Fordham University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Fordham codifies a 2-week window from the initial instructor-student conference for the student to declare challenge intent, missing this window has consequences

Minor violation sanction is specific: failure of the assignment + written warning (for first offenses on non-comprehensive work)

Major violation sanction adds academic probation for one semester + written plan of action for degree completion, a structured escalation

Expulsion is permanent separation AND 'barred from University premises', the campus-ban element is codified

Appeals are limited to review of the verbatim record, no new evidence typically admitted at appellate stage

Fordham School of Law

Fordham Law Code of Academic Responsibility

Law students are subject to a separate Code of Academic Responsibility.

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Fordham?

Academic Integrity Committee (AIC); instructor (course-level resolution) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Fordham. Fordham administers academic integrity through instructor-level resolution or referral to an Academic Integrity Committee (AIC). The AIC hears contested cases via the AIC chair. All undergraduate academic integrity violations at Fordham. The School of Law maintains its own Code of Academic Responsibility.

What is the evidence standard at Fordham?

Fordham applies Preponderance of the evidence under Fordham Undergraduate Policy on Academic Integrity. Academic Integrity Committee (AIC); instructor (course-level resolution) 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 Fordham conduct proceeding?

Under Fordham Undergraduate Policy on Academic Integrity, students facing a Academic Integrity Committee (AIC); instructor (course-level resolution) proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to an in-person meeting with the instructor at the start; either acknowledge violation and accept sanctions, OR indicate intent to challenge; 2 weeks from the initial conference to declare challenge intent in writing to the AIC chair; an AIC hearing for contested cases. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Fordham?

As soon as an academic integrity violation is identified, the instructor contacts the student to schedule an in-person meeting to discuss the basis and sanctions. The student is asked to either acknowledge the violation and accept the instructor's sanctions, or indicate intent to challenge. If challenging, the student must declare that intent to the AIC chair in writing within 2 weeks of the initial conference.

What sanctions can Fordham impose for academic misconduct?

Academic Integrity Committee (AIC); instructor (course-level resolution) can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including minor violations, major violations: minor-violation consequences + academic probation for one semester + written plan of action for degree completion, grade sanctions, 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.

Can I appeal a decision at Fordham?

Yes. An appeal is limited to review of the verbatim record of the hearing and supporting evidence. Review considers whether the hearing was conducted fairly, whether the decision was based on preponderance of evidence, and whether the sanction imposed was appropriate for the violation. Appeal grounds typically include hearing not conducted fairly, decision not based on preponderance of evidence presented, sanction imposed not appropriate for the violation. The specific appeal deadline is set out in the outcome letter, and it is usually short, often 5 to 10 business days from the date of the decision.

Can I bring an advisor to my Fordham hearing?

Yes. Under Fordham Undergraduate Policy on Academic Integrity, students have the right to an advisor during proceedings. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate Fordham's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at Fordham the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a Fordham Academic Integrity Committee (AIC) proceeding?

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

Fordham handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Fordham Title IX Office. Sex-based misconduct handled through Fordham's Title IX office. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Fordham, you should not conflate the process with general conduct cases, and you should respond carefully to any notice you receive.

Does Fordham's School of Law have a separate conduct process?

Yes. Fordham School of Law at Fordham is handled through Fordham Law Code of Academic Responsibility, which is distinct from the general university conduct process. Law students are subject to a separate Code of Academic Responsibility. 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 Fordham?

At Fordham, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating on exams or assessments; plagiarism on written work; unauthorized collaboration on individual assignments; fabrication of data or sources. 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 Fordham conduct case?

At Fordham, the most consequential deadlines are: Declaration of challenge intent to AIC chair: 2 weeks from initial conference. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Academic Integrity Committee (AIC); instructor (course-level resolution), document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.