Kennesaw State University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

KSU emphasizes that students who take responsibility for academic misconduct may receive more lenient consequences

Students may attempt informal resolution through professor-led meetings before formal proceedings

SCAI maintains centralized records of conduct findings

The university operates conduct proceedings independently from the legal system

Parent notification policy allows university to contact parents of students under 21 for drug and alcohol violations at discretion of SCAI staff

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Kennesaw State?

Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Kennesaw State. SCAI staff including hearing officers, conduct advisors, and SCAI University Hearing Panel composed of faculty, staff, and student panel members All resolution procedures for alleged violations of the Code of Academic Integrity, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Residential Code of Conduct

What is the evidence standard at Kennesaw State?

Kennesaw State applies Preponderance of the evidence under KSU Student Codes of Conduct and SCAI Misconduct Procedures (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity 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 Kennesaw State conduct proceeding?

Under KSU Student Codes of Conduct and SCAI Misconduct Procedures, students facing a Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to Due process rights including notice and opportunity to be heard before a decision is made about responsibility; Opportunity to present information and evidence in their defense; attend the hearing and participate in the process; have an advisor present (attorney, parent, or other designee) with written permission, though advisors may not ask questions or make statements during the hearing. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Kennesaw State?

Cases are initiated by incident reports forwarded to SCAI when there is reasonable cause to believe a university policy has been violated. Reasonable cause is defined as credible information to support each element of the offense.

What sanctions can Kennesaw State impose for academic misconduct?

Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including for academic misconduct: suspension, for general conduct violations: sanctions available under the university student code of conduct. 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 Kennesaw State, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Kennesaw State is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. The Dean of Students (as designee for the Vice President of Student Affairs) serves as the appeals authority. A responding student may appeal when the decision resulted in suspension, expulsion, degree retraction or revocation of previously awarded course credit, or removal from university housing. Appeal grounds typically include new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the determination regarding responsibility that could affect the outcome, the hearing officer(s) had a conflict of interest or bias affecting the outcome. 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 Kennesaw State hearing?

Yes. Under KSU Student Codes of Conduct and SCAI Misconduct Procedures, students have the right to have an advisor present (attorney, parent, or other designee) with written permission, though advisors may not ask questions or make statements during the hearing. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate Kennesaw State's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at Kennesaw State the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a Kennesaw State Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity proceeding?

In most cases, no. Kennesaw State's proceedings follow university policy under KSU Student Codes of Conduct and SCAI Misconduct Procedures, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands Kennesaw State'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 Kennesaw State handle Title IX cases?

Kennesaw State handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Camille Cartwright. OIE is responsible for ensuring KSU campus community complies with Title IX and discrimination laws. Title IX complaints are separate from general student conduct violations and are handled through OIE's sexual misconduct policy. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing to the Title IX Coordinator. Investigation typically completed within 60 days. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Kennesaw State, 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 Kennesaw State?

At Kennesaw State, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating; plagiarism; unauthorized assistance on coursework; alcohol violations. 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 Kennesaw State conduct case?

At Kennesaw State, the most consequential deadlines are: Student has 5 business days after SCAI confirmation letter for informal academic misconduct resolution to contact SCAI if they believe case has not been resolved as stated; Title IX investigation typically completed within 60 days of initial complaint. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.