Southern Methodist University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Separate Honor Council process for academic integrity violations, overseen by the SMU Honor Code

Medical Amnesty provision available for students seeking medical assistance for alcohol or drug-related emergencies

Separate processes for graduate students in Cox School of Business, Dedman School of Law, and Perkins School of Theology

Interim protective measures available pending outcome of disciplinary or Title IX processes, including no-contact orders and campus restrictions

Potential amnesty for other Student Code violations in sexual harassment cases

Who handles academic misconduct cases at SMU?

University Conduct Council (UCC) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at SMU. Faculty and staff members appointed by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards; Conduct Officers hear cases individually; University Conduct Board panels consist of students, faculty, and staff members selected on a random basis All student conduct matters under the Student Code of Conduct for conduct violations occurring both on and off campus, including travel on University-sanctioned trips

What is the evidence standard at SMU?

SMU applies Preponderance of the Evidence (more likely than not, a 50.01% chance that a violation occurred) under SMU Student Code of Conduct (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). University Conduct Council 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 SMU conduct proceeding?

Under SMU Student Code of Conduct, students facing a University Conduct Council proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to written notice of alleged violations a minimum of two (2) calendar days before the hearing; have a parent, guardian, or friend/support person attend the hearing (support only, not as legal counsel); present evidence and witnesses; appeal a decision based on specified grounds. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at SMU?

When a student is referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the student receives written notice via email including the date of the incident and alleged violation(s). Notice must be given a minimum of two (2) calendar days (excluding school holidays) prior to the hearing.

What sanctions can SMU impose for academic misconduct?

University Conduct Council can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including informal warning, deferred suspension, 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 SMU, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at SMU is Five (5) business days from the date the decision was given to the respondent in person. The University Conduct Council reviews all cases that are appealed. The non-appealing party may provide a written response to the appeal within five (5) days of the date of receipt. Appeals are forwarded to the other party within one business day of being received. Appeal grounds typically include clearly erroneous findings of fact, significant procedural irregularities that denied the respondent a fair hearing, substantial new relevant evidence not available at the time of the hearing, 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.

Can I bring an advisor to my SMU hearing?

Yes. Under SMU Student Code of Conduct, students have the right to have a parent, guardian, or friend/support person attend the hearing (support only, not as legal counsel). AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate SMU's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at SMU the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a SMU University Conduct Council proceeding?

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

SMU handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Institutional Access and Equity (formerly Office of Equal Opportunity). Samantha Thomas serves as the Title IX Coordinator. The office handles Title IX sexual harassment complaints, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Contact information: 214-768-3601 or accessequity@smu.edu. Location: Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205. Deputy Title IX Coordinators available campus-wide. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at SMU, 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 SMU?

At SMU, the most frequently cited violations include: academic dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating, academic sabotage, facilitating academic dishonesty, fabrication); failure to comply with university staff directives; assault, fighting, threats, intimidation, coercion; interference with university activities. 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 SMU conduct case?

At SMU, the most consequential deadlines are: Minimum two (2) calendar days notice (excluding school holidays) prior to hearing; Five (5) business days from receipt of decision to request appeal; One (1) business day to forward appeal to other party. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from University Conduct Council, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.