Information for Students

A student accused of academic dishonesty has the right:

1. to be apprised of the evidence and testimony regarding the alleged misconduct
2. to invite witnesses who could provide first-hand, relevant information about the alleged incident (when meeting with an instructor to discuss the allegation)
3. to receive a written summary of the accusation, sanction and any agreement between the faculty member and the student
4. to meet with the AVPAA to review the process and sanction(s)
5. to appeal the accusation and/or sanction

A student wishing to appeal an accusation and/or sanction has the right to:

1. a procedural advisor to assist him/her during proceedings. Legal counsel may not participate in any way during the hearing.

Appealing an Accusation of Academic Dishonesty and/or Sanction

If a student disagrees with the accusation and/or sanction forwarded by the instructor, the student may appeal by submitting a well-reasoned, written appeal to the AIC (via the AVPAA) within 10 business days after the date of the written summary of sanction (see Information for Faculty 2.c.ii).

Appeals to the AIC are not automatically granted and must demonstrate at least one of the following:

1. New evidence of sufficient relevance 
2. A significant procedural error
3. That the sanction imposed is excessive

NOTE: Ignorance of College, course, or assignment academic integrity policies and guidelines does not constitute an acceptable reason for an appeal. The AVPAA will notify the student via his/her Siena email account as to whether or not the AIC will conduct a hearing based on the student's appeal. When notified that the Committee will hear their case, students should present all relevant materials/evidence (correspondence, summaries of meetings with dates, etc.) to the AVPAA in advance of the hearing.