SUNY Plattsburgh Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Honor Code Pledge: New students must affirm an honor code pledge when logging into Banner for first time

Second-Level Review: If student has prior academic dishonesty on record, case reviewed by dean of faculty where course held, director of student conduct, dean of faculty of student's major, and chief student affairs officer or designee who may impose additional sanctions

Record Destruction Policy: For non-suspension/dismissal cases, director destroys record three years after end of academic year in which violation occurred or date of graduation (whichever later); suspension/dismissal records kept in perpetuity

Institutional member of the Student Conduct Institute

Separate Title IX process for sexual harassment and discrimination matters; Title IX Coordinator can initiate investigations independent of student conduct process

Advisors not permitted to participate in conduct hearings or cross-examine witnesses

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Plattsburgh?

Student Conduct Office (SCO) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Plattsburgh. Student Conduct Office adjudication may be handled by the Director of Student Conduct (designee) or by a Student Conduct Board consisting of at least three trained members drawn from a pool of students, faculty, and staff members Conduct violations by students, including those at the Queensbury branch campus; cases on university-owned or leased property and/or at university-related events/activities; authority to adjudicate off-campus conduct if it results in charges of misdemeanor or felony or if it adversely affects the university community

What is the evidence standard at Plattsburgh?

Plattsburgh applies Preponderance of the evidence under Student Conduct Manual (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Student Conduct Office 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 Plattsburgh conduct proceeding?

Under Student Conduct Manual, students facing a Student Conduct Office proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to be presumed not responsible until responsibility is established; be given written notice of the nature of charges and informed of rights; remain silent during conduct process; adverse inference from silence prohibited; bring up to two Advisors to meetings/hearings for private advice only (Advisors cannot participate in hearing or cross-examine). Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Plattsburgh?

Cases are initiated through written reports to the Student Conduct Office. For academic dishonesty, a Report of Suspected Academic Dishonesty form is submitted by faculty through MyPlattsburgh and automatically sent to the student conduct office. The office sends written notice of charges via campus email

What sanctions can Plattsburgh impose for academic misconduct?

Student Conduct Office can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including reprimand, reprimand with conditions, disciplinary probation, 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 Plattsburgh, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Plattsburgh is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Student Conduct Appeals available for cases that qualify per Section V.F of Student Conduct Manual. Appeal Board reviews outcomes of cases. Grounds for appeal include procedural errors, new evidence, decision-maker bias/conflict of interest, and sanction severity significantly outside Sanction Guidelines parameters. Submission of appeal stays sanctions during pendency of appeal. Supportive measures and remote learning opportunities remain available during appeal Appeal grounds typically include procedural errors affecting outcome, new evidence not reasonably available at time of original determination, decision-maker bias or conflict of interest, 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 Plattsburgh hearing?

Yes. Under Student Conduct Manual, students have the right to bring up to two advisors to meetings/hearings for private advice only (advisors cannot participate in hearing or cross-examine). AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate Plattsburgh's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at Plattsburgh the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a Plattsburgh Student Conduct Office proceeding?

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

Plattsburgh handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Title IX Office. Kim Irland, Title IX Coordinator, located in 204 Angell College Center, 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Phone: 518-564-3281. Email: [email protected]. Office ensures equitable treatment and provides support, resources and education to address and prevent sex discrimination, harassment, and violence. Oversees investigation of allegations of sex/gender discrimination, harassment and violence. Title IX Coordinator does not make determinations of responsibility. Separate Title IX grievance procedures apply to covered sexual harassment complaints. Standard of evidence for Title IX cases is preponderance of the evidence Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Plattsburgh, 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 Plattsburgh?

At Plattsburgh, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating; plagiarism; unauthorized use/sharing of test, quiz, assignment, or course materials; alcohol and drug violations. 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 Plattsburgh conduct case?

At Plattsburgh, the most consequential deadlines are: Academic Dishonesty: Faculty submit Report of Suspected Academic Dishonesty form through MyPlattsburgh; UNVERIFIED: needs human research - Conduct appeal deadline; UNVERIFIED: needs human research - Hearing scheduling timeline. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Student Conduct Office, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.