It can. At many colleges, an unresolved academic integrity case can delay a student’s degree, even when every course requirement has been met. Some universities state in their policies that they may place a hold on a student’s record or on degree conferral while a case is pending. For a senior accused of cheating in a final semester, the timing of the case can matter as much as its outcome.
A note on policies: every university writes its own rules about holds, degree conferral, and pending cases, and those rules change over time. This article describes common practices as universities have published them. A school’s current official policies are the controlling source.
Can a School Hold a Degree While a Case Is Pending?
Yes, at many schools. Universities commonly treat an unresolved misconduct case as a reason to pause degree conferral or place a hold on a student’s record.
The University of Southern California, for example, states that it may place a hold preventing degree conferral while an academic integrity review is pending. The University of Georgia’s policy similarly allows its academic integrity office to place a hold on a student’s record. Whether and how a hold is used depends on the school and the case.
Can a Student Walk at Graduation With a Pending Case?
Sometimes, but walking and graduating aren’t the same thing. At many schools, participating in a commencement ceremony is separate from having the degree officially conferred. A student may be allowed to attend the ceremony while the degree itself, and the official transcript showing it, wait for the case to be resolved.
Does Withdrawing or Graduating End the Case?
Generally, no. Many universities continue an academic integrity case even if the student tries to leave the course or the school.
USC’s policy, for example, states that students may not withdraw from a course in which a violation is alleged, and that students who withdraw are re-enrolled. The University of South Carolina’s policy states that students remain subject to the disciplinary process for conduct that occurred while they were enrolled. Courts have also recognized that public universities can revoke a degree after graduation for misconduct discovered later, as long as they provide due process.
What Is at Stake When a Case Overlaps Graduation?
A delayed degree can ripple outward. Job offers and graduate school admissions often depend on proof of graduation by a certain date, and professional programs and licensing applications may ask about pending disciplinary matters as well as completed ones. A case that would be manageable earlier in college can carry very different stakes in a student’s final weeks.
Common Misconceptions
“If I’ve finished my classes, they can’t stop my degree.” Many universities can place a hold on degree conferral while a case is pending.
“Walking at graduation means I’ve graduated.” At many schools, the ceremony is separate from official degree conferral.
“Once I graduate, the case goes away.” Many policies continue cases for conduct that occurred while the student was enrolled, and degrees can be revoked later in some circumstances.
“Withdrawing from the class ends the case.” Some universities prohibit withdrawing from a course during an integrity case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a college withhold my degree because of a pending cheating case?
At many schools, yes. Some universities state in their policies that they may hold degree conferral or a student’s record while an academic integrity case is pending.
Can I attend graduation if my academic integrity case isn’t resolved?
Some schools allow students to walk in the ceremony while the degree itself waits for the case to be resolved, since the ceremony and official degree conferral are often separate.
Does graduating end an academic integrity investigation?
Generally, no. Many policies continue cases for conduct that occurred while the student was enrolled.
Can a university revoke my degree after I graduate?
In some circumstances. Courts have recognized that public universities can revoke degrees for misconduct discovered after graduation, with due process.
Representation for Students With Pending Cases Near Graduation
Every case turns on its specific facts and on the policies in effect at the time, and those policies vary and change. Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents students in academic misconduct cases at colleges and universities nationwide. See also can a university withhold a degree or transcripts and can a college revoke your degree. Call 855-338-5299.