At Villanova University, an academic integrity case begins when the student’s dean sends a letter charging the student with a violation and stating its level. A student who accepts responsibility resolves the case through the dean, while a student who denies the violation has the case referred to the Board of Academic Integrity, which convenes a hearing panel of three faculty members and two students. Villanova allows the student to bring one adviser, whose role is limited to advising, and an adviser who is an attorney isn’t considered to be appearing as counsel.
Universities revise their policies 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 Villanova’s process as the university has published it. Villanova’s current Academic Integrity Policy and procedures are the controlling sources.
How Does a Villanova Case Begin?
Before submitting an academic integrity penalty grade, the faculty member reviews the situation with the student, according to Villanova’s FAQ. The student’s dean then sends the student a letter by university email stating that the student is being charged with an academic integrity violation and identifying its level.
Villanova’s policy classifies violations by level, and the level affects how the case is handled and what follows.
What Happens If a Student Denies the Violation?
If the student denies that a violation occurred, the dean refers the matter to the chair of the Board of Academic Integrity.
The chair assembles a hearing panel of three faculty members and two student members of the Board. According to Villanova’s FAQ, the chair usually holds an informal meeting with the student to review the procedure, and provides the student with a copy of the faculty member’s reporting form and the main evidence submitted with it.
What Happens at a Villanova Hearing?
The hearing is closed to the public and held in a university facility. The student and the faculty member present their accounts, and the panelists can then ask either of them additional questions.
If the panel finds that the student didn’t commit a violation, Villanova’s FAQ states that the chair will ask the faculty member to remove the grade penalty. If the panel finds a violation, the chair notifies all parties.
Can a Student Have an Adviser at Villanova?
Yes. Villanova’s procedures allow the student to be accompanied by one person whose role is limited to advising. Villanova states that an adviser who is also an attorney “will not be considered to be appearing as counsel,” and that the adviser may not make statements, examine witnesses, or otherwise intervene, though the chair may ask for the adviser’s input at their discretion.
What Should Students Know About Deadlines and Records?
Villanova’s procedures treat responsiveness as essential. If a student fails to respond to the Board chair’s communications within the set period, the student forfeits the opportunity for a hearing and is deemed responsible for the violation.
The Board chair may also place a judicial hold on the student’s academic records while a case is pending. Villanova’s policy states that materials on violations are retained until the student graduates or otherwise leaves the university, and its FAQ notes that even when a violation is expunged, students are still obligated to report it when asked.
Common Misconceptions About Villanova Cases
“I can wait to respond until I’m ready.” Villanova’s procedures state that failing to respond within the set period forfeits the hearing and results in a finding of responsibility.
“I won’t see the evidence until the hearing.” Villanova’s FAQ states that the chair provides the reporting form and main evidence beforehand.
“An attorney can argue my case.” An attorney may serve as an adviser, but Villanova’s procedures state the adviser may not make statements or examine witnesses.
“An expunged violation never has to be disclosed.” Villanova’s FAQ states that students are still obligated to report it when asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides Villanova academic integrity cases?
If a student denies the violation, a hearing panel of three faculty members and two students from the Board of Academic Integrity decides the case.
Can I bring an attorney to a Villanova academic integrity hearing?
Villanova allows an adviser who is an attorney, but the adviser isn’t considered to be appearing as counsel and may not make statements or examine witnesses.
What happens if I don’t respond to the Board of Academic Integrity?
Villanova’s procedures state that a student who doesn’t respond within the set period forfeits the hearing and is deemed responsible.
What happens if the panel finds I didn’t cheat?
Villanova’s FAQ states that the chair will ask the faculty member to remove the grade penalty.
Getting Help With a Villanova Case
Because Villanova’s adviser can’t speak during the hearing, the student’s own preparation carries the case. Richard Asselta, a student defense attorney advises students in university academic integrity processes nationwide, can serve as a Villanova student’s adviser. He helps students respond quickly to the Board chair, prepare their account and evidence for the hearing panel, and understand what an outcome means for their record. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.