At the University of Florida, an Honor Code case begins when Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, known as SCCR, sends the student a Notice of Charges inviting them to an Information Meeting. The Information Meeting is a meeting between the student and a Student Conduct Administrator to review the charges and the available resolution options. UF’s regulation states that it is not a disciplinary proceeding, but what the student decides afterward determines whether the case is resolved without a hearing or moves to one.
A note on policies: universities revise their 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 UF’s process as the university has published it, primarily in UF Regulation 4.040, the Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code. The current regulation is the controlling source.
What Is in a UF Notice of Charges?
A Notice of Charges is the written notice that starts the formal process. According to UF Regulation 4.040, it includes the specific Honor Code charges, a brief description of the allegation, where to review the student’s rights, and an invitation to attend an Information Meeting.
Before the notice is sent, a faculty member who suspects a violation gathers relevant information, decides on proposed sanctions, and submits a report to SCCR.
What Happens at the Information Meeting?
The student meets with a Student Conduct Administrator to review the charges and the resolution options available. UF’s regulation describes the Information Meeting as a meeting after a Notice of Charges has been sent, and states expressly that it is not a disciplinary proceeding.
UF’s SCCR materials describe the meeting as the point where the student reviews the charges and indicates whether they are “Responsible” or “Not Responsible.”
What Happens If a Student Accepts Responsibility?
For a first Honor Code allegation, a student who accepts responsibility and the faculty member’s proposed sanctions can generally resolve the case without a hearing.
UF’s SCCR materials have described resolution options at this stage, such as an administrative resolution, followed by an outcome letter to the student.
When Is a Hearing Required?
Under UF’s process, an Honor Code hearing is required when the student doesn’t accept responsibility, disagrees with the proposed sanctions, or has a prior Honor Code violation.
UF’s regulation states that a second Honor Code allegation must be resolved by a hearing even if the student is willing to accept responsibility and the proposed sanctions. Honor Code hearings may be held before an Individual Honor Hearing Officer or a Student Conduct Committee.
Does the Faculty Member Stay Involved?
Yes, in a limited way. UF’s SCCR materials state that once the charge letter is sent, faculty may talk with the student if they choose, but SCCR staff handle most of the process. A faculty member may also participate in a hearing as the reporting person or as a witness.
What Happens to the Course Grade?
UF’s SCCR FAQ addresses students whose grade was changed to an “N” or “I” after a Notice of Charges for an Honor Code allegation, reflecting that a pending case can affect how the grade appears until the case is resolved.
What Rights Does a Student Have?
UF’s regulation provides that the university, not the accused student, has the burden of proof, and that the formal rules of evidence used in criminal and civil court don’t apply. It also gives students the right to have an advisor and a support person present during hearings and meetings, and defines an advisor to include an advocate or legal representative.
Common Misconceptions About UF Information Meetings
“The Information Meeting is a hearing.” UF’s regulation states that the Information Meeting is not a disciplinary proceeding.
“Accepting responsibility always avoids a hearing.” For a second Honor Code allegation, UF’s regulation requires a hearing even if the student accepts responsibility.
“The professor decides my case.” After the charge letter, SCCR handles most of the process, and hearings are decided by a hearing officer or committee.
“I have to prove I didn’t cheat.” UF’s regulation places the burden of proof on the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UF SCCR Information Meeting?
A meeting between the accused student and a Student Conduct Administrator, after a Notice of Charges, to review the charges and resolution options. UF’s regulation states it is not a disciplinary proceeding.
What happens if I say “Not Responsible” at UF?
Under UF’s process, a student who doesn’t accept responsibility has the Honor Code case resolved through a hearing.
Is a hearing required for a second Honor Code violation at UF?
Yes. UF’s regulation states that a second Honor Code allegation must be resolved by hearing, even if the student accepts responsibility.
Can I bring an advisor to a UF Information Meeting?
UF’s regulation gives students the right to have an advisor and a support person present during hearings and meetings.
Representation in UF Honor Code Cases
Every case turns on its specific facts and on the university’s policies as they stand at the time of the case, and regulations 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 the University of Florida. See also what happens at an academic integrity hearing. Call 855-338-5299.