University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Separate procedures for academic misconduct (Chapter UWS 14) and nonacademic misconduct (Chapter UWS 17)

Investigating Officers appointed by Deans of each school and college oversee academic cases

Two separate Academic Misconduct Hearing Committees: one for undergraduate/special students, one for graduate students

Educational and restorative approach to addressing student misconduct

Confidential victim advocacy services available for survivors of sexual violence

Who handles academic misconduct cases at UWM?

Dean of Students Office (DOS) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at UWM. A nonacademic misconduct case may be heard by a hearing examiner or a hearing committee, which under UWS Chapter 17 consists of at least three persons, including at least one student, and may not be constituted with a majority of student members. The presiding officer is appointed by the chief administrative officer. Nonacademic misconduct investigations and Student Conduct matters

What is the evidence standard at UWM?

UWM applies clear and convincing evidence under UWS Chapter 17 nonacademic disciplinary procedures under Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 17 - Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures (UWS Chapter 17). Dean of Students Office 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 UWM conduct proceeding?

Under Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 17 - Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures, students facing a Dean of Students Office proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to written notice of charges with facts of the case explained; a hearing before a committee when substantial or serious sanctions are recommended; present evidence and witnesses; appeal disciplinary 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 UWM?

Incidents may be reported to the Dean of Students Office by course instructors, fellow students, or others via Incident Report Form. The Dean of Students Office investigates allegations of nonacademic misconduct.

What sanctions can UWM impose for academic misconduct?

Dean of Students Office can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including reprimand, disciplinary probation, removal from course in progress, 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 UWM, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at UWM is Ten (10) days of mailing or personal delivery of misconduct report. Students charged with academic misconduct have the right to request a hearing within ten (10) days of mailing or personal delivery of the misconduct report. For academic cases, appeals go to the appropriate Academic Misconduct Hearing Committee. The Graduate School Scholastic Appeals Committee hears appeals for graduate students. 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.

Do I need a lawyer for a UWM Dean of Students Office proceeding?

In most cases, no. UWM's proceedings follow university policy under Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 17 - Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands UWM'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 UWM handle Title IX cases?

UWM handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the Title IX Office (within Community Empowerment and Institutional Inclusivity). UWM's Title IX Office receives reports of sexual misconduct involving the UWM community, coordinates supportive measures, provides information about response options, and conducts or oversees related investigations. A trauma-informed approach guides these duties with principles of equity and due process. Formal Title IX complaints are addressed under SAAP 5-4 Policy on Investigation and Resolution of Formal Title IX Complaints. Reports can also be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (EOCR) at diverse@uwm.edu or (414) 229-5923. Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at UWM, 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 UWM?

At UWM, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism; cheating on exams; unauthorized collaboration on assignments; use of unauthorized materials or devices. 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 UWM conduct case?

At UWM, the most consequential deadlines are: Ten (10) days to request a hearing after misconduct report is mailed or personally delivered (academic misconduct); UNVERIFIED: needs human research for nonacademic misconduct appeal deadline. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Dean of Students Office, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.