University of North Florida Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Integrates academic misconduct into overall conduct process while preserving faculty academic freedom to assign grades

Three-track resolution system for academic integrity: informal conversation, informal mediation, and formal Academic Violation Panel Forum

Faculty participation highly encouraged throughout process

Student Conduct Board Forgiveness Process allowing students found responsible to request case review for potential record forgiveness

Separate Sexual Misconduct and Title IX processes handled by Office of Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Academic Integrity Mediation process between facilitator, student, and faculty member

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UNF?

Student Conduct Board (SCB) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UNF. Faculty, staff, and students trained through a three-part process. Panel hearings are comprised of 3 approved individuals (2 faculty members, 1 student) and 3 Student Conduct Board individuals (1 staff, 2 students) Conduct occurring on UNF premises or anywhere off-campus or internet that materially disrupts the University's learning environment, substantially interferes with another student's ability to pursue education in a safe environment, or has adverse impact on health, safety, welfare of people, property, or University community

What is the evidence standard at UNF?

UNF applies Preponderance of evidence under Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Code (5.0010R and catalog policies on Academic Integrity). Student 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 UNF conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Code, students facing a Student Conduct Board proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to Pre-Disciplinary Hearing Review Meeting to understand charges and rights; conduct advisor who has completed Title IX training if applicable; review all known information and witness list at least 5 class days prior to hearing; participate in hearing or proceed without participation. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at UNF?

Referral submitted through Academic Misconduct reporting form or reported to Dean of Students Office. Dean of Students reviews for credibility and accuracy. If reasonable cause exists, Notice of Charges letter issued to student with three class days to respond and optionally schedule Pre-Disciplinary Hearing Review Meeting

What sanctions can UNF impose for academic misconduct?

Student Conduct Board can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including warning/censure, educational sanctions including reflection papers and writing courses, disciplinary probation, 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 UNF, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at UNF is 90 days from date grade was assigned for academic misconduct grade appeals. For grade-related penalties, students may appeal through the University Academic Appeal Committee process. For conduct-related sanctions, appeals may be pursued through established University grievance procedures 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 UNF hearing?

Yes. Under Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Code, students have the right to conduct advisor who has completed title ix training if applicable. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate UNF's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at UNF the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a UNF Student Conduct Board proceeding?

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

UNF handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights (also known as Office of Equal Opportunity and Inclusion - EOI). Director: Tricia Buchholz. Location: Building 1, J.J. Daniel Hall, Suite 1201, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Phone: (904) 620-2507. Email: otcr@unf.edu. Handles Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment complaints separately from general conduct process Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UNF, 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 UNF?

At UNF, the most frequently cited violations include: cheating; plagiarism; fabricating and falsifying information or citations; submitting same work for credit in more than one course. 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 UNF conduct case?

At UNF, the most consequential deadlines are: Three class days to respond after Notice of Charges letter and schedule optional Pre-Disciplinary Hearing Review Meeting; Administrative Hearing scheduled no sooner than 7 class days after Notice of Charges is sent; Five class days to receive all known information and witness list before hearing. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Student Conduct Board, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.