At UC Berkeley, a first academic misconduct case can end without a reportable record. Under Berkeley’s Code of Student Conduct, a faculty member can resolve an incident directly with the student, and when that happens, the Center for Student Conduct issues a letter documenting the resolution with a Non-Reportable Warning. A non-reportable warning doesn’t create a reportable conduct record. That path isn’t available in every case, though. When the student disagrees, doesn’t consent to the faculty member’s proposed penalty, or has prior academic misconduct, the case goes through the Center for Student Conduct’s process instead.
Berkeley revised its Code of Student Conduct effective January 1, 2026, and the version in effect when a case arises applies. This summary follows the current Code and the Center for Student Conduct’s published materials.
What Berkeley Counts as Academic Misconduct
Berkeley’s Center for Student Conduct handles both academic and non-academic violations of the Code. Academic misconduct includes cheating, plagiarism (including self-plagiarism), facilitating another student’s dishonesty, and fabricating or altering information. Many cases begin with a tool or an old assignment resurfacing, situations covered in can past assignments be flagged for cheating? and AI detectors, cheating, and plagiarism: what every student needs to know.
The Faculty Resolution Path
Under the Code, faculty may resolve allegations of academic misconduct directly with the student. Berkeley’s catalog explains that if the student doesn’t agree that a violation occurred, or doesn’t consent to the faculty member’s proposed academic penalty, or has prior academic misconduct, the matter is handled through the Center for Student Conduct, and the faculty member must report it through the Center’s online portal.
The Center for Student Conduct Process
If a student is found responsible through the Center’s process, Berkeley’s catalog describes a resolution plan that includes University sanctions, ranging from a non-reportable warning to dismissal from the University, usually along with educational sanctions such as reflective writing or workshops.
How a contested case moves depends on what’s at stake. According to the Center for Student Conduct, a student who disagrees with the Center’s findings in a case that doesn’t involve separation can appeal the administrative resolution. When a student is facing suspension or dismissal, the student can request a formal hearing. Panel hearings are administered by an Independent Hearing Officer, a university official outside the Center for Student Conduct, and the panel decides by a preponderance of the evidence whether the student is responsible.
Advisors at Berkeley
Berkeley’s Center for Student Conduct states that students may receive support from an advisor at any stage of the process. The Code also notes that the process won’t be delayed because of an advisor’s repeated or ongoing unavailability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-reportable warning at UC Berkeley?
A sanction that, under Berkeley’s Code, doesn’t create a reportable conduct record. It’s the typical outcome when a faculty member resolves a first academic misconduct case directly with the student.
When does a UC Berkeley academic misconduct case go to the Center for Student Conduct?
When the student disagrees that a violation occurred, doesn’t consent to the faculty member’s proposed penalty, or has prior academic misconduct.
Can I get a hearing at UC Berkeley?
When a student is facing suspension or dismissal, the student can request a formal hearing. In other cases, the student can appeal the administrative resolution.
Can I have an advisor in a UC Berkeley conduct case?
Yes. Berkeley’s Center for Student Conduct states that students may receive support from an advisor at any stage of the process.
Getting Help With a UC Berkeley Case
Whether a case ends with a non-reportable warning or moves into the Center for Student Conduct’s process can depend on choices a student makes early. Richard Asselta, a student defense attorney who advises students in university academic integrity processes nationwide, helps Berkeley students understand their options, organize their evidence, and prepare for the Center for Student Conduct’s process or a formal hearing. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.