University of South Florida Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

USF uses a 4-point severity scale (Level 1-4) assigned by the instructor at the initial determination, the level drives how serious the institutional response can be and whether automatic appeal review is triggered

The 'FF' grade (flagged failure) is a distinctive USF sanction, a disciplinary failure grade recorded on the transcript specifically for academic integrity violations, separate from a regular F

For suspension or dismissal recommendations, an automatic College-level appeal is triggered regardless of student action, a procedural protection not universally available

The appeal grounds are unusually narrow: essentially 'no factual basis' or 'violated a University Regulation', disproportionate-sanction-alone is not a stand-alone appeal ground under Regulation 3.027

AIRB composition is flexible but minimum-defined (at least 3 members, with at least 1 instructor/administrator and 1 student), colleges may add members beyond the minimum

Regulation 3.027 is codified as a formal USF regulation with state-level regulatory weight under Florida higher education law

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Morsani College of Medicine Academic Progress Committee

Medical students face academic progression and professionalism review through the College of Medicine in addition to any university-level misconduct review.

USF Taneja College of Pharmacy

Taneja College of Pharmacy Academic and Professional Standards Committee

Pharmacy students face professional standards and academic standing review.

USF College of Nursing

College of Nursing Academic Standards Committee

Nursing students face additional professional standards review.

Who handles academic misconduct cases at USF?

Instructor (initial); Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB) on appeal (AIRB) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at USF. The instructor of record makes the initial determination on academic misconduct and assigns the level of infraction (Level 1-4). On appeal, the Dean appoints an Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB) composed of students and instructors or administrators, provided that there are at least three individuals, including at least one instructor or administrator and at least one student. Academic integrity violations under USF Regulation 3.027 (Academic Integrity of Students). Non-academic conduct is handled separately by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

What is the evidence standard at USF?

USF applies Preponderance of the evidence (the standard under USF Regulation 3.027) under USF Regulation 3.027, Academic Integrity of Students (USF3.027). Instructor (initial); Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB) on appeal 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 USF Regulation 3.027, Academic Integrity of Students, students facing a Instructor (initial); Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB) on appeal proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to email notification from the instructor indicating the alleged violation and severity level; an FF grade (flagged failure) pending resolution rather than immediate sanction imposition; appeal the finding or sanction within 10 days (or longer if the particular USF campus specifies a longer window); an Academic Integrity Review Board of at least three members (at least one instructor/administrator and at least one student). 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?

The instructor of record decides whether the student misconduct constitutes a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 infraction on the severity scale. The instructor notifies the student by email that an FF grade will be administered at the end of the semester, indicates the level of severity, and informs the student of their right to appeal. For more serious infractions (particularly those carrying suspension or dismissal recommendations), an automatic appeal is triggered at the College level.

What sanctions can USF impose for academic misconduct?

Instructor (initial); Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB) on appeal can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including additional academic work required to demonstrate mastery, reduced grade on the assignment, reduced grade in the course, 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 10 days from notification of sanction (may be longer at some USF campuses). The appeal must be filed within 10 days of being notified of the sanction (unless the particular USF campus has a longer deadline). The Dean appoints an Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB) to hear the appeal. For cases where the recommended sanction includes suspension or dismissal, an automatic appeal is triggered at the College level regardless of whether the student files one. Appeal grounds typically include the academic integrity violation or sanction had no factual basis or could not be reasonably inferred by the facts as presented, the academic integrity violation or sanction violated a university regulation or policy. 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 USF Regulation 3.027, Academic Integrity of Students, students have the right to an advisor during the airb process. 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 Instructor (initial) proceeding?

In most cases, no. USF's proceedings follow university policy under USF Regulation 3.027, Academic Integrity of Students, 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 USF Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity (Title IX Coordinator). Sex-based misconduct and Title IX complaints are handled through the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity under USF's Title IX policies, separately from the Academic Integrity process. 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.

Does USF's Health Morsani College of Medicine have a separate conduct process?

Yes. USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at USF is handled through Morsani College of Medicine Academic Progress Committee, which is distinct from the general university conduct process. Medical students face academic progression and professionalism review through the College of Medicine in addition to any university-level misconduct review. This matters because professional school findings carry licensure implications, and the remediation and appeal pathways are different from the undergraduate process.

What are the most common academic misconduct violations at USF?

At USF, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism on written work; cheating on exams or quizzes; 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 USF conduct case?

At USF, the most consequential deadlines are: Student appeal: 10 days from notification (or longer per specific USF campus policy); Automatic College-level appeal triggered for suspension or dismissal recommendations. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Instructor (initial); Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB) on appeal, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.