University of Scranton Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Jesuit Catholic mission emphasizing cura personalis (care of the whole person) and student development

Conduct process grounded in education and development of students rather than purely punitive approach

Two separate codes: Academic Code of Honesty (for academic integrity) and Student Code of Conduct (for non-academic misconduct)

Separate Title IX process for sexual harassment and sexual misconduct handled by Office of Institutional Compliance & Title IX, not Office of Student Conduct

Support person model rather than legal representation allowed in conduct process

Who handles academic misconduct cases at Scranton?

University Review Board (URB) / Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (URB) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at Scranton. URB panel consisting of faculty, staff, and students selected from the URB pool and a non-voting chairperson appointed by the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students (or designee) Alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, particularly serious matters that may result in suspension or expulsion; also hears less serious matters through Administrative Hearing Officer; does not hear Title IX sexual misconduct cases (handled by Office of Institutional Compliance & Title IX)

What is the evidence standard at Scranton?

Scranton applies Preponderance of the evidence; more likely than not that student violated Student Code of Conduct under Student Code of Conduct (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). University Review Board (URB) / Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution 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 Scranton conduct proceeding?

Under Student Code of Conduct, students facing a University Review Board (URB) / Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to receive written notice of alleged violations before Educational Conference; share perspective on alleged incident at Educational Conference; have a support person (but not a lawyer or family member) assist throughout conduct process; formal hearing if violations and sanctions cannot be agreed upon at Educational Conference. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at Scranton?

Complaint filed in writing to Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution, University Police Department, or law enforcement; should be submitted as soon as possible after alleged violation; Conduct Officer provides accused student with notice of alleged violations and schedules Educational Conference within 24 hours of receipt of letter

What sanctions can Scranton impose for academic misconduct?

University Review Board (URB) / Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including administrative sanction, educational sanctions, 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 Scranton, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at Scranton is For Academic Code of Honesty: 30 days of notice of hearing board decision; URB appeal deadline: UNVERIFIED: needs human research. Written appeal of URB Hearing decision may be filed with Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students on specified grounds. For Academic Code of Honesty violations, appeal of hearing board decision may be filed with Dean of Students (or designee) within 30 days of notice of decision; Dean may approve, modify, or reverse decision within two weeks if practicable. Additional appeal to Provost/Academic Vice President may be available if heard by dean's designee. Appeal grounds typically include unverified: needs human research - specific appeal grounds for urb hearings not fully detailed in available sources. 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 Scranton hearing?

Yes. Under Student Code of Conduct, students have the right to have a support person (but not a lawyer or family member) assist throughout conduct process. AdvocatED can serve as that advisor and help you prepare your response, question witnesses where allowed, and navigate Scranton's specific procedural rules. What an advisor can and cannot do varies from school to school, and at Scranton the rules are set out in the governing policy.

Do I need a lawyer for a Scranton University Review Board (URB) / Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution proceeding?

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

Scranton handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Office of Institutional Compliance and Title IX. Title IX Coordinator: Elizabeth M. Garcia, J.D., Associate Vice President and Title IX Coordinator, elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu, (570) 941-6645. Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Diana Collins Gilmore, J.D., diana.collinsgilmore@scranton.edu. Office located in Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, Suite 315, Scranton, PA 18510. Handles Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy matters separately from general conduct process. Provides interim protective measures, resources, and support. Website: scranton.edu/compliance-titleix Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at Scranton, 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 Scranton?

At Scranton, the most frequently cited violations include: academic cheating and plagiarism; sexual harassment and sexual misconduct; physical violence or threats of violence; discrimination and discriminatory harassment. 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 Scranton conduct case?

At Scranton, the most consequential deadlines are: Must respond to Educational Conference summons within 24 hours of receipt of email; Complaint should be submitted as soon as possible after alleged violation occurs; Academic Code of Honesty appeal: within 30 days of notice of hearing board decision. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from University Review Board (URB) / Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.