At the University of Colorado Boulder, academic misconduct is handled under the Honor Code by Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution, known as SCCR. Faculty are required to report suspected academic misconduct, and a student found responsible can face two separate sets of consequences: academic sanctions, such as a grade penalty, set by the faculty member, and non-academic sanctions, such as Honor Code probation or suspension, set through the Honor Code process. CU Boulder allows students to bring an advisor of their choice, including an attorney, to formal resolution meetings.
A note on policies: universities revise their codes and procedures over time, and CU Boulder has updated its Honor Code procedures 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 CU Boulder’s process as the university has published it. The current Student Honor Code and Procedures are the controlling source. CU Boulder’s Law School has its own honor code.
How Does a CU Boulder Honor Code Case Begin?
Faculty report incidents of academic misconduct to the Honor Code office within SCCR. CU Boulder states that faculty have a responsibility to report any suspected academic misconduct.
The student receives notice of the alleged violation and meets with a resolution specialist to discuss the allegations. After that meeting, the case may be brought to the Honor Code Advisory Board, which discusses findings of responsibility, provides expertise on complex cases, and advises on non-academic sanctions.
Who Decides the Grade, and Who Decides the Sanction?
CU Boulder separates them. According to SCCR, the Honor Code office makes no recommendations or determinations about academic sanctions, including grading. Academic sanctions are determined independently by the faculty member.
Non-academic sanctions come through the Honor Code process. CU Boulder’s Honor Code also states that appeals in the Honor Code process don’t affect academic sanctions.
What Non-Academic Sanctions Are Possible?
CU Boulder’s sanctions include Honor Code probation, during which any further violation results in further disciplinary action, and Honor Code suspension, which requires the student to leave the university for a specified time. According to SCCR, Honor Code suspension is noted on the student’s transcript, and SCCR keeps the incident on file permanently.
Can a Student Bring an Attorney at CU Boulder?
Yes. CU Boulder’s published information for attorneys and advisors states that students may bring an advisor of their choice, including an advocate or attorney, to any conduct process meeting in the formal resolution process. Students who bring an advisor must complete a release of information form for that person.
Advisors may not speak for or on behalf of the student during any phase of the process. However, CU Boulder states that, with the conduct officer’s permission, an advisor may make a statement or ask the student questions to present relevant information after the conduct officer has finished speaking with the student.
Does CU Boulder Tell Parents or Others?
According to SCCR, CU Boulder doesn’t notify parents or guardians about Honor Code violations, and doesn’t generally report Honor Code or conduct violations without the student’s consent, though it does share Honor Code violations with key campus partners.
Can a CU Boulder Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. CU Boulder’s Honor Code provides for appeals to an Honor Code Appeal Board. Because grades are decided separately, an Honor Code appeal doesn’t change an academic sanction. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Common Misconceptions About CU Boulder Cases
“The Honor Code office decides my grade.” SCCR makes no determinations about academic sanctions, including grading.
“Winning my Honor Code appeal fixes my grade.” CU Boulder’s Honor Code states that process appeals don’t affect academic sanctions.
“Attorneys aren’t allowed.” CU Boulder states students may bring an advisor of their choice, including an attorney.
“My parents will be notified.” SCCR states that it doesn’t notify parents or guardians about Honor Code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles academic misconduct at CU Boulder?
Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR), under the Student Honor Code.
Can I bring an attorney to a CU Boulder Honor Code meeting?
Yes. CU Boulder allows an advisor of the student’s choice, including an attorney, at formal resolution meetings. The advisor can’t speak for the student but may, with permission, make a statement or ask questions.
Does the CU Boulder Honor Code process decide my grade?
No. Academic sanctions, including grades, are determined independently by the faculty member.
Is an Honor Code suspension at CU Boulder on my transcript?
Yes. SCCR states that Honor Code suspension is noted on the transcript and kept on file permanently.
Getting Help With a CU Boulder Honor Code Case
CU Boulder’s Honor Code process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case. Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who serves as an advisor to students in university academic integrity and disciplinary processes nationwide, including at CU Boulder, where students may bring an advisor of their choice to formal resolution meetings. He helps students prepare for their meeting with the resolution specialist, 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.