Florida Atlantic University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

The Academic Integrity Seminar can be completed by first-time offenders to potentially remove transcript notation if completed by end of following semester

Who handles academic misconduct cases at FAU?

Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Board (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at FAU. Faculty, staff, and student members who consider information and witness statements Hears cases brought against students accused of violating the Florida Atlantic University Code of Conduct (Regulation 4.007)

What is the evidence standard at FAU?

FAU applies preponderance of the evidence under Code of Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct (Regulation 4.001 (Academic Integrity); Regulation 4.007 (Student Code of Conduct)). Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution 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 FAU conduct proceeding?

Under Code of Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct, students facing a Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to fair and equitable administrative due process; be informed of charges; present evidence and witness testimony; be accompanied by a single advisor. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at FAU?

Students must be notified of alleged violations. The Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution provides administrative due process for all students.

What sanctions can FAU impose for academic misconduct?

Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including student conduct warning, student conduct probation, deferred 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 FAU, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at FAU is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Students may appeal conduct decisions through the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. Faculty-Student Council convened by dean or designee hears appeals composed of dean (or designee), two faculty members, and two students. Appeal grounds typically include unverified: needs human research. 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 FAU hearing?

Yes. Under Code of Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct, students have the right to be accompanied by a single advisor. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate FAU's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at FAU the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a FAU Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Board proceeding?

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

FAU handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. Handles reports of sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at FAU, 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 FAU?

At FAU, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating; plagiarism; academic dishonesty; violations of student code of conduct. 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 FAU conduct case?

At FAU, the most consequential deadlines are: Academic Integrity Seminar must be completed by end of semester following violation semester (e.g., Fall 2025 violations by May 11, 2026); UNVERIFIED: needs human research (conduct appeal deadline). Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.