SUNY Fredonia Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Academic integrity violations require faculty to submit an Academic Integrity Incident Report Form even if the instructor and student agree on a consequence at the course level

Students found responsible for sexual violence violations are suspended or expelled

For crimes of violence including sexual violence, institutions must make transcript notations indicating suspension or expulsion after a finding of responsibility

SUNY Fredonia is a member of SUNY's Student Conduct Institute (SCI) and individuals required to receive training must complete SCI trainings prior to investigating and hearing cases

Board members are not informed of prior violations before the hearing; prior violations are only revealed if the student is found responsible and sanctions need to be determined

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Fredonia?

University Judicial Board and Administrative Hearing Board (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Fredonia. The Administrative Hearing Board consists of University faculty and staff members appointed for a term of one year, comprised of at least three members. The University Judicial Board also hears cases during the academic year. Violations of the University Student Code of Conduct and academic integrity violations

What is the evidence standard at Fredonia?

Fredonia applies More likely than not under SUNY Fredonia Student Code of Conduct; Academic Integrity Policy (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). University Judicial Board and Administrative Hearing 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 Fredonia conduct proceeding?

Under SUNY Fredonia Student Code of Conduct; Academic Integrity Policy, students facing a University Judicial Board and Administrative Hearing Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard; be treated with dignity and to receive courteous, fair, and respectful treatment; be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault or should have acted differently to avoid violations; describe the incident to as few institutional representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat descriptions. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Fredonia?

After a report is received, SUNY Fredonia will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, University Police and/or local law enforcement will be contacted. Charges are initiated through a charge letter sent to the accused student. The first part of the process is to have a fact-finding meeting with either a Residence Hall Director or the Director of Student Conduct.

What sanctions can Fredonia impose for academic misconduct?

University Judicial Board and Administrative Hearing Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including suspension from academic and/or housing access, academic and/or housing suspension, permanent dismissal from the institution, 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 Fredonia, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Fredonia is 5 days of receipt of hearing decision letter. Students may submit one appeal within 5 days of receipt of their hearing decision letter. Appeals are decided by a panel of three board members who are free of conflict of interest and bias and did not serve as investigator, Title IX Coordinator, or hearing decision-maker in the same matter. Appeal grounds typically include procedural due process error, new evidence that was not available at the time of the hearing. 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 Fredonia hearing?

Yes. Under SUNY Fredonia Student Code of Conduct; Academic Integrity Policy, students have the right to describe the incident to as few institutional representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat descriptions. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate Fredonia's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at Fredonia the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a Fredonia University Judicial Board and Administrative Hearing Board proceeding?

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

Fredonia handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Title IX and Advocacy. Located at 137 Gregory Hall, phone 716-673-3358. Reports of sexual discrimination and sexual harassment should be promptly reported to the Title IX Coordinator. The office investigates cases of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Fredonia, 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 Fredonia?

At Fredonia, the most frequently cited violations include: fraud, cheating, plagiarism, or collusion on examinations or assigned work; disorderly conduct and ignoring reasonable standards of appropriate behavior; theft or unauthorized possession of property; vandalism and destruction of property. 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 Fredonia conduct case?

At Fredonia, the most consequential deadlines are: Appeal deadline: 5 days from receipt of hearing decision letter; Discrimination complaint deadline: Within 180 calendar days following alleged discriminatory act(s) or 90 calendar days after final grade is received for that semester, whichever is later; Hearing decision notification: Within 3-5 days following the hearing. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from University Judicial Board and Administrative Hearing Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.