DePaul University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Academic Integrity violations are handled separately by Academic Affairs through the Academic Integrity Board, distinct from general Code of Student Responsibility violations handled by Student Affairs

Students do not require intent to violate the Academic Integrity Policy

Students who appeal conduct decisions are subject to no greater penalties than previously received

For academic integrity appeals, students must submit requests within 5 days of being notified of the Board sanction

Appeal outcomes for academic integrity represent the final outcome and cannot be further appealed

Who handles academic misconduct cases at DePaul?

University Board (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at DePaul. Three-person panel comprised of Faculty, Staff, and in some cases, Student representatives Non-academic violations of University policies including the Code of Student Responsibility, Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention and Response policy, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedures

What is the evidence standard at DePaul?

DePaul applies More likely than not (preponderance of the evidence) under Academic Integrity Policy (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). University 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 DePaul conduct proceeding?

Under Academic Integrity Policy, students facing a University Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to separate hearing when a single incident gives rise to charges against more than one student; speak on one's own behalf; have the Student Conduct Process explained; have reasonable access to case-specific information. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at DePaul?

The University reviews information that a student's conduct may violate policies in the Code of Student Responsibility or other University policies and determines whether to initiate the Student Conduct Process

What sanctions can DePaul impose for academic misconduct?

University Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including letter of reprimand without transcript notation, letter of reprimand with transcript notation, 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 DePaul, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at DePaul is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Appeals from University Board hearings are submitted to the Dean of Students; appeals from administrative hearings are submitted to the supervisor of the hearing officer. The appealing individual must have no involvement in the initial determination. If an appeal is granted, the reviewer determines whether the matter can be resolved without a new hearing or if a new hearing is necessary Appeal grounds typically include substantial procedural error that unreasonably impaired a fair process or rendering of a determination or sanction, new evidence of a substantive nature, impossible for the hearing panel to have heard at the time of the hearing, the sanction imposed was fundamentally unfair or inappropriate given the violation. 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 DePaul University Board proceeding?

In most cases, no. DePaul's proceedings follow university policy under Academic Integrity Policy, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands DePaul'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 DePaul handle Title IX cases?

DePaul handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Gender Equity / Title IX Coordinator's Office. Located in Suite 307 of the Lincoln Park Student Center (2250 N. Sheffield). Directed by Director of Gender Equity (Title IX Coordinator). Contact: (312) 362-8970 or titleixcoordinator@depaul.edu. Handles sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The Title IX Coordinator oversees centralized review, investigation, and resolution of reports of sex discrimination and sexual harassment Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at DePaul, 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 DePaul?

At DePaul, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating; plagiarism; fabrication; falsification or sabotage of research data. 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 DePaul conduct case?

At DePaul, the most consequential deadlines are: Administrative Hearing: within five business days of conclusion of initial meetings; University Board Hearing: within seven business days of conclusion of initial meetings; Written notification of outcome: within ten business days of last hearing session. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from University Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.