Arizona State University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

ASU uses a two-tier appellate structure: college/school-level decision → Dean review → University Academic Integrity Hearing Board (Provost-appointed), giving students multiple review layers

The College/School Board is faculty-majority but required to include at least one student, a deliberate balance between faculty expertise and peer perspective

ASU uses a distinctive 'XE' grade (failure due to academic dishonesty) alongside standard failing grades, which creates a visible transcript mark tied directly to the integrity finding

When a student files a timely appeal, the sanction is not imposed until the appeal is resolved, this is an important procedural protection

Graduate degree revocation appeals go directly to the Provost with a 10-business-day window, reflecting the higher stakes of post-conferral misconduct findings

ASU's academic integrity process is governed by ACD 301 under the University Provost's Office, while non-academic conduct is handled by the Dean of Students office

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

ASU Law School Honor Code process

Law students are subject to a separate honor code administered within the Law School.

ASU Graduate College

Graduate College academic integrity and professional review

Graduate students face academic progression and professional review through the Graduate College, including degree revocation proceedings.

Who handles academic misconduct cases at ASU?

College or School Academic Integrity Board has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at ASU. Each college or school at ASU has its own Academic Integrity Board, appointed by the academic Dean. Boards are comprised of faculty members and at least one student. The University Academic Integrity Hearing Board, appointed by the Provost or designee, hears appeals from the college/school-level decisions. College/School Boards review allegations of academic dishonesty (violations of ASU's Academic Integrity Policy, ACD 301). The University Academic Integrity Hearing Board handles appeals. Non-academic conduct is administered separately under the Student Code of Conduct.

What is the evidence standard at ASU?

ASU applies Preponderance of the evidence (ASU's standard in academic integrity proceedings) under ASU Academic Integrity Policy (ACD 301) and Student Code of Conduct (ACD 301). College or School Academic Integrity Board 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 ASU conduct proceeding?

Under ASU Academic Integrity Policy (ACD 301) and Student Code of Conduct, students facing a College or School Academic Integrity Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to written notice of the alleged violation; present their response and evidence to the College/School Board; have at least one student included on the board reviewing the case; appeal the Dean's decision within 10 business days of notification. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at ASU?

Faculty members who suspect academic dishonesty report the allegation through their college or school's academic integrity process. A College/School Board is convened to review the allegation and evidence. If a sanction is recommended, the student is notified of the outcome and their right to appeal.

What sanctions can ASU impose for academic misconduct?

College or School Academic Integrity Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including reduced or failing grade on the academic evaluation, failing grade for the course, grade of xe, 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 ASU, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at ASU is 10 business days after the date the notification was sent. Appeals go first to the Dean of the college or school. If the student wishes to appeal further, cases may proceed to the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board, appointed by the Provost or designee. Graduate students facing degree revocation have a separate appellate path to the Provost. Appeal grounds typically include dispute with the finding of academic dishonesty, dispute with the particular sanction imposed, new information not reasonably available at the time of the original decision, among others. Appeals that succeed are usually the ones that ground each argument in the record and the specific policy language, not emotional or general objections.

Do I need a lawyer for a ASU College or School Academic Integrity Board proceeding?

In most cases, no. ASU's proceedings follow university policy under ASU Academic Integrity Policy (ACD 301) and Student Code of Conduct, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands ASU'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 ASU handle Title IX cases?

ASU handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the ASU Office of University Rights and Responsibilities (Title IX Coordinator). Title IX and sex-based misconduct complaints are handled through ASU's Office of University Rights and Responsibilities under the ASU Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy, separately from academic integrity proceedings. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at ASU, you should not conflate the process with general conduct cases, and you should respond carefully to any notice you receive.

Does ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law have a separate conduct process?

Yes. Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU is handled through ASU Law School Honor Code process, which is distinct from the general university conduct process. Law students are subject to a separate honor code administered within the Law School. 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 ASU?

At ASU, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism and improper citation; unauthorized collaboration on individual assignments; cheating on exams or quizzes; fabrication of sources, data, or research results. 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 ASU conduct case?

At ASU, the most consequential deadlines are: Appeal to Dean: 10 business days after notification; Graduate student appeal to Provost (degree revocation): 10 business days; Sanction stayed pending a timely appeal. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from College or School Academic Integrity Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.