University of Nebraska at Omaha Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Academic integrity violations may result in both academic and disciplinary sanctions

First offense of academic integrity violations: Student Affairs takes no disciplinary action unless the faculty member specifically requests intervention

Subsequent academic integrity offenses: Students subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion

AI use is regulated and students must follow course syllabus AI use statements

Cases involving sexual misconduct are addressed separately under Executive Memorandum No. 38

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UNO?

University Conduct Board (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UNO. Seven panel board: 4 students appointed by Student Government, 2 faculty appointed by Faculty Senate, 1 staff member appointed by combination of Chancellor appointment and Staff Advisory Council Hears and resolves charges that a student or student organization violated the Standards of Academic Integrity and Responsible Conduct; determines University response if violation is found

What is the evidence standard at UNO?

UNO applies the greater weight of the evidence, meaning evidence sufficient to make the alleged violation more likely true than not true under Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). University Conduct Board 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 UNO conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy, students facing a University Conduct Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to be notified of charges through university email; accept or decline administrative resolution and request a Student Conduct Hearing; seek advice and counsel from an advisor, which may be an attorney at the student's own cost, a family member, or any other adult; appeal the decision. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at UNO?

Anyone can make a complaint with the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards regarding the behavior of one or more students. If a complaint is made that constitutes an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the student receives notification of the charge through their university email with instructions for next steps. The student is typically asked to contact the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards to schedule a meeting to discuss the alleged behavior.

What sanctions can UNO impose for academic misconduct?

University Conduct Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including written warning indicating a violation occurred and that future violations may result in a harsher response, university probation for a specified period, loss of privileges for a specified period, 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 UNO, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at UNO is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Students found responsible must be notified by letter of the decision and right to appeal. An Appeals Officer or Appeals Board may hear appeals authorized by the Code. An appeal heard by the Appeals Board must be heard before an appeals panel of no fewer than three members of the Appeals Board. 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 UNO hearing?

Yes. Under Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy, students have the right to seek advice and counsel from an advisor, which may be an attorney at the student's own cost, a family member, or any other adult. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate UNO's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at UNO the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a UNO University Conduct Board proceeding?

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

UNO handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the UNVERIFIED: needs human research. All allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment under Title IX, sexual assault, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are investigated and addressed following the procedures set forth in the University of Nebraska Response to Allegations of Student Sexual Misconduct, adopted pursuant to Executive Memorandum No. 38 Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UNO, 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 UNO?

At UNO, the most frequently cited violations include: academic integrity violations including plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized collaboration; failing to follow academic integrity policies outlined in course syllabus; sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking; violations of standards of responsible conduct. 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 UNO conduct case?

At UNO, the most consequential deadlines are: Notification of charges sent through university email; Student must contact Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards within specified timeframe to schedule meeting or face additional charge of failure to comply; Decision letter issued no later than 7 University days after hearing. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from University Conduct Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.