Samford University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Samford operates under an Undergraduate Honor Code adopted in 2020

Separate Title IX process for sexual misconduct with Sexual Assault Review Team

Student Conduct Coordinator manages Honor Code processes; Title IX Coordinator manages sexual misconduct

Amnesty policy: values violations by complainant in sexual misconduct cases may be exempt from discipline if conduct did not jeopardize safety

Instructor may adjust grades within five working days of receiving notice of academic misconduct determination

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Samford?

Office of Student Conduct (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Samford. Student Conduct Coordinator, Chief Justice, three Justices, two faculty/staff Honor Code members Undergraduate Honor Code violations; Title IX violations handled separately by Title IX Coordinator and Sexual Assault Review Team

What is the evidence standard at Samford?

Samford applies Preponderance of the information presented (greater than 50 percent chance) under Undergraduate Honor Code Manual (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Office of Student Conduct 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 Samford conduct proceeding?

Under Undergraduate Honor Code Manual, students facing a Office of Student Conduct proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to have an advisor present at hearing; present information and witnesses; recording of hearing for appeal purposes; Limited control over complaint process if filed with Title IX Coordinator (unless safety concern exists). Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Samford?

Investigation initiated by Student Conduct Coordinator upon receipt of alleged Honor Code violation or by Title IX Coordinator upon report of sexual misconduct

What sanctions can Samford impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Conduct can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including grade of fx, probation, suspension, 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 Samford, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Samford is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Appeal based on recording of hearing as outlined in SGA Code of Laws Chapter 404.11 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 Samford hearing?

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

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

In most cases, no. Samford's proceedings follow university policy under Undergraduate Honor Code Manual, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands Samford'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 Samford handle Title IX cases?

Samford handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Title IX Coordinator. Dr. Tim Hebson serves as Title IX Coordinator. Office located in Samford Hall. Coordinates Title IX compliance, manages Sexual Assault Review Team, oversees sexual misconduct investigations and hearings. Sexual Assault Review Team consists of faculty and staff members. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Samford, 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 Samford?

At Samford, the most frequently cited violations include: academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism); values violations; sexual misconduct; sexual harassment. 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 Samford conduct case?

At Samford, the most consequential deadlines are: Instructor has five (5) University working days of receiving notice of academic misconduct determination to adjust student grade. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Office of Student Conduct, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.