Gonzaga University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Educational in nature and not intended to be adversarial; process is centered on helping students understand natural and logical consequences of their behavior

Advisors may only privately consult with students; they do not actively participate, examine witnesses, or act as representatives

Academic integrity violations are handled separately by the Center for Student Academic Success (CSAS) and Academic Integrity Board (AIB), not the general conduct body

Separate Title IX process for sexual harassment matters

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Gonzaga?

Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Gonzaga. Hearing boards comprised of three conduct officers, with one serving as panel chairperson All student conduct violations under the Student Code of Conduct, except Title IX sexual harassment matters which fall under the Title IX Office

What is the evidence standard at Gonzaga?

Gonzaga applies Preponderance of evidence, also known as more likely than not under Student Code of Conduct (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict 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 Gonzaga conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct, students facing a Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to Receive advance written notice of the date, time, and location of a student conduct resolution process; Receive written notice of the allegation(s), the basis for the charge, including date/time frame and location; Be notified of the names of the conduct officers; Opportunity to review any and all documentation and information which might be used during the student conduct resolution 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 Gonzaga?

When the Resolution Center receives information alleging violations of the Student Code of Conduct, a student receives a letter to their Gonzaga University email account containing information about the incident, the type of process initiated, appointment/scheduling information, and the allegations of misconduct

What sanctions can Gonzaga impose for academic misconduct?

Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including warning: written notice that behavior is incongruent with university standards; future misconduct may result in elevated response, conduct probation: a status for a specified period in which a student's conduct is under review, educational program or workshop: assignment to an educational program or participation in a workshop, 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 Gonzaga, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Gonzaga is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. The appeal process is not a rehearing of the case; it is a documents-only process with no parties present when an appeal request is reviewed. Appeal Officers are provided with information from the original Student Conduct Resolution Process, the decision made by the original Conduct Officer(s), and information submitted with the Appeal request. Appeal Officers have access to the recording of the Hearing Board's hearing, if applicable. A panel of three Appeals Officers considers cases resulting in any Status-based Conduct Outcomes. One Appeal Officer considers all other cases. The non-appealing party has an opportunity to respond to the appeal within five days Appeal grounds typically include procedural error: a procedural defect in published procedures and processes which more likely than not would have had a significant effect on the decision, new information: the discovery of substantive new information that was unknown or unavailable to the student or student group at the time of the student conduct resolution process that more likely than not would have had a significant effect on the 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 Gonzaga hearing?

Yes. Under Student Code of Conduct, students have the right to opportunity to have an advisor of their choice present during any stage of the student conduct resolution process. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate Gonzaga's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at Gonzaga the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a Gonzaga Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict proceeding?

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

Gonzaga handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Inclusive Excellence, Title IX Office. Director of Harassment and Discrimination Prevention; Title IX Coordinator: Brice Yates, Ph.D. (acting title varies); Phone: 509-313-6910; Email: titleix@gonzaga.edu; Location: Manresa Hall 107, 502 E. Boone Ave. Interim Director and Title IX Coordinator: Robin Kelley, Ph.D.; Phone: 509-313-6013; Email: kelleyr2@gonzaga.edu; Location: College Hall 250. Title IX handles sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking matters through a separate formal grievance process Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Gonzaga, 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 Gonzaga?

At Gonzaga, the most frequently cited violations include: violation of federal, state, or local law; violation of university policy and regulation; dishonesty, forgery, or fraud, including alteration or misuse of university documents; any intentional conduct directed towards a person or group which threatens physical or psychological health or safety. 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 Gonzaga conduct case?

At Gonzaga, the most consequential deadlines are: AIVR (Academic Integrity Violation Report) must be filed within 5 working days of conclusion of initial inquiry for academic integrity cases; Students must submit additional information to the Resolution Center at least 3 days prior to hearing board meeting; Non-appealing party must submit response to appeal within 5 days of appeal request. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.