North Carolina A&T State University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

NC A&T is the largest historically Black university in the UNC system and the largest HBCU in the nation's land-grant system, which shapes the institutional context of student discipline proceedings.

The university operates two formally separate conduct tracks: Misconduct Prohibited by the University (behavioral) and the Academic Dishonesty Policy, each with distinct hearing bodies and appellate paths.

Academic dishonesty appeals route to a dedicated University Judicial Tribunal (ten members, evenly split between students and faculty, selected by the Chancellor) rather than the general conduct board.

The SGA Judicial Branch (Article XIII of the SGA Constitution) constitutes a recognized component of the broader conduct body structure.

All conduct proceedings are governed not only by NC A&T policy but also by UNC System-wide Policy 700.4.1, which sets minimum substantive and procedural floors applicable to all 17 UNC constituent institutions.

North Carolina General Statute 116-40.11 gives students a statutory right to have a licensed attorney or non-attorney advocate participate in conduct proceedings, codified in UNC Policy 700.4.1.1[R].

Title IX matters are handled through a fully separate process administered by the Title IX Office within the Division of Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance, not through the general conduct board.

The university reserves the right to pursue disciplinary action for off-campus behavior that harmfully affects the University's educational interests.

Expulsion at NC A&T precludes matriculation at any UNC constituent institution, not only NC A&T.

Who handles academic misconduct cases at NC A&T?

Conduct Hearing Board (general misconduct); University Judicial Tribunal (academic dishonesty appeals); SGA Judicial Branch (described under Article XIII of the SGA Constitution) (CHB / UJT / SGA Judicial) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at NC A&T. General Conduct Hearing Board: a chairperson (non-voting except to break ties) presides, a University Designated Official presents the charge, and a majority of an odd number of members (3 or 5) decides issues of fact or sanction. University Judicial Tribunal: a pool of ten members evenly divided between students and faculty, selected by the Chancellor; the chairperson has faculty rank and is a non-voting member except in a tie vote. For minor offenses, the Dean of Students or designee may serve as a single adjudicator. All enrolled students and student organizations. Two parallel tracks exist: Misconduct Prohibited by the University (behavioral), handled through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; and the Academic Dishonesty Policy, with appeals heard by the University Judicial Tribunal. The Chancellor retains ultimate authority by action of the UNC Board of Governors.

What is the evidence standard at NC A&T?

NC A&T applies Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not that the event occurred), with the burden of proof on the person bringing the charge under Student Code of Conduct Handbook (2024-2025); Academic Dishonesty Policy (contained in the Student Handbook); UNC Policy Manual Section 700.4.1 - Policy on Minimum Substantive and Procedural Standards for Student Disciplinary Proceedings (UNC Policy 700.4.1). Conduct Hearing Board (general misconduct); University Judicial Tribunal (academic dishonesty appeals); SGA Judicial Branch (described under Article XIII of the SGA Constitution) 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 NC A&T conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct Handbook (2024-2025); Academic Dishonesty Policy (contained in the Student Handbook); UNC Policy Manual Section 700.4.1 - Policy on Minimum Substantive and Procedural Standards for Student Disciplinary Proceedings, students facing a Conduct Hearing Board (general misconduct); University Judicial Tribunal (academic dishonesty appeals); SGA Judicial Branch (described under Article XIII of the SGA Constitution) proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to written notice of charges, possible sanctions, and factual allegations supporting the charge; appear alone or with any person of their choice to advise and assist them at the hearing (including a licensed attorney or non-attorney advocate under NC General Statute 116-40.11 and UNC Policy 700.4.1.1[R]); review all written evidence and obtain a list of witnesses before the hearing; challenge a committee member or hearing official on grounds of conflict, bias, or interest in the case. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at NC A&T?

Any member of the University community, or an individual outside the University community, may file a complaint against a student or student organization for an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Regulations. Complaints must be filed within six months of the date of the alleged misconduct, though exceptions may be granted for good cause. Alleged sexual misconduct complaints may be filed at any time. A Designated University Official then presents the charge at conduct proceedings. All violations of misconduct prohibited by the University are reported to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

What sanctions can NC A&T impose for academic misconduct?

Conduct Hearing Board (general misconduct); University Judicial Tribunal (academic dishonesty appeals); SGA Judicial Branch (described under Article XIII of the SGA Constitution) can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including requirement of participation in community service, suspension, expulsion, 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 NC A&T, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at NC A&T is Seven calendar days after notification of the original decision for first-level appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; fourteen calendar days of delivery of the prior appellate decision letter for subsequent appeals to the Board of Trustees. For academic dishonesty appeals to the University Judicial Tribunal: seven calendar days from the date of the decision.. NC A&T provides multiple appellate levels. For general misconduct violations, an appeal is addressed and delivered to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs within seven calendar days after notification of the original decision. If the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs made the initial decision, that official transmits the appeal to the Chancellor. The Chancellor considers all appeals allowed by UNC Policy 700.4.1, including cases involving suspension or expulsion. Appeals to the Board of Trustees must be submitted in writing to the Chair of the Board through the Office of the Chancellor within fourteen calendar days of delivery of the prior appellate decision letter. For academic dishonesty, appeals are directed to the University Judicial Tribunal. An appeal must allege a violation of procedural standards (failure to provide required notice or opportunity for a fair hearing) and/or substantive standards (a decision that is arbitrary or capricious, or unsupported by some evidence). Appeal grounds typically include violation of due process rights, material deviation from unc policy 700.4.1 substantive and procedural standards, violation of procedural standards: respondent was not provided required notice or opportunity for a fair hearing due to specified procedural errors or errors in interpretation of university policies, among others. Appeals that succeed are usually the ones that ground each argument in the record and the specific policy language, not emotional or general objections.

Do I need a lawyer for a NC A&T Conduct Hearing Board (general misconduct) proceeding?

In most cases, no. NC A&T's proceedings follow university policy under Student Code of Conduct Handbook (2024-2025); Academic Dishonesty Policy (contained in the Student Handbook); UNC Policy Manual Section 700.4.1 - Policy on Minimum Substantive and Procedural Standards for Student Disciplinary Proceedings, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands NC A&T'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 NC A&T handle Title IX cases?

NC A&T handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Title IX Office, Division of Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance. Title IX Compliance Director and Coordinator: Dr. Breona M. Hayes (bmhayes1@ncat.edu). The Title IX Office sits within the Division of Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance alongside the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management, and Department of Internal Audit. Contact: 336-334-7862; titleixcoordinator@ncat.edu. Governing policies: University Policy 207 (Title IX Sex-Based Misconduct) and University Policy 209 (Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination). Title IX complaints follow a separate process from general conduct proceedings: report to the Title IX Office, intake meetings with both parties, investigation, and optional hearing with advisors, followed by a decision and appeal. All investigations do not necessarily result in a formal hearing. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at NC A&T, 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 NC A&T?

At NC A&T, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating or knowingly assisting another student in committing an act of academic dishonesty; plagiarism (unauthorized use of another person's words or ideas as one's own, including partial copying and editing another's work); unauthorized collaboration or collusion; facilitating academic dishonesty. 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 NC A&T conduct case?

At NC A&T, the most consequential deadlines are: Complaint filing: within six months of the alleged misconduct (exceptions for good cause; sexual misconduct complaints may be filed at any time); Hearing notice for minor violations: at least five calendar days before the hearing; Hearing notice for serious violations: at least ten calendar days before the hearing. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Conduct Hearing Board (general misconduct); University Judicial Tribunal (academic dishonesty appeals); SGA Judicial Branch (described under Article XIII of the SGA Constitution), document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.