{"id":33629,"date":"2011-08-29T13:36:59","date_gmt":"2011-08-29T17:36:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/?page_id=33629"},"modified":"2026-05-20T15:40:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T19:40:12","slug":"academic-conduct-code","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/policies\/academic-conduct-code\/","title":{"rendered":"Academic Conduct Code"},"content":{"rendered":"

Effective July 1, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Boston University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code (the \u201cCode\u201d) is designed to assist in the development of a supportive and productive learning environment. It is both a description of the University\u2019s ethical expectations of students, as well as a guarantee of students\u2019 rights and responsibilities as members of a learning community.<\/h4>\n

It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of the Academic Conduct Code\u2019s contents and to comply with its provisions. In all proceedings of academic misconduct against a student, the student is entitled to procedural fairness throughout any investigative and disciplinary proceedings.<\/h4>\n

I. Academic Integrity Policy<\/h2>\n

A. Applicability<\/h3>\n

This policy applies to all students except the following, who should refer to their academic conduct codes: School of Law, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.<\/p>\n

B. Standards of Academic Integrity<\/h3>\n

The Code establishes an environment of integrity and professionalism that helps ensure each student receives appropriate recognition for their work at Boston University. All students entering Boston University are expected to maintain high standards of academic honesty and integrity. The ethical decisions that students face in an academic environment are similar to those they will encounter in the professional world.<\/p>\n

For faculty, the Code promotes fair and accurate evaluation of students\u2019 academic performance and encourages supportive and just learning environments.<\/p>\n

Respect for the University\u2019s recognized academic values affects the University\u2019s reputation in the academic and professional communities of which it is a part. This reputation is essential to the success of both the current generation of students and previous and future generations, as well.<\/p>\n

C. Academic Misconduct<\/h3>\n

Faculty may not penalize students for academic misconduct without following the procedures set forth in this Code. Students who believe that a faculty member has penalized them for alleged acts of academic misconduct without having followed the procedures set forth in this Code should report their concerns as soon as possible to the designated Dean, and the designated Dean will follow up appropriately.<\/p>\n

Violations of this Code may include, but are not limited to, the following five (5) categories of academic misconduct:<\/p>\n

i. Cheating<\/p>\n

Any attempt by students to alter their performance on an examination or assignment in violation of the stated or commonly understood ground rules.<\/p>\n

Cheating may include, but is not limited to, unauthorized communication during an examination and stealing or otherwise discovering and\/or making known to others the contents of an assessment that has not yet been administered. Cheating may also include attempting to improperly influence the award of any unit, grade, or honor, altering or destroying another student\u2019s work or records, altering records of any kind, removing materials from libraries or offices without consent, or in any way interfering with the work of others so as to impede their academic performance, failure to sit in a specifically assigned seat during examinations.<\/p>\n

Knowingly assisting another student in the act of cheating is also a violation of the University’s Code.<\/p>\n

ii. Plagiarism<\/p>\n

Representing the work or ideas of another* as one\u2019s own and\/or using another\u2019s* work or ideas without appropriately crediting the source.<\/p>\n

Plagiarism can consist of acts of commission (appropriating the words or ideas of another as one\u2019s own), or omission (failing to acknowledge\/document\/credit the source or creator of words or ideas). Plagiarism may also include submitting substantially duplicative work in the same course or more than one course without the written consent of all involved instructors.<\/p>\n

Knowingly assisting someone else in the act of plagiarism is also a violation of the University’s Code.<\/p>\n

*\u201cAnother\u201d may refer to anything that can be a source of information or work product, including (but not limited to) individuals, books, online sources, academic journals, software\/programs, and generative artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n

iii. Misrepresentation of self or work product<\/p>\n

Deceitful misrepresentation of identity in any interaction with a member of the Boston University community, or on any academic work, and\/or falsification or fabrication of data presented for surveys, experiments, reports, etc., and\/or intentional manipulation, modification, omission, or misrepresentation of research processes, data, or results.<\/p>\n

iv. Teamwork<\/p>\n

When two or more students are engaged in cooperative and collaborative work for academic units (known as \u201cteamwork\u201d or \u201cgroup work\u201d), no team member shall intentionally infringe upon the learning of another team member in the course of any team project or other teamwork. Similarly, no team member shall intentionally restrict or inhibit another team member\u2019s access to team meetings, teamwork-in-progress, or other team activities. With regard to academic conduct, all team members may be held responsible for the entire content of the team\u2019s work product as if each team member had individually submitted the team\u2019s project as their own.<\/p>\n

v. Additional areas of misconduct<\/p>\n

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): At any point in the duration of a course (or any other demonstration of academic competence required for course units or degree completion, such as a senior capstone project or doctoral dissertation), any and all use of AI that has not been expressly authorized by the course instructor shall be a violation of the University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code.<\/p>\n

2. Professional field assignment and professional standards: Actions and behaviors that violate the policies and\/or regulations of Boston University, a Boston University degree program, a host school, a host site, a host organization, or a host agency. This may include, but is not limited to, failing to demonstrate the practical, ethical, and\/or behavioral standards affiliated with specific professions, such as (but not limited to) social work, mental health counseling, and physical therapy.<\/p>\n

