Georgia Southern University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Three-strike alcohol policy

Separate processes for academic dishonesty vs. non-academic misconduct

Faculty members retain authority over academic penalties for academic dishonesty convictions

Title IX cases involve advisor-conducted cross-examination; non-Title IX cases use alternative effective means of questioning

Sexual Misconduct Policy (Chapter 9-10) follows University System of Georgia Board of Regents Policy 6.7

Amnesty policy for student groups/organizations (Chapter Eleven)

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Georgia Southern?

University Student Conduct Board (USCB) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Georgia Southern. Trained faculty or staff members; composition determined by Chief Conduct Officer. For Title IX cases, hearing panel made up of three trained faculty or staff members. Any student, student group, or student organization; covers conduct on university property (including international locations), at university events, online through university systems, and off-campus conduct that affects the university community

What is the evidence standard at Georgia Southern?

Georgia Southern applies Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not that a violation has occurred) under Code of Student Conduct (Chapter Twelve – Academic Dishonesty; Chapter Ten – Sexual Misconduct). University Student Conduct 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 Georgia Southern conduct proceeding?

Under Code of Student Conduct, students facing a University Student Conduct Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to request copy of individual Student Conduct Record; not give testimony against oneself; know nature of evidence and names of witnesses scheduled; receive written statement of charges. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Georgia Southern?

Faculty report academic dishonesty using dedicated form. Office of Student Conduct reviews prior history and guides resolution. Incident reports can be filed online. Informal Resolution Form sent to student to resolve case or request additional documentation.

What sanctions can Georgia Southern impose for academic misconduct?

University Student Conduct Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including written warning, disciplinary probation, disciplinary 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 Georgia Southern, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Georgia Southern is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Appeals reviewed by Appellate Officer who examines all case materials. Officer may affirm findings and sanctions, affirm finding but issue new sanction of lesser severity, remand case back to decision-maker to correct procedural or factual defect, or reverse/dismiss if procedural or factual defect cannot be remedied by remand. Appeal grounds typically include to determine whether original hearing was conducted fairly and in conformity with prescribed procedures, including whether any hearing questions were improperly excluded or whether decision was biased in nature, to determine whether finding of case was consistent with weight of information, to determine whether new information not available at time of hearing is relevant to or sufficient to alter final decision. 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 Georgia Southern hearing?

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

Do I need a lawyer for a Georgia Southern University Student Conduct Board proceeding?

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

Georgia Southern handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX. Located at Rosenwald Building Room 1066, Statesboro Campus (P.O. Box 8035, Statesboro, GA 30460; Phone: 912-478-5136; eeo-titleix@georgiasouthern.edu). Acting Title IX Coordinator: Julie Ogburn (jogburn@georgiasouthern.edu). Armstrong/Liberty Campus location: Office of Legal Affairs, Victor Hall Room 243. Administers University System of Georgia Board of Regents Sexual Misconduct Policy. Receives reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, sexual misconduct. Sexual Misconduct grievance process includes complaint intake, informal resolution, investigation, and hearing stages. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Georgia Southern, 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 Georgia Southern?

At Georgia Southern, the most frequently cited violations include: academic misconduct: cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, assisting others in such acts; alcohol and drug violations; harassment and threats; vandalism. 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 Georgia Southern conduct case?

At Georgia Southern, the most consequential deadlines are: Five days from receipt of Formal Resolution notice to respond and challenge board composition (academic dishonesty cases); Appeal deadline: UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from University Student Conduct Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.