University of Illinois Chicago Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Academic Liaison Process provides support to faculty in handling academic integrity violations

Cases may be resolved through informal methods in addition to formal hearings

Office of the Dean of Students schedules meetings based on student's documented class schedule

Community Standards office provides education and training programs for faculty, staff, and students

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UIC?

Student Conduct Committee (SCC) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UIC. Committee consists of a pool of faculty, staff, and students. Individual hearing committees are formed from this pool. The Chair is appointed by the Dean of Students and is a non-voting member. The Dean of Students may serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member. Quorum consists of at least four and no more than six voting members. Student Disciplinary Policy applies to on-campus conduct of students and Student Organizations, and off-campus conduct in connection with any required educational activity or co-curricular experience, and off-campus conduct affecting the university community interests or environment.

What is the evidence standard at UIC?

UIC applies preponderance of the evidence, or more likely than not, which is the official evidence standard of the Student Disciplinary Policy under Student Disciplinary Policy (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Student Conduct Committee 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 UIC conduct proceeding?

Under Student Disciplinary Policy, students facing a Student Conduct Committee proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to bring an advisor/support person to the hearing; bring witnesses with direct knowledge of the incident; present opening and closing statements; participate fully in the community standards process. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at UIC?

Faculty submit Academic Integrity Incident Reports to the Office of the Dean of Students (dos@uic.edu). The Dean of Students reviews the complaint and determines whether to dismiss it, refer for informal response, refer to another department, refer to an Administrative Hearing, or refer to a Student Conduct Hearing. Academic misconduct cases may be handled through the Academic Liaison Process or referred to the Student Conduct Committee.

What sanctions can UIC impose for academic misconduct?

Student Conduct Committee can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including warning, no-contact directive, restitution, 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 UIC, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at UIC is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. A respondent found responsible may file a request for appeal no later than five days after receipt of the hearing outcome, submitted through the Student Conduct Appeal Form with a statement of grounds, supporting evidence, and the desired outcome. The Office of the Dean of Students reviews requests to confirm appropriate grounds were asserted, and an Appeal Committee reviews the matter, limiting its review to the record of the initial hearing except as needed to explain new evidence. The committee may uphold the original decision, modify it, or remand the matter for a new hearing or remand review, and its written decision is issued within 30 days and is final. 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.

Can I bring an advisor to my UIC hearing?

Yes. Under Student Disciplinary Policy, students have the right to bring an advisor/support person to the hearing. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate UIC's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at UIC the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a UIC Student Conduct Committee proceeding?

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

UIC handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office for Access and Equity, Title IX Coordinator. Located at Marshfield Avenue Building, 809 S. Marshfield Ave, 717 MAB (M/C 602), Chicago, IL 60612. Phone: (312) 996-8670. Email: titleIX@uic.edu. The Title IX Coordinator (Donn Kamm) coordinates the university's compliance with Title IX, conducts investigations of sexual misconduct allegations, oversees response to all reports and complaints of sexual misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment, and evaluates requests for confidentiality. Conduct described in complaints alleging violations of the UIC Sexual Misconduct Policy is forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator for investigation and then referred back to the Dean of Students for further action. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UIC, 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 UIC?

At UIC, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating: intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, people, artificial intelligence, or study aids in any academic exercise, or providing to or receiving from another person unauthorized assistance; plagiarism; fabrication of research; professional standards violations in clinical settings, practicums, internships, or off-campus training sites. 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 UIC conduct case?

At UIC, the most consequential deadlines are: Students must notify the Office of the Dean of Students of advisor's name and phone number at least five business days prior to hearing; Students must notify the Office of the Dean of Students of witnesses prior to the hearing. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Student Conduct Committee, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.