3. Public law: Conduct in violation of public law occurring outside the University that directly affects the academic and professional status of the student after civil authorities have imposed sanctions.<\/p>\n

4. The authority of this Code: Intentionally making false statements or presenting false information to any member of the University\u2019s staff or faculty when questioned about a specific academic conduct incident; intentionally making false statements or presenting false information to an Academic Conduct Committee; failure to comply with the sanctions imposed under the authority of this Code.<\/p>\n

D. Course Syllabi and Unique Parameters for Academic Conduct<\/h3>\n

i. Course instructors may choose to set unique parameters for academic conduct within the courses they teach by clearly identifying and describing these parameters inside course syllabi (e.g., flexibility with use of AI or peer collaboration). When unique parameters are not identified in course syllabi, the \u201cdefault\u201d parameters of academic conduct (standards of academic conduct outlined and described in this Academic Integrity Code) remain in force.<\/p>\n

E. Agreements for Resolution<\/h3>\n

i. Agreements for Resolution may be offered to students who have accepted responsibility for academic misconduct that can be classified as \u201cminor\u201d (generally, offenses resulting from error(s) in judgment or lack of understanding, as defined under Category 1 in the \u201cRoles and Definitions\u201d section of the University\u2019s Academic Integrity Procedures) and who have not been previously found responsible for academic misconduct at Boston University.<\/p>\n

ii. An Agreement for Resolution shall include a grade penalty that is proportionate to the academic misconduct infraction.<\/p>\n

iii. A student charged with academic misconduct is not compelled to sign an Agreement for Resolution and may choose to exercise the right to have their case heard by the Academic Conduct Committee.<\/p>\n

iv. By signing an Agreement for Resolution form, students are admitting to and taking responsibility for an act of academic misconduct.<\/p>\n

v. Students may revoke their Agreement for Resolution and request a hearing before the Academic Conduct Committee within ten (10) days from the date they sign the agreement.<\/p>\n

F. Academic Conduct Committee (the \u201cCommittee\u201d)<\/h3>\n

i. Charges of academic misconduct may be heard by the Committee if:<\/p>\n

1. A student disputes allegations of academic misconduct brought against them.<\/p>\n

2. The course instructor involved in the case does not consent to an Agreement for Resolution.<\/p>\n

3. A student has violated the Code in the past.<\/p>\n

4. An alleged Code violation is particularly severe in nature.<\/p>\n

ii. Committee jurisdiction<\/p>\n

1. The Committee shall have jurisdiction over:<\/p>\n

a. Every alleged act of academic misconduct on the part of any student enrolled in a course taught in a Boston University school\/college, whether that student is enrolled in that school\/college or some other academic unit at the University or any other college or university.<\/p>\n

b. Any alleged act of academic misconduct not related to a course by any student enrolled in the school\/college.<\/p>\n

c. Every alleged act of misconduct pertaining to course units earned in the school\/college by any person. This shall include any person who has received a baccalaureate degree from the University.<\/p>\n

iii. Committee composition and quorum<\/p>\n

1. The quorum for hearings shall be five (5) voting members of the Committee as follows:<\/p>\n

a. The Committee Chair: The Academic Conduct Committee shall be guided by a Committee Chair appointed by the Dean.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Required number: One (1)<\/li>\n
  • The Committee Chair may be a faculty member or a staff member.<\/li>\n
  • The designated Dean and the Committee Chair shall not be the same person.<\/li>\n
  • The Committee Chair will be counted as a voting member but shall cast their vote only to break a tie vote.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    b. Faculty members: Committee members shall include faculty members appointed by the Dean.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Required number: At least three (3)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      c. Staff members: Committee members may include staff members appointed by the Dean.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Required number: (Number set by the Dean)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        d. Student members: Committee members may include graduate students or advanced undergraduate students of junior year standing or higher appointed by the designated Dean. In cases where the respondent is a graduate or professional student, student members of the Committee may only be graduate\/professional students.<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Required number: (Number set by the designated Dean)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          G. Appeals<\/h3>\n

          i. Appeals that meet the Code\u2019s Standard on Appeal (below) may be presented to the Dean of the school\/college of instruction.<\/p>\n

          1. Standard on Appeal<\/p>\n

          a. The decision of the designated Dean and, if a grade penalty was assessed, course instructor, should be upheld unless it appears on appeal that:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • New information has become available to support the student\u2019s position.<\/li>\n
          • The student\u2019s rights (as outlined in this Code) were infringed upon or violated during the academic misconduct process.<\/li>\n
          • The assigned sanction is grossly disproportionate to the alleged charge of misconduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            2. A Deans\u2019 appeal determination that meets the Code\u2019s Standard on Appeal (below) may be appealed to the University Provost (or designee).<\/p>\n

            a. Before making a decision, the Provost (or designee) may conduct their own investigation.<\/p>\n

            b. Standard on Appeal<\/p>\n

              \n
            • The decision of the Dean should be upheld unless it appears that:\n
                \n
              • New information has become available to support the student\u2019s position.<\/li>\n
              • The student\u2019s rights (as outlined in this Code) were violated during the academic misconduct process.<\/li>\n
              • The assigned sanction is grossly disproportionate to the alleged charge of misconduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
              • The decision of the Provost (or designee) is final.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                II. Academic Integrity Procedures<\/h2>\n

