Auburn University students charged with cheating or plagiarism today face a different system than the one many guides still describe. Auburn’s older Student Academic Honesty Code, administered by the Academic Honesty Committee, has been replaced by an Academic Integrity Policy that took effect January 1, 2026. Under the new policy, a case can move through three paths: a Faculty-Led meeting, a Facilitated Meeting, or an Academic Integrity Committee Hearing. Every charged student has the right to a hearing, and the sanctions available depend on which path the case takes.
Because the policy is new, Auburn may continue to refine it. The version in effect when a case arises is the one that applies; this post reflects the policy and the Provost’s student resources as currently published. For terms you may see in your notice, see our academic misconduct glossary.
The Three Paths
Faculty-Led meeting. The instructor and the student meet to discuss the alleged violation. A student who disagrees with the alleged violation or the recommended sanction can ask to move to a Facilitated Meeting or a hearing.
Facilitated Meeting. A facilitated discussion of the charge. A student who still disagrees can request an Academic Integrity Committee Hearing.
Academic Integrity Committee Hearing. A formal hearing before the full committee. Auburn’s policy states that a charged student has the right to a hearing for any charge of academic dishonesty.
Auburn’s student resources explain that the sanctions a student is eligible for depend on the path. Faculty-Led and Facilitated Meetings are limited to a narrower set of sanctions, while a committee hearing can lead to the full range, including suspension and expulsion at the committee’s discretion. Auburn’s policy states that expulsion for academic dishonesty is permanently noted. Auburn’s tiered approach resembles other large public universities; compare the Texas A&M Aggie Honor System and UW–Madison’s UWS 14 process.
Missing the Window Doesn’t Stop the Case
According to Auburn, if a student doesn’t make a request within the short window after notice, the case will still be reviewed by the Academic Integrity Committee. Auburn’s FAQ also states that it is strongly recommended that students submit a written response to the alleged violations before their hearing or Facilitated Meeting. If the charge involves an AI detection score, it helps to understand how AI detection tools can misidentify your work before writing that response. And if the charge involves work from an earlier semester, see Can Past Assignments Be Flagged for Cheating?.
The Advisor Rule Under the New Policy
A charged student has the right to have an advisor accompany them at the hearing, but the advisor may not be an active participant. Under the new policy, the advisor must be a current Auburn faculty member, staff member, employee, or student who isn’t involved in an active academic integrity case, and Auburn states that the advisor cannot be a family member or lawyer of the charged student.
Appeals Go to the President
A student who wants to appeal completes Auburn’s online Academic Integrity Appeal Form within a short period after the outcome. According to Auburn, the President of Auburn University reviews appeals, and the President’s decision is the final action in the process. Student athletes should keep in mind that an outcome can also affect eligibility; see what happens when a student athlete faces academic misconduct charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Auburn change its academic integrity rules in 2026?
Yes. Auburn’s Academic Integrity Policy, effective January 1, 2026, replaced the earlier Student Academic Honesty Code.
Does every Auburn student have the right to a hearing?
Yes. Auburn’s policy states that a charged student has the right to an Academic Integrity Hearing for any charge of academic dishonesty.
Can a lawyer be my advisor at an Auburn academic integrity hearing?
No. Auburn states the advisor must be a current Auburn faculty member, staff member, employee, or student, and cannot be a family member or lawyer of the charged student.
Who decides Auburn academic integrity appeals?
The President of Auburn University, whose decision is the final action in the process.
Getting Help Under Auburn’s New Policy
Auburn’s new rules keep lawyers out of the hearing room, but they also recommend that students submit a written response beforehand, which makes preparation the part of the case where outside help matters most. Richard Asselta, a Florida-licensed student defense attorney who advises students in university academic integrity matters nationwide, works with Auburn students behind the scenes, helping them understand the three paths, prepare their written response, organize their evidence, and prepare any appeal to the President. Call 855-338-5299 or read more about Richard Asselta.