Mercer University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Honor System: Mercer operates an honor system where students exhibit values of honesty, trustworthiness, and fairness regarding all academic matters

Community of Respect: The Student Code of Conduct codifies the values of the University's Community of Respect

Separate Honor Councils: Academic integrity violations are handled by honor councils appropriate for each campus and program

Choice of Hearing Panel: If possible, students may select the type of hearing panel they wish to have for their case

Confidentiality: All hearings are closed and confidential. No audio or visual recordings allowed except by the hearing body.

Disciplinary records held for 7 years

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Mercer?

Office of Student Conduct Resolution (OSCR) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Mercer. Three types of hearing panels: University hearing panel (two faculty/staff and one student), Student hearing panel (five students), or Administrative hearing panel (one faculty/staff member) All University students in settings including on-campus, study abroad, international travel, online, off-campus events, and off-campus educational opportunities

What is the evidence standard at Mercer?

Mercer applies Preponderance of the Evidence under Student Code of Conduct (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Office of Student Conduct 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 Mercer conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct, students facing a Office of Student Conduct Resolution proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to due notice of charges; submit relevant evidence to case; call witnesses on their behalf; be heard at 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 Mercer?

Student receives a charge letter with alleged charges and an opportunity to schedule an informational meeting with the Office of Student Conduct Resolution. While not required, this informational meeting is highly recommended.

What sanctions can Mercer impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Conduct Resolution can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including warning, counseling assessment, community service, 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 Mercer, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Mercer is Three (3) business days of the date indicated on the decision letter (except for appeals indicating grounds with new information). Students have the right to appeal a finding of the Student Code of Conduct. Appeal procedures are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and considered following the outcome of a case after a decision regarding responsibility is determined. Appeals must be submitted by completing the Outcome Appeal Submission Form. 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 Mercer hearing?

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

Do I need a lawyer for a Mercer Office of Student Conduct Resolution proceeding?

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

Mercer handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Equity and Compliance. Title IX Coordinator: Sharon Stellato, J.D., Associate Vice President of Equity and Compliance/Director of Title IX. Email: stellato_sl@mercer.edu. Phone: 478-301-2788 (Macon), 678-547-6598 (Atlanta). The office addresses complaints of sex discrimination, harassment, assault, stalking, domestic and dating violence and any other gender-based discrimination. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Mercer, 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 Mercer?

At Mercer, the most frequently cited violations include: alcohol and drug violations; harassment; assault; hazing. 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 Mercer conduct case?

At Mercer, the most consequential deadlines are: Appeal deadline: Three (3) business days from the date indicated on the decision letter; Decision letter timeline: Within ten (10) regular business days following the hearing. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Office of Student Conduct Resolution, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.