                A. Roles and Definitions<\/h3>\n

                i. Academic Conduct Committee Chairs<\/p>\n

                1. Conduct committees shall be guided by conduct committee Chairs.<\/p>\n

                2. Committee Chairs are appointed by the Dean.<\/p>\n

                3. The designated Dean and the committee Chair shall not be the same person.<\/p>\n

                4. The committee Chair will be counted as a voting member but shall cast their vote only to break a tie vote.<\/p>\n

                ii. Business Days<\/p>\n

                1. Business days are defined as days (Monday-Friday) the University is open for business per Boston University\u2019s Intersession\/holiday calendar. All days referenced in the Boston University Academic Conduct Code are business days, unless otherwise noted.<\/p>\n

                iii. Cases<\/p>\n

                1. A case involves the facts, evidence, and reports related to a singular incident of alleged academic misconduct.<\/p>\n

                2. Multiple cases involving one student (e.g., allegations of cheating in two different classes within the same term) shall not be consolidated into a singular case via resolution agreement or academic conduct committee hearing unless prior approval is authorized by the University Provost (or designee).<\/p>\n

                3. In scenarios where a case of suspected academic misconduct involves more than one student, each student must go through the academic misconduct process individually and separately from their peers.<\/p>\n

                iv. Categories of Academic Misconduct<\/p>\n

                1. Category 1: Instances of academic misconduct that are generally first-time offenses resulting from error(s) in judgment or lack of understanding.<\/p>\n

                2. Category 2: Instances of academic misconduct that generally come after a first offence and\/or include intentional deception that impacts a notable portion of an assignment or assessment.<\/p>\n

                3. Category 3: Acts of academic misconduct that typically occur following a first or second offense and often involve extensive and intentional deception that has the potential to affect others, the reputation of the student, and\/or the reputation of the University (either directly or indirectly).<\/p>\n

                v. Designated Academic Integrity Representative (DAIR)<\/p>\n

                1. The DAIR serves as a resource for students and faculty involved in the academic misconduct process. The DAIR does not represent any party, nor is the DAIR an arbitrator or mediator between faculty\/staff and student.<\/p>\n

                2. Every school or college shall designate one (1) or more faculty or staff persons as a Designated Academic Integrity Representative (DAIR).<\/p>\n

                3. The DAIR shall not be a member of the school or college\u2019s Academic Conduct Committee and shall not be currently serving as the school\u2019s or college\u2019s designated Dean or Dean.<\/p>\n

                vi. Designated Dean<\/p>\n

                1. Every school or college shall designate a Director, an Assistant or Associate Dean, or an Assistant or Associate Provost with responsibility for administering the procedures set forth in Boston University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code; this individual shall be known as the \u201cdesignated Dean.\u201d<\/p>\n

                vii. Determinations<\/p>\n

                1. Conduct committees are asked to determine if the student facing charges is responsible or not responsible for the allegations of academic misconduct brought against them.<\/p>\n

                viii. Home School<\/p>\n

                1. A student\u2019s school or college of enrollment.<\/p>\n

                ix. Sanctions<\/p>\n

                1. Students who are found to be responsible for violating Boston University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code may face consequences (referred to as \u201csanctions\u201d) that, for instance, can include letters of reprimand, probation, and academic penalties.<\/p>\n

                x. School\/College of Instruction<\/p>\n

                1. A Boston University school\/college in which a student takes a course.<\/p>\n

                B. The Misconduct Reporting Process and Investigation<\/h3>\n

                i. An instructor is made aware of an alleged violation of Boston University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code<\/p>\n

                1. Meeting request: Instructors have five (5) days from the date they are made aware of suspected academic misconduct to request a meeting with the student in order to discuss the allegation(s).<\/p>\n

                a. Meetings must be in-person or via video conference (e.g., Zoom); email exchanges are not an acceptable modality for this student meeting.<\/p>\n

                b. It is strongly recommended that the instructor\u2019s meeting request include a deadline by which the student is asked to respond to the instructor, as well as notice that failure to respond to the meeting request by the deadline may result in the case automatically being referred to the Designated Dean as a charge of suspected academic misconduct.<\/p>\n

                c. The meeting between the instructor and student should take place within ten (10) days of the date of the meeting request. In rare instances where adhering to this timeline is not feasible, the timeline may be extended upon written agreement by both the instructor and student.<\/p>\n

                ii. The instructor gathers information\/documentation and prepares for an initial meeting with the student. Prior to this meeting, the instructor may choose to meet with the DAIR or designated Dean to:<\/p>\n

