University of Massachusetts Boston Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Academic integrity violations can be pursued even after course or degree completion, up to revoking the degree

Separate procedures for sexual violence and sexual harassment cases

Uses Maxient Conduct Manager System for electronic management of conduct processes

Conflict resolution services available through Dean of Students Office

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UMass Boston?

Dean of Students Office (DOS) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UMass Boston. Members serve as Conduct Officers, Administrative Review Officers, and appellate body members Student conduct violations, excluding academic dishonesty which is handled by the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

What is the evidence standard at UMass Boston?

UMass Boston applies Preponderance of the evidence under Student Code of Conduct; Appendix B: Academic Honesty (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Dean of Students 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 UMass Boston conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct; Appendix B: Academic Honesty, students facing a Dean of Students Office proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to notification of charges via official UMass Boston email; meet with hearing officer; bring support person to hearing; appeal decision to appeal panel. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at UMass Boston?

Students, faculty, and staff may report violations to the Dean of Students Office. The Office of the Dean of Students determines potential violations and establishes behavioral allegations. Students receive email notification to UMass Boston account with charges and timeframe for hearing.

What sanctions can UMass Boston impose for academic misconduct?

Dean of Students Office can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including failing grade for assignment or course, degree revocation for academic integrity violations found even after completion, unverified: needs human research. 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 UMass Boston, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at UMass Boston is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. For academic integrity cases, student has right to appeal to appeal panel convened by the Provost. Provost decision is final except for expulsion appeals which can be made to the Chancellor. 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 UMass Boston hearing?

Yes. Under Student Code of Conduct; Appendix B: Academic Honesty, students have the right to bring support person to hearing. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate UMass Boston's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at UMass Boston the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a UMass Boston Dean of Students Office proceeding?

In most cases, no. UMass Boston's proceedings follow university policy under Student Code of Conduct; Appendix B: Academic Honesty, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands UMass Boston'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 UMass Boston handle Title IX cases?

UMass Boston handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. Director: Anne-Valerie Imparato, Associate Vice Chancellor of Civil Rights and Title IX. Phone: 617.287.7391. Email: AnneValerie.Imparato@umb.edu. Located in Quinn Administration Building, 3rd Floor, Room 23. Handles sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking. Separate grievance procedures from general conduct code. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UMass Boston, 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 UMass Boston?

At UMass Boston, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism: submitting author's published or unpublished work without proper attribution; cheating: submitting work or materials obtained from others without attribution; fabrication: interfering with instructor's ability to evaluate competence or misleading regarding academic work; alcohol violations: possession by those under 21, drinking games, alcohol above 80 proof on campus. 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 UMass Boston conduct case?

At UMass Boston, the most consequential deadlines are: Faculty must notify student of suspected academic dishonesty in writing within ten days of incident; Student has ten business days to meet with faculty member after receiving written notification; Conduct Officer submits findings report within five business days of complainant response. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Dean of Students Office, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.