John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Academic Integrity Officer Jennifer Dobbins (jedobbins@jjay.cuny.edu; 646-557-4576, 420HH) available for faculty consultation

Policy includes specific guidance on AI-generated content and unauthorized submission to third-party platforms

Comprehensive file tracking for prior violations across all CUNY colleges

Informal resolution encouraged before formal committee proceedings

Who handles academic misconduct cases at John Jay?

Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at John Jay. Under CUNY Bylaws Article XV, each faculty-student disciplinary committee consists of two faculty members (or one faculty member and one member of the Higher Education Officer series) and two student members, plus a chairperson who must be a faculty member. The chairperson presides and rules on procedure, does not vote except to break a tie, and a quorum is the chairperson and any two members, one of whom must be a student. Violations of Henderson Rules, University Bylaws, and other college regulations

What is the evidence standard at John Jay?

John Jay applies preponderance of the evidence, with the college bearing the burden of proving the charge(s) under John Jay College Academic Integrity Policy and CUNY Henderson Rules (Article 129A of New York Education Law) (CUNY Article XV; Henderson Rules 1-11). Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee 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 John Jay conduct proceeding?

Under John Jay College Academic Integrity Policy and CUNY Henderson Rules (Article 129A of New York Education Law), students facing a Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to deny the accusation and have it adjudicated by the Academic Integrity Committee; present written position with supporting evidence; appeal academic sanction through college grade appeal 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 John Jay?

Faculty reports alleged violations to the Academic Integrity Officer using a Faculty Report Form; allegations pertaining to spring/summer courses must be reported by the 25th day of the subsequent fall semester; allegations pertaining to fall/winter courses must be reported by the 25th day of the subsequent spring semester

What sanctions can John Jay impose for academic misconduct?

Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including academic sanctions imposed by faculty member, disciplinary sanctions recommended for substantial violations or repeat violations: admonition, academic integrity officer may recommend disciplinary sanctions if substantial violation. 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 John Jay, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at John Jay is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Student may appeal academic sanction through college grade appeal process if student admits to dishonesty but contests the sanction; student may appeal factual determination through grade appeal process if form submitted before last four weeks of semester Appeal grounds typically include contest of imposed academic sanction, appeal of factual determination (if submitted before last four weeks of semester). 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 John Jay Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee proceeding?

In most cases, no. John Jay's proceedings follow university policy under John Jay College Academic Integrity Policy and CUNY Henderson Rules (Article 129A of New York Education Law), not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands John Jay'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 John Jay handle Title IX cases?

John Jay handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the UNVERIFIED: needs human research. CUNY maintains separate Title IX Sexual Harassment policies; John Jay College addresses non-Title IX sexual misconduct through conduct process Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at John Jay, 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 John Jay?

At John Jay, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating: unauthorized use of material, information, notes, study aids, devices, ai systems, or communication during academic exercise; plagiarism: presenting another person's ideas, research, or writings as own; obtaining unfair advantage: intentional or unintentional activity giving unfair advantage; falsification of records: forging grade forms, transcripts, or official documents. 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 John Jay conduct case?

At John Jay, the most consequential deadlines are: Allegations from spring/summer courses must be reported by 25th day of subsequent fall semester; Allegations from fall/winter courses must be reported by 25th day of subsequent spring semester; Forms submitted before last four weeks of semester allow appeal of factual determination. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.