                1. Review documentation<\/p>\n

                2. Discuss next steps in the process<\/p>\n

                3. Discuss possible grade penalties\/sanctions<\/p>\n

                iii. The initial meeting with the student<\/p>\n

                1. In attendance: The instructor, student, and DAIR (if requested by the instructor or student).<\/p>\n

                2. The instructor notifies the student that a concern about academic misconduct has been raised.<\/p>\n

                3. Any available documentation is shared with the student during the meeting.<\/p>\n

                4. The student is given an opportunity to explain their position.<\/p>\n

                5. The instructor documents the student\u2019s response to the allegation(s).<\/p>\n

                6. At this point, the instructor can choose to move forward or not to move forward with a charge of academic misconduct.<\/p>\n

                C. Moving Forward With A Charge of Academic Misconduct<\/h3>\n

                i. The Report of Alleged Academic Misconduct form<\/p>\n

                1. Within ten (10) days of the initial student meeting, the Report of Alleged Academic Misconduct form is completed by the instructor and submitted to the designated Dean of their school\/college with all available evidence.<\/p>\n

                ii. After receiving the Report of Alleged Academic Misconduct form, the designated Dean (or designee) will:<\/p>\n

                1. Check the student\u2019s academic conduct record in ADVOCATE<\/p>\n

                2. Upload the form and all supporting documentation to the ADVOCATE database.<\/p>\n

                3. Decide whether or not the case will:<\/p>\n

                a. Move to a resolution agreement. In general, to move forward with a resolution agreement, the designated Dean should determine that:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • The student has NOT previously been found responsible for academic misconduct (this includes previous admission of academic misconduct), and<\/li>\n
                • The student admits to the charge of academic misconduct brought against them, and<\/li>\n
                • The charge of academic misconduct falls under Category 1 (as defined in the Roles and Definitions section of the University\u2019s Academic Integrity procedures), and<\/li>\n
                • The instructor agrees to a resolution agreement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  b. Move to the hearing process. In general, the designated Dean may move forward with the hearing process, if:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • The student disputes allegations of academic misconduct brought against them, and\/or<\/li>\n
                  • The course instructor involved in the case does not consent to a resolution agreement, and\/or<\/li>\n
                  • The student has violated the Code in the past, and\/or<\/li>\n
                  • The alleged Code violation falls under Categories 2 or 3 (as defined in the Roles and Definitions section of the University\u2019s Academic Conduct policy)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    c. Not move forward in the academic misconduct process.<\/p>\n

                    D. The Agreement for Resolution<\/h3>\n

                    i. Preparing the Agreement for Resolution form<\/p>\n

                    1. The designated Dean or DAIR of the school\/college of instruction will discuss the Agreement for Resolution form with the course instructor.<\/p>\n

                    2. The instructor will determine a grade penalty that is proportionate to the academic misconduct infraction. This grade penalty will be written into the Agreement for Resolution before it is presented to the student.<\/p>\n

                    ii. Student Notification<\/p>\n

                    1. Within ten (10) days of receipt of the Report of Alleged Academic Misconduct form, the designated Dean will send the student a notification letter that includes the following information:<\/p>\n

                    a. The charge of academic misconduct.<\/p>\n

                    b. The option to proceed with a resolution agreement.<\/p>\n

                    c. A meeting request with the instructor and\/or DAIR in order to review the possibility of a resolution. The meeting to discuss a resolution must be scheduled between five (5) and fifteen (15) days from the date of the notification letter.<\/p>\n

                    d. Notice that the student has five (5) days from date of the notification letter to confirm the requested meeting or ask that their case move directly to a hearing.<\/p>\n

                    e. Notice that failing to respond to the student notification letter may result in the case being referred to the Academic Conduct Committee.<\/p>\n

                    f. Notice that declining a resolution agreement will result in the case being referred to the Academic Conduct Committee.<\/p>\n

                    g. Encouragement to meet with a DAIR.<\/p>\n

                    h. Notice that in meetings concerning allegations of academic misconduct, the student has the right to receive reasonable and appropriate accommodations through Boston University’s Disability & Access Services.<\/p>\n

                    iii. The resolution meeting<\/p>\n

                    1. Before a student signs an Agreement for Resolution of Academic Misconduct, the student should be informed of the following:<\/p>\n

                    a. By signing the form, the student is admitting to academic misconduct and will be responsible for disclosing that information in the future, if asked.<\/p>\n

                    b. If the grade penalty results in course failure, the student\u2019s financial aid may be impacted.<\/p>\n

                    c. If the student signs the Agreement for Resolution and is charged with academic misconduct in the future, the case will automatically go to a hearing.<\/p>\n

                    d. If the student wants to dispute the charge, they have the right to a hearing.<\/p>\n

                    e. The student may revoke their consent to the Agreement for Resolution up to ten (10) days after signing the form; if the student elects to do this, their case will be referred to an Academic Conduct Committee hearing.<\/p>\n

                    iv. After a student signs the Agreement for Resolution<\/p>\n

                    1. The instructor and designated Dean sign the Agreement for Resolution form.<\/p>\n

                    2. The designated Dean sends a letter of reprimand to the student and, if applicable, forwards a copy of the executed form to the designated Dean of the student\u2019s home school.<\/p>\n

                    3. The executed Agreement for Resolution form and all other relevant correspondence\/documentation are uploaded to ADVOCATE.<\/p>\n

