Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Medical Amnesty Policy providing limited exceptions for medical emergencies

Multiple pathways to resolution for sexual misconduct matters

Separate Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures

Who handles academic misconduct cases at PennWest?

University Conduct Board (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at PennWest. The University Conduct Board is a group of trained members of the University community that has a quorum of three voting members representing faculty, staff, and students, with hearings run by a non-voting chair. Each campus Faculty Senate and Student Government Association is asked to recommend board members, and students are not selected to serve in sexual misconduct matters. Student conduct violations under Policy SA003

What is the evidence standard at PennWest?

PennWest applies preponderance of the evidence under Student Code of Conduct (SA003). University Conduct 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 PennWest conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct, students facing a University Conduct Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to written Notice of Charges describing the alleged violations, including the time, date, and place of occurrence and a description of the alleged prohibited conduct; have an advisor of choice accompany them to any hearing or meeting they are required to attend; challenge the designation of a Hearing Officer or University Conduct Board member for personal bias or prior involvement, in writing at least two days before the hearing; present witnesses by notifying the Dean of Students of their names and contact information at least three days before 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 PennWest?

While any individual may make a Report of an alleged violation, only a member of the University community may submit a written Referral to the Dean of Students or designee, and formal action occurs only upon submission of a Referral. Referrals for matters other than sexual misconduct are submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students, who may also initiate a Referral when a reporting party cannot be identified or declines to participate.

What sanctions can PennWest impose for academic misconduct?

University Conduct Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including suspension, expulsion, restitution, 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 PennWest, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at PennWest is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. All appeals must be submitted in writing within five days of the date on the outcome letter via the Dean of Students Outcome Appeal Form, and the University allows one level of appeal review with no further appeals. The Appeals Officer does not reweigh the evidence but may uphold the original decision, modify the Educational Outcome, or remand the matter to the original hearing officer or board. 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 PennWest hearing?

Yes. Under Student Code of Conduct, students have the right to have an advisor of choice accompany them to any hearing or meeting they are required to attend. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate PennWest's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at PennWest the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a PennWest University Conduct Board proceeding?

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

PennWest handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Compliance and Title IX. Amy Salsgiver serves as Executive Director of Compliance and Title IX (Title IX Coordinator) at Clarion Campus (423 Becht Hall, 814-393-2109, asalsgiver@pennwest.edu). Andrew Matt serves as Associate Director at Edinboro Campus (213 Reeder Hall, 814-732-1564, amatt@pennwest.edu). Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at PennWest, 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 PennWest?

At PennWest, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating; plagiarism; academic impersonation; fabrication. 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 PennWest conduct case?

At PennWest, the most consequential deadlines are: UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from University Conduct Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.