Adjudication Process
NOTE: Electronic mail or “e-mail” is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers information in a convenient, timely, cost effective, and environmentally aware manner.
The Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity will send all correspondence to students, faculty and staff via e-mail.
REGISTRATION HOLDS: A hold may be placed on a student’s registration if:
The student fails to schedule or attend a scheduled appointment with the Coordinator for Academic Integrity.
The student fails to comply with sanctions imposed by the Coordinator for Academic Integrity.
The hold will remain in effect until the student has met with the Coordinator or completed their requirements. This may keep a student from amending their schedule or registering for classes.
The Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity receives and reviews the allegation. Upon receipt of the allegation, the Academic Integrity officer is permitted up to 30 days to complete investigation of the allegation.
A notification is sent via VCU E-MAIL to the student, inviting them to schedule an appointment. The accuser shall be copied on all official communication with the accused, i.e. the initial contact letter and the determination letter.
The academic integrity officer meets with the accused and witnesses, as necessary and appropriate.
The Academic Integrity Officer may contact the accuser via telephone or E-mail to review the allegation and to discuss questions that may arise during the course of the investigation.
At the conclusion of the investigation a determination letter is sent to the accused and accuser.
If the determination is that there is not clear and convincing evidence of a violation the matter will be closed with no further action taken against the student (the materials will either be returned to the accuser or destroyed).
If the Academic Integrity Officer determines that there is clear and convincing evidence that a violation has occurred, a sanction may be imposed. Additionally a case may be referred to the Honor Council if the accused is on Honor Probation, there are multiple possible violations or if the Academic Integrity Officer determines that the possible violation could warrant a sanction of suspension, expulsion or revocation. In these cases, an Honor Council Hearing shall be convened to determine whether the student is innocent or guilty of an honor violation and, if found guilty, assign a sanction.