                    E. Academic Conduct Hearings<\/h3>\n

                    i. If a designated Dean determines that a case will be referred to an Academic Conduct Committee hearing, the designated Dean will have ten (10) days from receipt of the Report of Alleged Academic Misconduct form to complete the following notification procedure:<\/p>\n

                    1. Refer the case to the Chair of the Academic Conduct Committee in the school\/college of instruction. The designated Dean will work with the committee Chair to schedule the hearing.<\/p>\n

                    a. The BU Hub Academic Conduct Process: For all University courses and co-curricular experiences with a HUB prefix, the initial determination will be decided through the BU Hub academic conduct process. The Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs will appoint a representative from Undergraduate Affairs to serve as the designated Dean for cases of alleged academic misconduct in experiences with the HUB prefix. The designated Dean will convene an Academic Conduct Committee that will consist of faculty who serve on Hub Council or the General Education Committee, staff members from Undergraduate Affairs, and undergraduate students of junior-level standing or higher. As with other Academic Conduct Committees, a quorum for hearings shall be five (5) voting members of the committee, at least three of whom shall be faculty members.<\/p>\n

                    2. Notify the instructor of the hearing and request their presence at the hearing. Note: At the hearing, the student has the right to ask questions of the person bringing charges against them.<\/p>\n

                    3. Notify the student of the hearing and, if applicable, notify the designated Dean of the student\u2019s home school.<\/p>\n

                    a. (If applicable) The designated Dean of the student\u2019s home school shall be invited to attend the hearing as an observer.<\/p>\n

                    b. Hearing notifications shall be sent by and to University email addresses.<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Minimum fifteen (15)-day hearing notice: The hearing must be scheduled between fifteen (15) and twenty-five (25) days from the date of the notification letter. In rare instances where adhering to this timeline is not feasible, the timeline may be extended upon written agreement by both the designated Dean (or designee) and student. The student may waive their fifteen (15)-day notice requirement if they would like to expedite the hearing process.<\/li>\n
                    • The hearing notice should include:\n
                        \n
                      • The charge(s) and copies of all documents that will be used as evidence in the hearing.<\/li>\n
                      • The date, time, and location of the hearing.<\/li>\n
                      • The fact that the student may request to reschedule the hearing within a limited time period, for a valid reason. Requests shall be sent to the designated Dean, who will approve or deny the request after consulting with the conduct committee Chair.<\/li>\n
                      • The fact that a member of the Boston University community may accompany the student at the hearing. The accompanying individual shall serve solely in a support capacity and shall not participate in the proceedings or be recognized as a member of the Hearing Committee.<\/li>\n
                      • The fact that the student may bring witnesses to provide additional information related to the alleged offense.\n
                          \n
                        • The committee Chair may limit or exclude the matters presented by any person to the extent that such information is repetitive or is not pertinent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                        • The fact that the student shall have the right to ask questions of the person bringing the charges. Additionally, in a manner to be prescribed by the Chair, the student may ask questions of all witnesses.<\/li>\n
                        • The fact that the student may, but is not required to, submit a written statement and\/or other documents for review by the Academic Conduct Committee, provided that any statement or documents that the student wishes the Academic Conduct Committee to review are received by the designated Dean at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.<\/li>\n
                        • Notice that in meetings concerning allegations of academic misconduct, the student has the right to receive reasonable and appropriate accommodations through Boston University’s Disability & Access Services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          ii. Between the hearing notice and the hearing<\/p>\n

                          1. Designated Deans and\/or DAIRs should communicate with instructors to:<\/p>\n

                          a. Remind instructors that students have a right to ask questions of the person bringing charges against them (instructors should plan to attend the hearing).<\/p>\n

                          b. Describe the hearing proceedings.<\/p>\n

                          c. Remind instructors that the committee can find the student responsible or not responsible for academic misconduct, and a final grade should not be awarded until this judgment has been made.<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • An \u201cI\u201d grade should be given if there is no resolution by the time grades need to be submitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            d. If the committee finds the student not responsible for academic misconduct, the instructor is not permitted to apply a grading penalty.<\/p>\n

                            2. Designated Deans and\/or DAIRs should communicate with students to:<\/p>\n

                            a. Encourage students to submit a written statement for the conduct committee to read in advance of the hearing. The statement is a student\u2019s opportunity to share their perspective on the incident; to refute the charge; or to accept responsibility. This statement must be received by the designated Dean at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.<\/p>\n

                            b. Let students know that they will receive a hearing packet and encourage them to carefully review all of the materials in the packet prior to the hearing.<\/p>\n

                            c. Describe the hearing proceedings.<\/p>\n

                            d. Review possible sanctions without making predictions about what the committee will recommend.<\/p>\n

                            3. Designated Deans should:<\/p>\n

                            a. Compile hearing packet materials and disseminate them to relevant parties no fewer than three (3) days before a scheduled hearing.<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Relevant parties include: The student, instructor, conduct committee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              b. (If applicable) Review and facilitate any requests for reasonable accommodations made by the student (in conjunction with the University’s Disability & Access Services office).<\/p>\n

