University of Nevada, Las Vegas Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

UNLV explicitly codifies that it does NOT typically suspend students for first-time academic misconduct, an unusual, student-protective policy that creates procedural expectations

Faculty reporting deadline of 10 college working days from discovery creates a clear reporting window

Academic Integrity Appeal Board is three members minimum with representation from faculty (academic OR administrative) and students, flexible but required composition

Appeal Board decisions are final EXCEPT for expulsion, which becomes a recommendation to the President for final authority, executive check on the most severe outcome

15-working-day decision window on appeals creates a defined timeline

Student Academic Integrity Policy is the threshold determination (was there misconduct) before sanctions are considered, a two-step framework

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UNLV?

Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR); Academic Integrity Appeal Board (OSRR) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UNLV. UNLV administers the Student Academic Integrity Policy through the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Appeals go to an Academic Integrity Appeal Board appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs, consisting of three members including at least one academic or administrative faculty and one student. All alleged violations of UNLV's Student Conduct Code and Student Academic Integrity Policy. Expulsion cases are reviewed by the Appeal Board and then by the President, whose decision is final.

What is the evidence standard at UNLV?

UNLV applies Preponderance of the evidence (UNLV's standard for academic integrity and conduct findings) under UNLV Student Conduct Code (Rev. Spring 2025); Student Academic Integrity Policy. Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR); Academic Integrity Appeal 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 UNLV conduct proceeding?

Under UNLV Student Conduct Code (Rev. Spring 2025); Student Academic Integrity Policy, students facing a Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR); Academic Integrity Appeal Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to notification of the alleged misconduct and a faculty meeting; response before the faculty member forwards the Alleged Academic Misconduct Report (faculty has 10 working days from discovery/initial meeting); NOT be suspended for a first-time academic misconduct violation (codified university practice); an advisor during proceedings. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at UNLV?

Instructors must forward the Alleged Academic Misconduct Report and copies of relevant documentation within 10 college working days of discovery and/or the initial meeting with the student. The Student Academic Integrity Policy is applied first to determine if academic misconduct occurred; only if responsibility is found does the matter proceed for further action.

What sanctions can UNLV impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR); Academic Integrity Appeal Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including required specific restitution service, completion of counseling or specialized treatment, participation in programs designed to redirect behavior, 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 UNLV, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at UNLV is Appeal deadlines are specified in the outcome letter; decision within 15 college working days. The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee appoints an Academic Integrity Appeal Board consisting of three members, including at least one academic or administrative faculty and one student. All parties are notified within 15 college working days of the appeal outcome. The Appeal Board's decision is final, except in expulsion cases, where it constitutes a recommendation to the President, who has final authority. Appeal grounds typically include procedural error that affected the outcome, new information not reasonably available at the time of the original decision, sanction disproportionate to the finding, 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 UNLV hearing?

Yes. Under UNLV Student Conduct Code (Rev. Spring 2025); Student Academic Integrity Policy, students have the right to an advisor during proceedings. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate UNLV's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at UNLV the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a UNLV Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR) proceeding?

In most cases, no. UNLV's proceedings follow university policy under UNLV Student Conduct Code (Rev. Spring 2025); Student Academic Integrity Policy, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands UNLV'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 UNLV handle Title IX cases?

UNLV handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the UNLV Office of Equal Employment and Title IX / Title IX Coordinator. Sex-based misconduct and Title IX complaints are handled through the Office of Equal Employment and Title IX under UNLV's separate Title IX policies, not through OSRR's academic integrity process. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UNLV, 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 UNLV?

At UNLV, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism on written work; cheating on exams or assessments; unauthorized collaboration on individual assignments; fabrication of data or sources. 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 UNLV conduct case?

At UNLV, the most consequential deadlines are: Faculty report filing: 10 college working days from discovery or initial meeting; Appeal decision: within 15 college working days of the appeal. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR); Academic Integrity Appeal Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.