California State University, Long Beach Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Academic dishonesty cases initially handled by faculty; OSCED review follows

Dual review system: Academic Integrity Committee provides advisory opinion; OSCED makes disciplinary determination

Separate processes for academic integrity (faculty-led) and general student conduct violations (OSCED-led)

CSU Executive Order 1098 governs student conduct procedures with 10 business day decision timeline

Who handles academic misconduct cases at CSULB?

Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development (OSCED) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at CSULB. The Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development is staffed by professional administrators within the Division of Student Affairs, led by an Associate Dean of Students and including an Assistant Dean of Students and an administrative analyst. Formal hearings are conducted by a Hearing Officer appointed by the President or designee under CSU systemwide procedures. Investigates campus-related complaints and charges against students involving violations of campus regulations

What is the evidence standard at CSULB?

CSULB applies Preponderance of the evidence under Regulation XVI: Standards for Student Conduct / Campus Rules and Regulations (Regulation XVI). Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development 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 CSULB conduct proceeding?

Under Regulation XVI: Standards for Student Conduct / Campus Rules and Regulations, students facing a Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to Students are afforded appropriate notice and an opportunity to be heard before the University imposes any sanction for a violation of the Student Conduct Code; For academic integrity matters, students may request a written opinion from the Academic Integrity Committee within 14 calendar days if they disagree with the faculty member's decision; Students have the right to an informal or formal complaint resolution process. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at CSULB?

Grievances or complaints should be initiated at a time as close as possible after the event to assist in a fresh recollection of the facts and allow for the location of parties related to the matter. Academic dishonesty cases that occur in the classroom are initially handled by faculty members who complete an Academic Integrity form within 30 calendar days of discovery.

What sanctions can CSULB impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including educational and restorative sanctions, disciplinary probation, suspension, 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 CSULB, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at CSULB is 14 calendar days for requesting Academic Integrity Committee review. For academic integrity cases, students may request within 14 calendar days a written Opinion by the Academic Integrity Committee (AIC) if they disagree with the faculty member's decision. The AIC reports an Opinion on whether cheating or plagiarism have taken place; the OSCED determines disciplinary actions. Students may also appeal grade decisions to the Department Grade Appeals Committee independent of the cheating/plagiarism review. Appeal grounds typically include disagreement with faculty member's academic integrity decision, grade appeal for assignments affected by academic dishonesty 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.

Do I need a lawyer for a CSULB Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development proceeding?

In most cases, no. CSULB's proceedings follow university policy under Regulation XVI: Standards for Student Conduct / Campus Rules and Regulations, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands CSULB'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 CSULB handle Title IX cases?

CSULB handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Equity & Compliance. Larisa Hamada, Title IX Coordinator. Located at Foundation Building, Suite 160, 6300 E. State University Dr., Long Beach, CA 90815. Email: OEC@csulb.edu. Phone: 562.985.8256. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Handles discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, dating/domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation complaints. Provides 24/7 online reporting form and confidential support through Campus Confidential Advocate (Advocate@csulb.edu, 562.985.2668). Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at CSULB, you should not conflate the process with general conduct cases, and you should respond carefully to any notice you receive.

What are the most common academic misconduct violations at CSULB?

At CSULB, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating; plagiarism; conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person within or related to the university community; hazing. 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 CSULB conduct case?

At CSULB, the most consequential deadlines are: Faculty member must initiate academic integrity conference no more than 30 calendar days after discovery of alleged cheating or plagiarism; Faculty member must notify student of decision within 14 calendar days; Student may request Academic Integrity Committee review within 14 calendar days of faculty decision. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.