UC Davis is unusually clear about what a first academic misconduct case usually leads to. According to its Student Conduct and Integrity office, most first violations are resolved with disciplinary probation and community service, though a censure or warning may be issued in some situations and deferred separation in others. And under UC Davis’s approach, a student is considered “not in violation” unless the student admits the misconduct or is found in violation at a formal hearing.
UC Davis’s student conduct policies are revised over time, and its conduct office has changed names; it was formerly called the Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs, or OSSJA. The version of the rules in effect when a case arises applies. This summary follows UC Davis’s current published materials.
How a UC Davis Case Starts
Faculty are responsible under UC Davis’s Code of Academic Conduct for reporting suspected academic misconduct to Student Conduct and Integrity. The student then typically meets with a Student Conduct Specialist to discuss the allegations, and the specialist determines whether a violation occurred. According to UC Davis, the resolution is final if the student accepts it or doesn’t respond by the deadline.
If a student doesn’t participate at all, UC Davis states that its office may place holds, take unilateral action, or proceed with a formal hearing.
Typical Outcomes for First and Second Violations
UC Davis’s office states that it generally doesn’t suspend or dismiss a student for a first violation if the student has no prior disciplinary history. A second violation, according to UC Davis, generally results in either deferred separation and an online Academic Integrity Seminar, or suspension for some number of quarters.
The grade is a separate question. UC Davis notes that Academic Senate Regulation 550 authorizes the instructor to give an “F” for the course if a student admits the misconduct or is found in violation at a formal hearing, regardless of how many points the assignment was worth.
Formal Hearings and Appeals
The path for contesting a case depends on the sanction. In cases that don’t involve suspension or dismissal, a student can appeal on three grounds: new information, procedural error, or disproportionate sanctions. In cases involving suspension or dismissal, a student can contest the determination and proceed to a formal hearing. UC Davis states that formal hearings involving academic misconduct are heard by panels of faculty and students, and that a formal hearing is not a trial.
Advisors, Including Attorneys
UC Davis’s FAQ states that a student may bring an attorney, but that the attorney may attend only in an advisory capacity, and the student must speak on their own behalf in academic matters. Students can also bring a friend or parent as an advisor. Because statements in these meetings matter, it helps to understand what to do if you’re accused of cheating in college before the first meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens for a first academic misconduct violation at UC Davis?
According to UC Davis, most first violations are resolved with disciplinary probation and community service, and the university generally doesn’t suspend or dismiss students for a first violation without prior history.
Can I bring an attorney to a UC Davis conduct meeting?
Yes, but UC Davis states the attorney may attend only in an advisory capacity, and the student must speak on their own behalf in academic matters.
Can a UC Davis instructor give me an F for the course?
UC Davis notes that Academic Senate Regulation 550 authorizes an F for the course if the student admits the misconduct or is found in violation at a formal hearing.
When does a UC Davis case go to a formal hearing?
In cases involving suspension or dismissal, the student can contest the determination and proceed to a formal hearing before a panel of faculty and students.
Getting Help With a UC Davis Case
Richard Asselta, a student defense attorney, serves as an advisor to students in university academic integrity processes nationwide, including at UC Davis, where students may bring an advisor who attends in an advisory capacity. He helps students prepare for their meeting with the Student Conduct Specialist, weigh whether to accept a resolution, organize their evidence, and prepare any appeal or formal hearing. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.