San Francisco State University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Two-track academic integrity process: faculty may assign grade penalty independently; separate referral to OSC for additional disciplinary action

Faculty or instructor has sole discretion over grade consequences for academic dishonesty

Administrative warning system for first-time off-campus conduct violations (Good Neighbor Policy)

Educational focus integrated throughout disciplinary process

Campus community members encouraged to report violations; confidentiality of referral source maintained

Who handles academic misconduct cases at SF State?

Office of Student Conduct (OSC) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at SF State. Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Conduct; may utilize formal disciplinary hearings with hearing officers or panels All enrolled students, applicants, students between academic terms, graduates awaiting degrees, and students who withdraw while a disciplinary matter is pending; conduct both on and off campus that threatens safety or security or substantially disrupts university operations

What is the evidence standard at SF State?

SF State applies Preponderance of the evidence; the University must show it is more likely than not that the student violated the Student Conduct Code (CSU Executive Order 1098) under California Code of Regulations, Title V, Article 2, Sections 41301-41304; Executive Order 1098 (Student Conduct Procedures) (Title V, sections 41301-41304; Executive Order 1098). 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 SF State conduct proceeding?

Under California Code of Regulations, Title V, Article 2, Sections 41301-41304; Executive Order 1098 (Student Conduct Procedures), students facing a Office of Student Conduct proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to receive written notice of alleged violation(s); Opportunity to discuss incident and share information; be honest and forthcoming regarding allegations; request hearing if disagreeing with sanctions. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at SF State?

Student receives written appointment letter from Office of Student Conduct specifying alleged violation(s) and meeting with Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Conduct; student receives copy of Title V sections 41301-41304 and conduct procedures

What sanctions can SF State impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Conduct can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including warning or administrative warning, 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 SF State, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at SF State is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Student may appeal sanction(s) imposed if disagreeing with Resolution/Sanction Agreement or conduct outcome; formal appeal procedures governed by Executive Order 1098 and California Code of Regulations Title V Appeal grounds typically include new evidence not available at time of hearing, procedural error affecting outcome, sanction disproportionate to violation. 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 SF State Office of Student Conduct proceeding?

In most cases, no. SF State's proceedings follow university policy under California Code of Regulations, Title V, Article 2, Sections 41301-41304; Executive Order 1098 (Student Conduct Procedures), not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands SF State'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 SF State handle Title IX cases?

SF State handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX. Led by Anna Titus, Assistant Vice President for Title IX and DHR (Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation); separate process from student conduct for sex discrimination, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, stalking, and sexual misconduct; located in Student Services Building Suite 205 or 403; phone (415) 338-3892 or (415) 338-2032; email equityprograms@sfsu.edu Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at SF State, 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 SF State?

At SF State, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty intended to gain unfair advantage; furnishing false information to university official or faculty member; forgery, alteration, or misuse of university document, key, or identification; conduct threatening or endangering health or safety of any person (physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, sexual misconduct). 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 SF State conduct case?

At SF State, 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 Office of Student Conduct, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.