If you’re reading older guides about UCLA’s academic dishonesty process, some of what you find may no longer apply. UCLA replaced its earlier Student Conduct Code with an interim code that changed how cases are decided, when students get a hearing, and how much time they have to appeal. Under the interim code, most cases are resolved through an administrative review by a single reviewer, and a formal hearing is held only in the most serious cases. The interim code also explicitly allows a student’s advisor to be an attorney.
The code is still interim. UCLA’s Office of Student Conduct invited feedback from students, faculty, and staff, and the Daily Bruin reported this fall that a spokesperson for the office said the university is still reviewing that feedback as it works to finalize the code. That means the rules may change again, so students should always check the Office of Student Conduct’s current materials. The version in effect when a case arises is what applies.
Who Handles Academic Dishonesty at UCLA
UCLA’s Office of Student Conduct, within the Office of the Dean of Students, reviews accusations of academic dishonesty. Under the interim code, the person who administers a case is called the Reviewer, and the process is called a Student Conduct Review. UCLA’s code defines academic dishonesty to include cheating, plagiarism, multiple submissions, and facilitating academic misconduct, and UCLA’s guidance on AI in coursework cites the Student Conduct Code. That connection matters as AI cases grow, a trend explained in AI detectors, cheating, and plagiarism: what every student needs to know.
What Changed Under the Interim Code
Fewer hearings, decided by one person. According to the Daily Bruin’s reporting, UCLA no longer uses a committee to decide most conduct cases. A hearing is held only when the Reviewer proposes suspension or dismissal and the student contests the determination of responsibility in writing by the deadline. Even then, the hearing is generally before a single hearing officer; a panel of up to five people is used only when the director of the Office of Student Conduct finds exceptional circumstances.
New language on credibility. The Daily Bruin reported that the interim code allows the Reviewer to consider a student’s answers to some questions but not others when assessing credibility, which the previous code didn’t address.
More time to appeal. The Daily Bruin also reported that the interim code gives students more time to appeal conduct decisions than the previous code did.
Transcript notations for suspension and dismissal. Under the code, when a student is suspended or dismissed, that fact must be posted on the academic transcript for the duration of the sanction. Outcomes like these can follow a student into later applications, as covered in does academic misconduct show up on your transcript.
Advisors, Including Attorneys
UCLA’s interim code defines an advisor as any person accompanying a student through the conduct review process, including an advocate, attorney, friend, or parent who isn’t otherwise a party or witness in the matter. A student may be accompanied by their advisor at any meeting or proceeding in the process. The advisor can provide support, guidance, and advice, but isn’t permitted to speak for the student or disrupt a Student Conduct Review or Student Conduct Hearing. With the student’s written permission, the advisor can also be copied on communications from the Office of Student Conduct.
UCLA’s process now shares features with other UC campuses, though each campus has its own rules. For comparison, see how UC San Diego handles academic integrity cases.
Appeals
The interim code includes appeal rights, and how a student appeals depends on the outcome. Because a hearing is available only when suspension or dismissal is proposed and the student contests in writing on time, deadlines matter a great deal. For more on building an appeal, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did UCLA change its Student Conduct Code?
Yes. UCLA replaced its earlier code with an interim Student Conduct Code, and the university has said it is still reviewing feedback as it works to finalize the code.
When do I get a hearing for academic dishonesty at UCLA?
Under the interim code, as reported by the Daily Bruin, only when the Reviewer proposes suspension or dismissal and the student contests responsibility in writing by the deadline.
Can my advisor be an attorney at UCLA?
Yes. UCLA’s interim code states that an advisor may be any person, including an advocate or attorney, though the advisor can’t speak for the student.
Does a UCLA suspension go on my transcript?
Yes. Under the code, a suspension or dismissal is posted on the academic transcript for the duration of the sanction.
Getting Help Under UCLA’s New Code
Richard Asselta, a student defense attorney, serves as an advisor to students in university academic integrity processes nationwide, including at UCLA, where the interim code allows an advisor of the student’s choice, including an attorney, at any meeting or proceeding. He helps UCLA students prepare for the Student Conduct Review, decide whether to contest a proposed suspension or dismissal in writing, organize their evidence, and prepare any appeal. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.