Responding to a Violation

Responding to a Violation

The information below is a brief overview and not an official statement of the University of Arizona’s Academic Integrity policies and procedures. The official policies with detailed information are found in the University's Code of Academic Integrity, found here: Code of Academic Integrity

If your instructor alleges you were involved in academic dishonesty, it is important that you know your rights. 

Students have the right to:

  • Fair consideration of the charges, which is also called due process.
  • See the evidence related to the incident (the confidentiality of other affected persons must be considered).
  • Reporting procedures that are conducted in a confidential manner.
  • An advisor, as outlined in the Code.

When an instructor suspects academic dishonesty, the following steps should occur:

  • The instructor should notify and confer with the student to gather more information about the allegation.
  • If the instructor determines, by a preponderance of evidence, that a violation has occurred, the incident should be documented on the Record of Faculty/Student Conference form. The student should receive a copy of this form.

The student has the right to appeal an instructor’s decision and the sanctions imposed.

To appeal, the student should follow the steps below:

  • Within 10 academic days of receiving the Record of Faculty/Student Conference form, the student should complete and deliver a form called the Request to Appeal to the College Dean to the Dean of Students Office.  If the student does not appeal within the time provided, the decision and sanctions of the instructor are final.
  • Once submitted, the College Dean will meet separately with the student and the instructor to discuss the incident. After this meeting, the College Dean will rule on the case. The appeal process can take up to 30 academic days and usually the College Dean’s decision is final.