                              iii. Academic Conduct Committee Chairs should:<\/p>\n

                              1. Ensure that a quorum of committee members (as identified and outlined in section I.F.iii of the Boston University Academic Conduct Code policy) is available to attend the hearing.<\/p>\n

                              2. Determine if members of the committee should be excused due to a conflict of interest (e.g., kinship, teacher-student mentorship relationship, etc.). The Dean may appoint pro tempore members to replace regular faculty members who are unable to attend or who have been excused.<\/p>\n

                              3. Thoroughly review the hearing packet.<\/p>\n

                              4. Request documentation from the designated Dean that proper notification was provided to the student (this documentation can allow the hearing to proceed if the student does not waive their right to be present at the hearing and chooses not to attend the hearing).<\/p>\n

                              5. Prepare an audio recording device for the hearing.<\/p>\n

                              F. The Hearing Process<\/h3>\n

                              i. The hearing<\/p>\n

                              1. The hearing may proceed in the absence of the student if:<\/p>\n

                              a. The student waives, in writing, the right to be present.<\/p>\n

                              b. The committee is satisfied that proper notice of the hearing was provided to the student and there is no legitimate excuse for the student\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n

                              2. The hearing shall be audio recorded.<\/p>\n

                              a. The recording will be preserved for one (1) year from the date of the hearing.<\/p>\n

                              b. Deliberations will not be recorded.<\/p>\n

                              c. Audio recordings shall not be stored on personal devices.<\/p>\n

                              3. Hearings are not court hearings; the committee is not bound by the legal rules of evidence.<\/p>\n

                              a. Every effort will be made to conduct the hearing as fairly and expeditiously as possible.<\/p>\n

                              4. Hearings are not public.<\/p>\n

                              ii. The hearing proceeding shall include the following:<\/p>\n

                              1. Notification that the proceedings shall be audio recorded.<\/p>\n

                              2. Presentation of charges by the committee Chair.<\/p>\n

                              3. Presentation and examination of material evidence and witnesses by the committee and by the accused student.<\/p>\n

                              4. A statement by the accused student and examination of the student by the committee.<\/p>\n

                              5. Additional examination of witnesses, if required.<\/p>\n

                              6. Deliberation of the committee (which shall not be recorded), after all other hearing attendees have been excused.<\/p>\n

                              7. Determination of responsibility and recommendation of any appropriate sanction by a majority vote of the members present.<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • The committee will be asked to determine if the student is responsible or not responsible for the charge(s) of academic misconduct brought against them; only conduct committees may make this determination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                8. Recommendation of a sanction (if applicable), which is then considered by the designated Dean.<\/p>\n

                                iii. Following the committee\u2019s determination<\/p>\n

                                1. Within five (5) days after the hearing, the committee Chair shall submit a hearing report to the designated Dean. This report will include:<\/p>\n

                                a. A statement of the charges.<\/p>\n

                                b. An overview of the evidence.<\/p>\n

                                c. The finding of responsibility (responsible or not responsible) reached by the committee.<\/p>\n

                                d. The recommended sanction, if any.<\/p>\n

                                2. The designated Dean shall review the evidence supporting the committee\u2019s findings.<\/p>\n

                                a. The designated Dean may refer the matter back to the committee for further consideration and\/or elaboration; may request the transcript or recording of the hearing; and\/or may request copies of the materials reviewed at the hearing.<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • In cases where the designated Dean refers a case back to the conduct committee for further consideration:\n
                                    \n
                                  • Because this step will delay student notification, the student involved in the case shall be updated that this additional review is taking place.<\/li>\n
                                  • The conduct committee shall have ten (10) days to send a final report to the designated Dean.<\/li>\n
                                  • The original judgment of responsibility made by the committee shall not be replaced by a judgment more damaging to the student unless new evidence has been considered upon a rehearing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    3. Based on the recommendation(s) from the conduct committee, the designated Dean shall make a final determination on the sanction. The designated Dean shall also ask the course instructor what (if any) academic penalty they will assess the student; this academic penalty will be included in the sanctions identified in the designated Dean\u2019s final determination letter.<\/p>\n

                                    a. In cases where the student\u2019s home school heard the case:<\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Within ten (10) days of the date of the committee\u2019s final report, the designated Dean shall notify the student and course instructor of the committee\u2019s determination of responsibility and (if applicable) the corresponding sanction(s) via BU email.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      b. In cases where the college of instruction heard the case:<\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • The designated Dean of the school\/college of instruction shall approve and move forward with sanctions that include letters of reprimand, completion of academic integrity workshops, and academic penalties.<\/li>\n
                                      • The designated Dean of the school\/college of instruction must contact their counterpart in the student\u2019s home school to receive agreement for sanctions that include: Probation, suspension, deferred suspension, expulsion, dismissal from a program, or revocation of a degree.\n
                                          \n
                                        • After receiving agreement from the student\u2019s home school, the designated Dean of the school\/college of instruction may approve and move forward with sanctions.<\/li>\n
                                        • If agreement cannot be reached with the student\u2019s home school, the two designated Deans will request a meeting with the appropriate Associate Provost (or designee) to discuss the matter and identify a resolution.<\/li>\n
                                        • After a resolution is reached, the designated Dean from the school\/college of instruction can approve and move forward with sanctions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                        • Within ten (10) days of the date of the committee\u2019s final report, the designated Dean shall notify the student, course instructor, and the designated Dean of the student\u2019s home school of the committee\u2019s determination of responsibility and (if applicable) the corresponding sanction(s) via BU email.\n
                                            \n
                                          • In rare instances where cross-college communication required by section II.F.iii.3.b prolongs the determination notification timeline, the timeline may be extended upon written agreement by both the designated Dean of the school\/college of instruction and the appropriate Associate Provost (or designee). The student and instructor shall be notified of the extended timeline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                              <\/ul>\n

