American University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Two-track resolution option: panel (2 professors + 1 student) OR Assistant Director administrative review. Students choose within 5 business days

The panel composition is unusually small, just 3 voting members, making individual panel members significant

Notation of the Code violation on the student's permanent record typically accompanies a failing grade, transcript consequence tied to academic sanction

Appeals go directly to the Provost, executive-level appellate authority

Written notice delivery to the address on record triggers the 10-business-day appeal clock, address-of-record compliance matters

Washington College of Law

WCL Academic Integrity process

Law students have separate WCL-specific procedures, not covered by the main AIC.

Who handles academic misconduct cases at American?

Academic Integrity Code (AIC) Office; AIC Administrator; panel of 2 professors + 1 student (when elected) (AIC) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at American. American University administers academic integrity through the AIC Office. The AIC Administrator conducts a preliminary meeting with the student. Students have 5 business days to decide whether to take the case to panel (2 professors + 1 student) or to Assistant Director review. All academic integrity violations across the University (with the exception of Washington College of Law).

What is the evidence standard at American?

American applies Preponderance of the evidence under American University Academic Integrity Code. Academic Integrity Code (AIC) Office; AIC Administrator; panel of 2 professors + 1 student (when elected) uses this standard when determining whether a student is responsible for an alleged violation. The evidence standard is critical because it determines how strong the evidence must be before a finding of responsibility can be made.

What rights do I have during a American conduct proceeding?

Under American University Academic Integrity Code, students facing a Academic Integrity Code (AIC) Office; AIC Administrator; panel of 2 professors + 1 student (when elected) proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to written notice of the charge; a preliminary meeting with the AIC Administrator with charge, evidence, procedures, and sanction options explained; 5 business days to choose between panel or Assistant Director review; a panel of 2 professors and 1 student (if chosen). Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at American?

The AIC Administrator promptly notifies the student of the charge in writing and arranges a preliminary meeting. At the preliminary meeting, the student is presented with the charge and evidence, advised of the Code procedures, apprised of sanction options, and given the opportunity to respond.

What sanctions can American impose for academic misconduct?

Academic Integrity Code (AIC) Office; AIC Administrator; panel of 2 professors + 1 student (when elected) can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including failing grade with notation of the code violation on the student's permanent record, suspension for one or more academic terms, dismissal from the university, and more serious outcomes including suspension and expulsion. The specific sanction depends on the facts, the student's prior record, and any mitigating factors presented during the proceeding. Sanction-phase advocacy is often as important as the responsibility phase, since even a first finding can carry long-term consequences on transcripts and graduate school applications.

How do I appeal a decision at American, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at American is 10 business days after written notice delivery. Students will be notified in writing of their right of appeal. Appeals must be made in writing to the Provost within 10 business days after written notice is delivered to the student's address of record. Appeal grounds typically include procedural error affecting the outcome, new information not reasonably available at the time of the original decision, sanction disproportionate to the finding. Appeals that succeed are usually the ones that ground each argument in the record and the specific policy language, not emotional or general objections.

Can I bring an advisor to my American hearing?

Yes. Under American University Academic Integrity Code, students have the right to an advisor during proceedings. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate American's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at American the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a American Academic Integrity Code (AIC) Office proceeding?

In most cases, no. American's proceedings follow university policy under American University Academic Integrity Code, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands American's specific procedures, the evidence standard, and how sanctions are assessed. An education advocate typically provides stronger, more targeted guidance than a general-practice attorney because the body of law here is university policy, not criminal or civil procedure. AdvocatED brings deep, specialized expertise in these exact processes at a fraction of a law firm's cost.

How does American handle Title IX cases?

American handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the American University Office of Equity and Title IX. Sex-based misconduct handled through AU's Title IX office. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at American, you should not conflate the process with general conduct cases, and you should respond carefully to any notice you receive.

Does American's Washington College of Law have a separate conduct process?

Yes. Washington College of Law at American is handled through WCL Academic Integrity process, which is distinct from the general university conduct process. Law students have separate WCL-specific procedures, not covered by the main AIC. This matters because professional school findings carry licensure implications, and the remediation and appeal pathways are different from the undergraduate process.

What are the most common academic misconduct violations at American?

At American, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating on exams or assessments; plagiarism on written work; unauthorized collaboration on individual assignments; fabrication of data or sources. Knowing which violation is alleged is the foundation of an effective defense, because the response strategy differs substantially based on whether the case involves plagiarism, AI use, exam cheating, collaboration, or a procedural technicality.

What are the key deadlines in a American conduct case?

At American, the most consequential deadlines are: Panel vs. Assistant Director review decision: 5 business days; Appeal to Provost: 10 business days after written notice. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Academic Integrity Code (AIC) Office; AIC Administrator; panel of 2 professors + 1 student (when elected), document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.