University of North Carolina at Greensboro Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Three formal policies govern student conduct at UNCG: the Student Code of Conduct, the Academic Integrity Policy, and the Title IX Policy

The Academic Integrity Policy emphasizes educational goals and helping students learn from mistakes, distinguishing it from honor codes

Faculty may resolve academic integrity violations directly with students through Faculty-Student Conferences

All alleged Academic Integrity violations must be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Records of Academic Integrity violations and hearings are maintained under FERPA

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UNCG?

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UNCG. Conduct Officers, Student Panelists (students, faculty, and staff), and Hearing Panels for formal hearings Hears allegations of violations of the Student Code of Conduct and the Academic Integrity Policy

What is the evidence standard at UNCG?

UNCG applies Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) under Student Code of Conduct (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities 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 UNCG conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct, students facing a Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to notice of allegations; have a Student Advisor from Student Government Attorney General's Office assist in preparation and presentation; bring a silent support person (for Academic Integrity Faculty-Student Conferences); consult with Student Government Attorney General. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at UNCG?

Cases may be initiated by reports to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Conduct Officers review reported misconduct and make determinations. Academic integrity violations may also be resolved between faculty members and students or escalated to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

What sanctions can UNCG impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including warning, disciplinary probation, 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 UNCG, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at UNCG is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Appeals are limited to allegations that the decision violates due process rights or there has been material deviation from the Minimum Substantive and Procedural Standards for Student Disciplinary Procedures, Section 700.4.1 of the UNC Policy Manual. The respondent has the burden of showing that the disciplinary decision violates Procedural and/or Substantive Standards. Appeal grounds typically include violation of due process rights, material deviation from minimum substantive and procedural standards for student disciplinary procedures, procedural error or substantial errors that effectively denied the respondent a fair hearing, 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 UNCG hearing?

Yes. Under Student Code of Conduct, students have the right to have a student advisor from student government attorney general's office assist in preparation and presentation. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate UNCG's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at UNCG the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a UNCG Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities proceeding?

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

UNCG handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Title IX Office, Office of Institutional Integrity and General Counsel. Location: 238-239 Elliott University Center. Email: titleix@uncg.edu. Phone: 336-256-0422. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating efforts to comply with Title IX. Title IX Formal Complaints may be filed online or in person. Title IX violations are handled through a separate process under the Title IX Policy. Students who violate Title IX Policy may be subject to Student Code of Conduct disciplinary action. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UNCG, 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 UNCG?

At UNCG, the most frequently cited violations include: academic dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized assistance); falsification or dishonesty in conduct process; disruptive behavior (speech or action that is disrespectful, threatening, impedes learning, or impacts learning environment); discriminatory 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 UNCG conduct case?

At UNCG, the most consequential deadlines are: Evidence and witness list must be submitted three business days before hearing. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.