At Georgia Tech, a student accused of academic misconduct gets an early, consequential choice: have the case resolved by a student conduct administrator in the Office of Student Integrity (OSI), or by a student conduct panel. That choice sits inside an honor system with deep roots. Georgia Tech’s Academic Honor Code began as a student initiative and became official Institute policy in 1996, and every student signs an Honor Agreement before becoming part of the Georgia Tech community.
Georgia Tech’s codes and procedures are updated over time, and the versions in effect when a case arises apply. This summary follows Georgia Tech’s current policy library and OSI materials.
The Honor Agreement
Georgia Tech’s Honor Agreement reads: “Having read the Georgia Institute of Technology Academic Honor Code, I understand and accept my responsibility as a member of the Georgia Tech community to uphold the Honor Code at all times. In addition, I understand my options for reporting honor violations as detailed in the Code.” The agreement may reappear on exams and assignments as a reminder.
How a Georgia Tech Case Moves
Academic misconduct cases at Georgia Tech typically start with a report to OSI. For academic cases, Georgia Tech also offers an optional Faculty Conference Resolution, a meeting between the reporting instructor and the student. According to OSI, the student may decline this process at any point, and if the student accepts responsibility, the faculty member can impose a disciplinary warning and a grade penalty of up to a zero on the assignment. If the student has prior disciplinary history, the matter goes to OSI instead.
At an Administrative Conference, the student meets with a student conduct administrator, is presented with the alleged violation and the supporting information, and receives an explanation of their rights. Under Georgia Tech’s current Student Code of Conduct, a student who accepts responsibility and the recommended sanctions signs a notice of admission, the sanctions take effect immediately, and the student waives any appeal rights associated with the charges. If the administrator instead decides the case, the student can appeal that decision. A student who doesn’t respond or attend may have the case resolved in their absence or referred to a panel.
If the case goes to a Student Conduct Panel, the panel holds a hearing and recommends a decision to the Director of Student Integrity. Many cases at a technical school like Georgia Tech involve code, problem sets, or shared study resources, which raise the kinds of issues covered in accused of plagiarism on a programming assignment and accused of cheating after using a group chat or discussion board to study.
Sanctions
OSI describes academic penalties ranging from a zero on the assignment to an F in the course, and up to suspension or expulsion. Georgia Tech’s Student Code of Conduct also states that there’s no requirement that a student receive less severe sanctions before more severe ones, and that some conduct may warrant immediate expulsion.
Advisors and Family Members
OSI lists the right to be accompanied by an advisor of the student’s choice among students’ rights. Georgia Tech’s code also provides that at a panel hearing, the student may bring their advisor and up to two family members. An advisor who disrupts the process can be asked to leave.
Appeals
Georgia Tech’s code describes the appeal process as not a new hearing, but a review based on the hearing record, supporting documents, and the student’s written appeal. Sanctions aren’t imposed while an appeal is pending. Georgia Tech’s online students are held to the same Honor Code, as explained in our post on academic misconduct in online master’s programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles academic misconduct at Georgia Tech?
The Office of Student Integrity (OSI), through a student conduct administrator or a student conduct panel.
What is the Georgia Tech Honor Agreement?
A pledge every student signs before joining the Georgia Tech community, accepting responsibility to uphold the Academic Honor Code.
Can I bring someone to a Georgia Tech conduct hearing?
Yes. OSI lists the right to an advisor of the student’s choice, and at a panel hearing, the student may also bring up to two family members.
Can I appeal if I accept responsibility at Georgia Tech?
No. Under Georgia Tech’s current code, a student who accepts responsibility and the recommended sanctions waives appeal rights for those charges. A decision made by the administrator can be appealed.
Getting Help With a Georgia Tech Case
The choice between an administrator and a panel, and whether to accept responsibility at the Administrative Conference, can shape the entire case. Richard Asselta, a student defense attorney who advises students in university academic integrity processes nationwide, can serve as a Georgia Tech student’s advisor of choice and helps students weigh their resolution options, prepare for an Administrative Conference or panel hearing, and build a written appeal. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.