SUNY Geneseo Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Separate Title IX Grievance Policy for on-campus sexual discrimination cases

SUNY Geneseo Sexual Violence Response Policy for off-campus incidents

Academic dishonesty cases may be heard by Student Conduct Board

Records destroyed three months after graduation for academic dishonesty files

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Geneseo?

Student Conduct Board (SCB) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Geneseo. Faculty, staff and student representatives Cases of possible misconduct of a Geneseo student; maximum sanctions include suspension or dismissal

What is the evidence standard at Geneseo?

Geneseo applies Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) under Student Code of Conduct (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Student Conduct 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 Geneseo conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct, students facing a Student Conduct Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to notice of charges; be heard; appeal. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Geneseo?

Dean of Students or designee investigates complaints and initiates conduct process

What sanctions can Geneseo impose for academic misconduct?

Student Conduct Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including suspension, dismissal, grade of e for academic dishonesty, 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 Geneseo, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Geneseo is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Student may appeal conduct decision to Appellate Administrator or Appellate Board. For sexual assault and interpersonal violence cases, appeal heard by Appellate Board. Non-requesting party has five business days to submit own appeal or written response. 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.

Do I need a lawyer for a Geneseo Student Conduct Board proceeding?

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

Geneseo handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Title IX Office, Doty Hall 303. Title IX Coordinator Sara Hébert oversees gender discrimination complaints including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking and sexual exploitation. Separate grievance policy for on-campus incidents; Sexual Violence Response Policy for off-campus incidents. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Geneseo, 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 Geneseo?

At Geneseo, the most frequently cited violations include: academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, knowingly providing false information). 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 Geneseo conduct case?

At Geneseo, the most consequential deadlines are: Appeal response deadline for non-requesting party in sexual assault/interpersonal violence cases: 5 business days. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Student Conduct Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.