University of North Dakota Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

UND explicitly codifies that first incidents of academic dishonesty typically do NOT go through the student conduct process, a student-protective default that treats first offenses as academic, not disciplinary

UND uses 'preponderance of information' terminology (same standard as preponderance of evidence), distinctive linguistic choice

The process is explicitly framed as educational with sanctions focused on growth, development, and repairing harm

All hearings are conducted in private, codified privacy protection

Community Standards & Care Network (CSCN) is the named administering office, an unusually integrated name combining standards enforcement with a care framework

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UND?

Community Standards & Care Network (CSCN); Student Rights & Responsibilities (CSCN) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UND. UND's conduct process is administered by Community Standards & Care Network (CSCN) within Student Rights & Responsibilities. Incidents of academic dishonesty can be handled as an academic situation and/or as a student conduct situation through the Code. Subsequent reports or egregious cases go through the formal student conduct process. All alleged violations of UND's Code of Student Life, including academic dishonesty (typically handled at the course level for first incidents) and non-academic conduct.

What is the evidence standard at UND?

UND applies Preponderance of the information (UND's terminology; same as preponderance of the evidence, 'more likely than not') under University of North Dakota Code of Student Life. Community Standards & Care Network (CSCN); Student Rights & 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 UND conduct proceeding?

Under University of North Dakota Code of Student Life, students facing a Community Standards & Care Network (CSCN); Student Rights & Responsibilities proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to due process under the Code of Student Life; present information on one's own behalf; a private hearing; determination under the preponderance of information standard. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at UND?

Upon receiving an initial report of academic dishonesty, the student will NOT typically go through the student conduct process, initial reports are generally handled academically. Any subsequent reports or egregious reports of academic dishonesty likely will go through the formal student conduct process administered by CSCN.

What sanctions can UND impose for academic misconduct?

Community Standards & Care Network (CSCN); Student Rights & Responsibilities can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including grade sanctions, educational outcomes focused on student growth and development, measures identifying and repairing harm to the community, 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.

Can I appeal a decision at UND?

Yes. The preponderance of information standard is also used for appeals of student conduct decisions. Specific procedural details are in the Code of Student Life and the outcome letter. 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. The specific appeal deadline is set out in the outcome letter, and it is usually short, often 5 to 10 business days from the date of the decision.

Can I bring an advisor to my UND hearing?

Yes. Under University of North Dakota Code of Student Life, 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 UND's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at UND the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a UND Community Standards & Care Network (CSCN) proceeding?

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

UND handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the University of North Dakota Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office / Title IX Coordinator. Sex-based misconduct and Title IX complaints are handled through the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office under UND's separate Title IX policies, not through CSCN. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UND, 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 UND?

At UND, 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 UND conduct case?

At UND, the most consequential deadlines are: Appeal deadlines are specified in the Code of Student Life and the outcome letter. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Community Standards & Care Network (CSCN); Student Rights & Responsibilities, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.