Towson University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Restorative Accountability Process that affords students the opportunity to engage in dialogue about harms caused and agree to appropriate resolutions

Responsible Tiger Protocol providing amnesty for students who engage in alcohol or drug use when one or more participants is in need of medical assistance due to intoxication

Academic integrity violations handled through both instructor/department process and referral to SARP for systematic tracking

Separate Title IX process for sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct handled by Office of Equity Compliance

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Towson?

Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (SARP) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Towson. SARP staff members serve as Case Administrators and Hearing Officers; cases may also go to University Hearing Boards or Student Appeals Committee (comprised of six elected tenured faculty members with no two from the same college, two administrators appointed by the President, two students appointed by the President of Student Government Association, and the SARP Director) Behavior occurring in any University facility or on any University property; behavior occurring in connection with any University sponsored, recognized, or approved program, visit, or activity; behavior that adversely affects the University's pursuit of its mission or policies; or behavior that otherwise threatens the health or safety of any member of the University Community

What is the evidence standard at Towson?

Towson applies Preponderance of the Evidence under Code of Student Accountability (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices 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 Towson conduct proceeding?

Under Code of Student Accountability, students facing a Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to receive notice of allegations and which policy(s) are alleged to have been violated; participate in the accountability process and offer evidence and information consistent with relevant procedures; view reports and documents related to the incident and respond to them; offer names of witnesses who may be interviewed about the incident. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Towson?

The Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices conducts a preliminary review of allegations and reasonably available information to determine if there is sufficient evidence to support a reasonable belief the individual violated the Code. If there is not sufficient evidence, the University withdraws the charge allegation(s) and takes no further action. If there is sufficient evidence, it proceeds with the accountability process.

What sanctions can Towson impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including educational tasks and assignments, community service hours, alcohol or drug education/treatment program, 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 Towson, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Towson is 5 business days of the date of issuance of the outcome letter. Appeals must be submitted in writing to SARP by the deadline indicated in the outcome letter. Appeals are completed in writing and reviewed by groups separate from the Hearing Officer or Hearing Board who made the decision. Appeals are considered on a weekly basis during fall and spring semesters, and on an as-needed basis during other times. Most students can expect a response within 7-10 days of submission. For cases resulting in Suspension, Expulsion, or Removal from On-Campus Housing, appeals go to the Student Appeals Committee. For other Accountability Actions, appeals go to the Student Accountability Appellate Board. The decisions of both appellate bodies are final. Appeal grounds typically include procedural irregularity affecting the outcome: proper procedures were not followed that affected the outcome, evident bias: a conflict of interest or bias of the individual investigating, conducting an accountability resolution meeting, hearing, or other proceeding that affected the outcome, new information: evidence not reasonably available at the time of the original proceeding that would have substantially impacted the outcome, 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 Towson hearing?

Yes. Under Code of Student Accountability, students have the right to have a support person present during interviews, meetings, or hearings. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate Towson's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at Towson the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a Towson Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices proceeding?

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

Towson handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Equity Compliance, which houses the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator administers the Policy on Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct and coordinates the University's efforts under Title IX. The office is located in the Administration Building, 7200 York Road, Towson, Maryland 21252. Phone: 410-704-2020. Reports can be made online or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator. Sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct are handled through a separate process with investigation and live hearing procedures compliant with Title IX regulations. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Towson, 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 Towson?

At Towson, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism (presenting work, products, ideas, words, or data of another as one's own); cheating on quizzes, tests, or exams; fabrication of data or information; multiple submissions of the same academic work without authorization. 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 Towson conduct case?

At Towson, the most consequential deadlines are: Appeal of academic integrity violation: within 5 business days of receipt of instructor's letter; Appeal of Code violation: within 5 business days of date of issuance of outcome letter; Department chair response to academic integrity appeal: within 5 business days of meeting with student. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.