the policy and procedures. Under Syracuse’s policy, grade sanctions are applied by the reporting instructor only after the student and instructor are notified of the final case decision.
What Are the Violation Levels?
Syracuse classifies violations as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, and the level determines the non-grade sanctions.
According to Syracuse’s sanction rubric, Level 3 non-grade sanctions include suspension with a transcript notation indicating the suspension resulted from an academic integrity violation. Syracuse’s rubric also states that students found responsible for a Level 1, 2, or 3 violation must complete a free online Academic Integrity Seminar to register for later semesters and to be eligible for removal of any temporary transcript notation. Faculty have discretion over the course grade sanction, including course failure, regardless of the violation level.
What Is a Faculty Interview?
A faculty interview takes place when a student contests a violation or the proposed sanctions. The faculty interviewer assesses whether it is more likely than not that the student violated the policy and, if so, the level of the violation.
According to Syracuse, the faculty interviewer doesn’t serve as a voting member of any hearing or appeal panel that decides the case.
When Does a Syracuse Case Go to a Hearing?
A hearing panel resolves the most serious suspected violations, those with the potential to result in suspension or expulsion. The hearing process begins with notice to the student and a faculty interview, and the case moves to a hearing panel if the faculty interviewer and the Academic Integrity Coordinator agree that it meets the criteria for a hearing.
Can a Student Have an Advisor at Syracuse?
Yes. Under Syracuse’s policy, the student has the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice, who must be a Syracuse University faculty member, student, or staff member. Outside advisors can’t serve in that role under the policy.
Can a Syracuse Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. Students may request an appeal of a decision that they violated the Academic Integrity Policy, and of related grade and non-grade sanctions. The university’s academic integrity office determines whether a request meets the standards for appeal, and successful requests are heard by an appeal panel.
Common Misconceptions About Syracuse Cases
“My professor can fail me right away.” Under Syracuse’s policy, grade sanctions are applied only after the final case decision.
“The violation level decides my grade.” Faculty have discretion over the course grade sanction, regardless of the violation level.
“A Level 3 violation just means a bad grade.” Level 3 non-grade sanctions include suspension with a transcript notation.
“I can bring anyone as my advisor.” Syracuse’s policy requires advisors to be SU faculty, students, or staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the violation levels at Syracuse University?
Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The level determines non-grade sanctions, and Level 3 sanctions include suspension with a transcript notation.
What is a faculty interview at Syracuse?
A meeting that takes place when a student contests a violation or sanction, in which a faculty interviewer assesses whether it is more likely than not that a violation occurred.
Who can be my advisor at a Syracuse academic integrity hearing?
Syracuse’s policy requires the advisor to be a Syracuse University faculty member, student, or staff member.
Do I have to complete anything after a Syracuse violation?
According to Syracuse, students found responsible for a Level 1, 2, or 3 violation must complete a free online Academic Integrity Seminar to register for later semesters.
Can I get outside help with a Syracuse academic integrity case?
Yes, behind the scenes. Syracuse requires the accompanying advisor to be SU faculty, staff, or a student, but students can work with an outside advisor to prepare for the faculty interview, hearing, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Syracuse Academic Integrity Case
Syracuse’s academic integrity process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case, and Syracuse requires the advisor who accompanies a student to be a Syracuse University faculty member, student, or staff member. 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 Syracuse students behind the scenes, helping them understand the Academic Integrity Policy, prepare for the faculty interview and any hearing, 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.