                                              4. The designated Dean of the school\/college of instruction shall record the outcome of the hearing in ADVOCATE and will upload all relevant documents to ADVOCATE (i.e., the conduct committee\u2019s final recommendation and the designated Dean\u2019s notification letter to the student).<\/p>\n

                                              G. Determinations and Sanctions<\/h3>\n

                                              i. Determinations<\/p>\n

                                              1. Conduct committees are asked to determine if the student facing charges is responsible or not responsible for the allegations of academic misconduct brought against them.<\/p>\n

                                              ii. Sanctions<\/p>\n

                                              1. As a result of being found responsible for violating the University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code, students enrolled in Boston University graduate and\/or professional programs may face program-specific consequences in addition to consequences assessed through the University\u2019s Academic Misconduct Process.<\/p>\n

                                              2. Sanctions recommended by conduct committees may include:<\/p>\n

                                              a. No penalty other than a letter of reprimand: This option is typically reserved for \u201cminor\u201d findings of academic misconduct (as defined under Category 1 in \u201cRoles and Definitions\u201d of the University\u2019s Academic Integrity procedures). Past reprimands may be considered in imposing sanctions for future offenses.<\/p>\n

                                              b. Disciplinary probation: For violations deemed serious enough to warrant some abridgment of the student\u2019s rights and privileges. Disciplinary probation may involve counseling with faculty or administrative staff; restriction of student privileges; prohibitions against participation in University activities or events, including athletic or non-athletic activities; and prohibitions against holding office or participating in student organizations or residence, school, or college organizations or activities.<\/p>\n

                                              c. Deferred suspension: Deferred suspension from the University or a program of the University is the most serious form of written warning. Any additional violations incurred while on deferred suspension may result in suspension or expulsion from the University.<\/p>\n

                                              d. Suspension: For violations deemed serious enough to warrant separation of the student from the University community for a limited time, but not serious enough to warrant expulsion. Boston University degrees may not be conferred during a period of suspension. A sanction of suspension from the University will be entered on the student\u2019s permanent record unless this provision is waived by the Dean of the appropriate school or college and the Provost concurs. The University Registrar will be informed of all sanctions involving suspension from the University, and no student will be permitted to re-enroll in the University following such sanction unless they present evidence to the Registrar of satisfaction of the sanction and of appropriate permission for re-enrollment.<\/p>\n

                                              e. Expulsion: For extremely serious academic misconduct. A sanction of expulsion from the University will be entered on the student\u2019s permanent record unless this provision is waived by the dean of the appropriate school or college and the Provost concurs. The University Registrar will be informed of all sanctions involving expulsion from the University. Expulsion is permanent.<\/p>\n

                                              f. Other sanctions, which may include:<\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Successful completion of academic integrity workshops approved by the University Provost.<\/li>\n
                                              • Corresponding grade penalties\n
                                                  \n
                                                • In cases where an Academic Conduct Committee has identified responsibility for a violation of the Code, the course instructor may determine and assess a grade penalty. The ultimate grade assigned by the course instructor should reflect the faculty member\u2019s determination of how seriously overall course goals and expectations of the academic discipline were compromised by work involved in the incident of academic misconduct, and how that work should in consequence contribute to the final course grade. All grade penalties assessed by course instructors that result from \u201cresponsible\u201d determinations of academic misconduct (as described and outlined in the University Academic Conduct Code), including penalties assessed as part of the Agreement for Resolution, will be considered a component of the student\u2019s overall academic misconduct sanction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                                • Removal from a professional program\n
                                                    \n
                                                  • For violations involving conduct that is considered serious enough to withdraw the student from a program leading to a professional endorsement from the University; such conduct may take place within a professional field assignment as well as the University. Removal from a professional program does not, in itself, bar the student from graduation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                                                  • Revocation of the degree\n
                                                      \n
                                                    • For serious misconduct, including but not limited to misconduct that occurred while the student was enrolled at the University but was discovered after graduation; conduct involving fraudulent use of University transcripts or degree certificates after graduation; or similar serious misconduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      H. Appeals<\/h3>\n

                                                      i. Appeals that meet the Code\u2019s Standard on Appeal (below) may be presented to the Dean of the school\/college of instruction within ten (10) days of a student\u2019s receipt of the designated Dean\u2019s decision and sanction.<\/p>\n

