After a charge is reported, the Academic Dean (or designee) will contact all involved parties to explain the process. When appropriate, the Academic Dean schedules the ACC Hearing, which typically takes place no sooner than 24 hours and no later than 10 business days after the student receives written notice of the charge.
Hearing Structure
An ACC hearing is made up of ACC members (two students and one faculty member), the Academic Dean or other convenor, the student respondent, and the faculty member filing the charge. The student and faculty members may each bring one Support Person if they so choose. All ACC members, other than the convenor, participate in reaching a consensus.
An ACC Hearing is not a court of law and does not follow formal courtroom rules. Decisions are based on the preponderance of the evidence, meaning they will determine whether it was more likely than not that a violation occurred. The Dean convenes and conducts the hearing, makes decisions on procedural questions, and may remove any disruptive participant.
The hearing begins with introductions and an overview of the charge by the Convenor. The Convenor, faculty member, and student may make brief opening statements. Both faculty and student may present evidence for consideration by the ACC members. ACC members, the faculty member, and the student may ask questions. The Convenor determines the admissibility of evidence and resolves any procedural questions.
When ACC members are satisfied they have heard the evidence and responses to their questions, both the faculty member and the student may make final statements. The ACC then deliberates privately to determine whether the student is responsible for a violation.
Determination
The ACC will determine whether or not the student is responsible for the violation of academic integrity, the level of academic concern, and any appropriate institutional sanction. The Dean or designee will provide guidance on typical sanctions to ensure consistency. The ACC may determine one or multiple sanctions, as they deem appropriate to the specific violation.
Once the ACC reaches their determinations, the Convenor immediately notifies the student and faculty member in the presence of the ACC. Within three business days, the Dean sends both parties a formal statement of the decision, including information about the appeals process, if appropriate. The decision is recorded by the Dean in the Academic Conduct File.