University of San Francisco Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Jesuit Catholic institution with emphasis on cura personalis (care of the whole person)

Educational and developmental approach to student conduct focusing on learning through self-reflection

Academic Integrity Committee handles honor code violations separately from nonacademic misconduct

Student Conduct Board being created as peer-to-peer led process

Recent policy revisions for 2024-25 including terminology changes (Sanctions to Outcomes, Resolution Officers to Resolution Staff, Charges to Alleged Violations)

Who handles academic misconduct cases at USF?

Office of Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities (OSCRR) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at USF. Resolution Staff (formerly Resolution Officers) who meet with students; Student Conduct Board being created for peer-to-peer led process for handling alleged violations Administration and management of the University's conduct process involving nonacademic student misconduct

What is the evidence standard at USF?

USF applies Preponderance of the evidence under Fogcutter Student Handbook and Student Conduct Code (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Office of Student Conduct, 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 USF conduct proceeding?

Under Fogcutter Student Handbook and Student Conduct Code, students facing a Office of Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to defend against charges and submit evidence; gather and recruit witnesses in their defense; have an advisor present; advisor limited to assistance and support and may not actively participate or speak for student; appeal initial decisions. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at USF?

Reports of alleged violations can be submitted through the Office of Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities. Academic integrity violations are reported by faculty instructors to the Academic Integrity Committee.

What sanctions can USF impose for academic misconduct?

Office of Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including letter of censure, educational outcomes and programs, 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 USF, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at USF is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Academic integrity violations can be appealed through a request for a formal hearing with the Academic Integrity Committee. The appeal process is conducted by a faculty or student advisor who assists in presenting the case. 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 USF hearing?

Yes. Under Fogcutter Student Handbook and Student Conduct Code, students have the right to have an advisor present; advisor limited to assistance and support and may not actively participate or speak for student. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate USF's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at USF the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a USF Office of Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities proceeding?

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

USF handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Title IX Office, Office of the Dean of Students. Title IX Coordinator: Emily Gove (egove@usfca.edu, 415-422-4563); Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Lauren Kearney (lkearney2@usfca.edu, 415-422-4525); Staff/Faculty Contact: Diane Nelson (dlnelson3@usfca.edu, 415-422-2441). Office location: Lone Mountain Main Room 145, 2820 Turk Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94117. All full-time and part-time university officials are mandatory reporters and must report sex/gender-based misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at USF, 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 USF?

At USF, the most frequently cited violations include: academic dishonesty including cheating and plagiarism; alcohol and drug policy violations; marijuana use (prohibited on campus); disruptive 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 USF conduct case?

At USF, the most consequential deadlines are: Grade appeal must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the next semester for Fall and Spring semesters, or 30 days after grade is available online for Intersession or Summer Session; UNVERIFIED: needs human research (conduct appeal deadline). Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Office of Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.