New York · Public University
Stony Brook University (Main Campus) Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense
Facing a Office of University Community Standards proceeding? AdvocatED advisors know Stony Brook (Main)'s specific process, not generic advice, but guidance built around how your institution actually works.
⏱ Stony Brook's clocks are tight: you have about two weeks to respond to an academic accusation, seven business days to appeal an Academic Judiciary decision, and seven calendar days to appeal a conduct decision. The Q course that converts a Q grade back to your earned grade must be completed by the following semester, or the Q becomes permanent, so act quickly.
If you just received notice
What to do right now at Stony Brook (Main)
- 1Note the exact date on your notice letter and calendar every deadline it lists. Stony Brook (Main)'s response and appeal windows are short, and missing one forecloses your options.
- 2Do not respond substantively yet. Before you reply to the Office of University Community Standards, read Code of Student Responsibility and Academic Integrity Policy so you know the specific procedure that applies to your case.
- 3Preserve everything related to the allegation: emails, drafts, timestamps, citations, and messages with classmates. This evidence often decides the case.
- 4Confirm your right to an advisor. Most schools, including Stony Brook University (Main Campus), allow you to bring an advisor to a Office of University Community Standards proceeding. AdvocatED can serve in that role.
- 5Contact AdvocatED for a free case review before your Stony Brook (Main) meeting. We will explain how the Office of University Community Standards approaches cases like yours and what response gives you the strongest position.
Stony Brook University (Main Campus)'s Academic Integrity & Conduct Process
Stony Brook, a SUNY flagship, runs two separate systems. Non-academic conduct is handled by the Office of University Community Standards under the Code of Student Responsibility, using a preponderance standard. Academic integrity for undergraduates runs through the Academic Judiciary Office and its Academic Judiciary Committee, a five-member board of two faculty, one staff or TA, and two students, and it uses the higher clear-and-convincing standard. A distinctive Q grade and rehabilitative Q course apply to academic-dishonesty findings.
This specific institutional knowledge is what separates AdvocatED from generic advisors. We provide guidance tailored to how Stony Brook (Main)'s actual process works, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Key Things to Know About Stony Brook (Main)'s Office of University Community Standards
- →Stony Brook separates the two systems: non-academic conduct through the Office of University Community Standards (preponderance standard) and academic integrity through the Academic Judiciary Committee
- →Academic integrity uses the higher clear-and-convincing standard, notably stricter than the preponderance standard used for non-academic conduct
- →A first academic-dishonesty finding typically brings a Q grade, which counts as an F in the GPA and blocks graduating with honors; the Q can be converted to the earned grade only by completing the mandatory non-credit Q course by the next semester
- →Second, multiple, or severe academic offenses can bring suspension or permanent expulsion, a permanent transcript notation, and permanent Q grades
- →Academic appeals go to the Associate Provost within seven business days on grounds of new evidence or procedural error; non-academic appeals are due within seven calendar days
- →The Health Sciences Center professional schools (medicine, dental, nursing, pharmacy) are governed by their own bulletins and processes, separate from the undergraduate systems
How AdvocatED Helps Stony Brook (Main) Students
Academic Misconduct Defense
Code of Student Responsibility and Academic Integrity Policy violations, plagiarism, cheating, AI use, collaboration issues
Learn more →Conduct Hearing Preparation
Coaching and preparation for presenting your case before Office of University Community Standards
Learn more →Academic Dismissal Appeals
Building a compelling appeal through Stony Brook (Main)'s appeals process
Learn more →Title IX Defense
Navigating Stony Brook University (Main Campus)'s Title IX investigation and hearing procedures
Learn more →Medical School Defense
Renaissance School of Medicine promotions/progress committee (HSC-governed)
Learn more →Stony Brook (Main) Resources & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions: Stony Brook (Main) Students
Who handles conduct cases at Stony Brook University?
There are two separate systems. Non-academic (behavioral) misconduct is handled by the Office of University Community Standards under the Code of Student Responsibility. Academic integrity for undergraduates runs through the Academic Judiciary Office and its Academic Judiciary Committee, a five-member hearing board of two faculty, one staff member or TA, and two students, with an Academic Integrity Officer as non-voting hearing officer. Graduate students and the Health Sciences professional schools have their own separate processes.
What is the Q grade at Stony Brook, and how do I get rid of it?
A first academic-dishonesty finding typically results in a Q grade for the course, which is computed as an F in your GPA and prevents you from graduating with University honors. The Q can be replaced with your earned grade (including any penalty) only by completing the mandatory non-credit Q course, a ten-week, one-hour-per-week attendance-based course, by the semester immediately following the violation. If you do not complete it in time, the Q, and the F it represents, becomes permanent.
What is the standard of proof at Stony Brook?
It differs by system, and the difference matters. Academic integrity cases before the Academic Judiciary Committee use the higher clear-and-convincing standard. Non-academic conduct cases use the lower preponderance-of-the-evidence standard, meaning more likely than not. Knowing which standard applies to your case shapes how the evidence should be approached.
How do I appeal a Stony Brook decision, and what is the deadline?
For an academic integrity case, you have about two weeks from notification to contest the accusation, and an appeal of the hearing board's decision goes to the Associate Provost within seven business days, on grounds of new evidence not available at the time or errors in procedure. For a non-academic conduct case, a written appeal is due within seven calendar days, on grounds that can include new information, procedural error, or a disproportionate sanction.
Are Stony Brook's health-sciences schools handled differently?
Yes. The Health Sciences Center professional schools, including the Renaissance School of Medicine, the School of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, and the School of Pharmacy, are governed by their own bulletins and have their own policies and procedures for academic and professional-conduct matters, separate from the undergraduate Academic Judiciary and Community Standards systems. For health-professions students, a finding can carry licensure and progression consequences, so it is important to identify exactly which process applies.
Do I need a lawyer for a Stony Brook conduct case?
In most cases, no. Stony Brook's proceedings follow the Code of Student Responsibility and the Academic Integrity Policy, not the court system. What helps most is someone who understands the two separate systems, the clear-and-convincing academic standard, the Q grade and Q course, and the different appeal deadlines. An education advocate typically provides more targeted guidance than a general-practice attorney, at a fraction of the cost. AdvocatED can serve as your advisor and help you prepare your response and any appeal.
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