University of California, Davis Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Modified honor code system dating back to 1911, where responsibility for academic integrity is shared among students, faculty, and administration

Student Conduct and Integrity Board includes both student and faculty members who conduct hearings and recommend findings

Non-adversarial approach emphasizing education, personal growth, and ethical behavior development

Admission offers can be withdrawn or cancelled if false or misleading information is discovered

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UC Davis?

Student Conduct and Integrity (SCI) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UC Davis. For academic misconduct cases, a faculty and student panel is convened by Student Conduct and Integrity. For cases involving graduate or professional students, panels should include at least one graduate-level student and one faculty member with graduate-level teaching and research experience, preferably from the Division or School in question. For social misconduct cases, a hearing officer may be appointed. Student Conduct and Integrity has jurisdiction over student academic and social misconduct that occurs on UC Davis property or in connection with campus functions, activities, equipment, facilities or locations operated under the University's control, and limited off-campus jurisdiction when alleged misconduct constitutes a threat to health, safety, or security; involves academic work or University records, documents, or identifications; or involves felonious conduct.

What is the evidence standard at UC Davis?

UC Davis applies Preponderance of the evidence. A preponderance of the evidence is a standard of proof that requires that a fact be found when its occurrence, based on evidence, is more likely than not. under Interim UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline and UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct (PACAOS and UC Davis campus regulations implementing Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students). Student Conduct and Integrity 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 UC Davis conduct proceeding?

Under Interim UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline and UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct, students facing a Student Conduct and Integrity proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to have an advisor with the student at any stage in the informal or formal process; be notified of the suspected misconduct by email; respond and discuss possible ways of resolving the case at an informal meeting; a formal fact-finding hearing if case cannot be resolved informally. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at UC Davis?

Upon receipt of a report of suspected misconduct, Student Conduct and Integrity notifies the student by email of the suspected misconduct and directs the student to meet with a Student Conduct and Integrity officer. For reports of incidents occurring in Student Housing, students receive notice of a Student Conduct and Integrity referral from their area conduct coordinator.

What sanctions can UC Davis impose for academic misconduct?

Student Conduct and Integrity can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including censure or warning, disciplinary probation, suspension, 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 UC Davis, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at UC Davis is Ten business days after the notice of decision is emailed or postmarked. A student found in violation has ten business days to file a written appeal of the decision. The appeal must specify one or more grounds for appeal. An appeal may be denied, granted in whole or part, or other relief may be directed where appropriate. Appeal grounds typically include there is no substantial basis in fact to support the findings, 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.

Can I bring an advisor to my UC Davis hearing?

Yes. Under Interim UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline and UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct, students have the right to have an advisor with the student at any stage in the informal or formal process. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate UC Davis's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at UC Davis the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a UC Davis Student Conduct and Integrity proceeding?

In most cases, no. UC Davis's proceedings follow university policy under Interim UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline and UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands UC Davis'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 UC Davis handle Title IX cases?

UC Davis handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Title IX Office, coordinated with Harassment and Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program (HDAPP). Wendi Delmendo serves as the Title IX Coordinator with overall responsibility for coordinating UC Davis Title IX compliance efforts. The office is located in Mrak Hall, Suite 527. Contact: 530-752-9466 or wjdelmendo@ucdavis.edu. Sexual harassment and sexual violence, including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, and stalking, are prohibited and handled through a separate process. HDAPP can be contacted at 530-754-3764 or hdapp@ucdavis.edu. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UC Davis, 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 UC Davis?

At UC Davis, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating during an exam; providing false information; claiming someone else's work as their own (plagiarism); working with other students on an assignment supposed to be done individually. 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 UC Davis conduct case?

At UC Davis, the most consequential deadlines are: Ten business days to file an appeal after receiving notice of decision. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Student Conduct and Integrity, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.