Northern Arizona University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Academic integrity violations are handled through college-based Hearing Boards rather than a single university committee

Faculty members have initial authority to impose sanctions; more serious cases are referred to Hearing Boards

Separate processes exist for academic integrity violations versus Student Code of Conduct violations; if both occur, each unit reviews independently

Appeal process normally conducted only during fall and spring academic terms

Hearing Board may recommend dismissal from academic program for egregious violations

Who handles academic misconduct cases at NAU?

Academic Integrity Hearing Board (AIHB) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at NAU. Faculty and student representatives from each academic college, with a faculty chairperson appointed by the Dean of the college for a two-year term Reviews academic integrity violations referred by academic units; serves as an appeals board or board of first review for allegations of severe misconduct or where a finding of violation may result in program dismissal

What is the evidence standard at NAU?

NAU applies More likely than not under Academic Integrity Policy (100601). Academic Integrity Hearing 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 NAU conduct proceeding?

Under Academic Integrity Policy, students facing a Academic Integrity Hearing Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to written notification of the alleged violation and evidence; a fair consideration of charges; see the evidence; respond to allegations during a meeting with faculty and chair/director. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at NAU?

Faculty member initiates by filing an Academic Integrity Form; alleged violation is communicated to the student. The associate dean of the college where the course resides reviews all reported academic integrity issues and checks for prior integrity violations. Cases may be referred to the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board through the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (VPAA) if egregious or past violations are found.

What sanctions can NAU impose for academic misconduct?

Academic Integrity Hearing Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including written warning, reducing the grade on the assignment or examination, awarding a grade of zero or f on the assignment or examination, 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 NAU, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at NAU is Three business days to request review from chair/director; 15th business day of following fall term for spring/summer violations; 10 business days from VPAA notification to appeal to Provost's Office. Students may appeal to the chair/director within three business days of receiving the faculty member's recommendation. If the student disputes the final recommendation of the faculty member, the student may request a review and/or meeting from the chair/director. Cases may be appealed to the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board. Appeals of violations received in spring or summer sessions must be initiated by the 15th business day of the following fall term. The decision of the VPAA is final and binding. Grounds for appeal to the Provost's Office are limited to substantial deviations or violations of the procedures outlined in the policy. Any party may appeal to the Office of the Provost within ten business days from the date of VPAA notification. Appeal grounds typically include substantial deviations or violations of procedures outlined in the policy, faculty, department, school, or other academic unit deviated substantially from accepted and specified standards, capricious or arbitrary application of standards, 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 NAU Academic Integrity Hearing Board proceeding?

In most cases, no. NAU's proceedings follow university policy under Academic Integrity Policy, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands NAU'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 NAU handle Title IX cases?

NAU handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office for the Resolution of Sexual Misconduct (ORSM): Title IX Institutional Compliance, Prevention & Response. Title IX Coordinator is Elyce C. Morris. Located in Gammage, Third Floor. Phone: 928-523-5434. Email: TitleIX@nau.edu. The Title IX Coordinator is charged with monitoring institutional compliance with Title IX and is available to meet with any student to discuss the University's Title IX policy and procedures. Sexual misconduct allegations are resolved through a separate process from general Student Code of Conduct violations. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at NAU, 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 NAU?

At NAU, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism; cheating; fabrication; 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 NAU conduct case?

At NAU, the most consequential deadlines are: Three business days from date of faculty recommendation to request review from chair/director; Within the academic term for initial Hearing Board request; 15th business day of following fall term for appeals of spring or summer session violations. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Academic Integrity Hearing Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.