                                                      1. Standard on Appeal<\/p>\n

                                                      a. The determination of the Conduct Committee and sanction issued by the designated Dean should be upheld unless it appears on appeal that:<\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • New information has become available to support the student\u2019s position.<\/li>\n
                                                      • The student\u2019s rights (as outlined in this Code) were violated during the academic misconduct process.<\/li>\n
                                                      • The assigned sanction is grossly disproportionate to the finding of misconduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        b. The Dean may choose to:<\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Reject the appeal.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Uphold the determination of \u201cresponsible,\u201d but modify the sanction (sanctions cannot be modified to be more severe than the designated Dean\u2019s original penalty).<\/li>\n
                                                        • Overturn the determination of \u201cresponsible.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          c. Notifications<\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Students will be notified of the Dean\u2019s decision by and to University email addresses within ten (10) days of receiving the appeal.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Notification letters must make students aware of their right to appeal the Dean\u2019s decision to the University Provost within ten (10) days of receipt of the Dean\u2019s appeal determination.<\/li>\n
                                                          • The instructor involved in the case, the designated Dean of the school\/college of instruction, and (if applicable) the designated Dean of the student’s home school will be copied on the email.<\/li>\n
                                                          • The designated Dean (or designee) of the school\/college of instruction shall upload a copy of the Dean\u2019s appeal decision letter to the ADVOCATE database.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            ii. Deans\u2019 appeal determinations that meet the Code\u2019s Standard on Appeal (below) may be appealed to the University Provost within ten (10) days of a student\u2019s receipt of the Dean\u2019s appeal determination.<\/p>\n

                                                            1. Before making a decision, the Provost (or designee) may conduct their own investigation if they feel it is warranted.<\/p>\n

                                                            a. Standard on Appeal<\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • The decision of the Dean should be upheld unless it appears on appeal that:\n
                                                                \n
                                                              • New information has become available to support the student\u2019s position.<\/li>\n
                                                              • The student\u2019s rights (as outlined in this Code) were violated during the academic misconduct process.<\/li>\n
                                                              • The assigned sanction is grossly disproportionate to the finding of misconduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                2. The Provost (or designee) may choose to:<\/p>\n

                                                                a. Reject the appeal.<\/p>\n

                                                                b. Uphold the determination of \u201cresponsible,\u201d but modify the sanction (sanctions cannot be modified to be more severe than the designated Dean\u2019s original penalty).<\/p>\n

                                                                c. Overturn the determination of \u201cresponsible.\u201d<\/p>\n

                                                                3. The decision of the University Provost is final.<\/p>\n

                                                                4. Notifications<\/p>\n

                                                                a. Students will be notified of the Provost\u2019s decision via University email within fifteen (15) days of receiving the appeal.<\/p>\n

                                                                b. The instructor involved in the case, the designated Dean of the school\/college of instruction, and (if applicable) the designated Dean of the student\u2019s home school will be copied on the email.<\/p>\n

                                                                c. The designated Dean of the school\/college of instruction shall upload a copy of the Provost\u2019s appeal decision letter to the ADVOCATE database.<\/p>\n

                                                                I. Student Privacy and Records Retention<\/h3>\n

                                                                i. Notice of suspension or expulsion is sent to the parent or guardian of a student who has consented to the release of such information to their parents or guardians.<\/p>\n

                                                                1. Dissemination of information is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and GDPR (if applicable).<\/p>\n

                                                                ii. Any sanction resulting in a separation from the University (i.e., suspension, expulsion, and\/or revocation of admission or degree) will be recorded on the student\u2019s transcript.<\/p>\n

                                                                iii. Any record created pursuant to this Code may be disclosed with or without a waiver if required by law.<\/p>\n

                                                                1. Graduate\/professional school applications<\/p>\n

                                                                a. If asked, students are expected to truthfully disclose their academic misconduct record on graduate\/professional school applications.<\/p>\n

                                                                b. During the Dean\u2019s certification process, Boston University will report a student\u2019s academic misconduct record, if requested.<\/p>\n

                                                                iv. Academic conduct records will be retained by a student\u2019s home school for seven (7) years after the student graduates or otherwise leaves the University.<\/p>\n

                                                                1. Records relating to suspension, expulsion, or revocation of a degree shall be retained by the University indefinitely.<\/p>\n

                                                                J. Student Withdrawal from the Course or Program<\/h3>\n

                                                                i. In line with the University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code, the following steps outline a recommended course of action for scenarios where students accused of academic misconduct subsequently withdraw from the course(s) in question:<\/p>\n

                                                                Step 1: A student is made aware of a misconduct allegation by an instructor. The student then chooses to withdraw from the course.<\/p>\n

                                                                Step 2: Following typical protocol outlined in the University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code, the designated Dean checks the ADVOCATE database to see if the student has a previous record of academic misconduct.<\/p>\n

                                                                Step 3a: If the student has no prior record of academic misconduct, the designated Dean and instructor may agree to invite the student to discuss a resolution agreement.<\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • Because they are no longer enrolled in the course in question, the student would not incur an academic penalty if they agree to sign an Agreement for Resolution Form. A signed form, however, would still serve as a record of prior academic misconduct.<\/li>\n
                                                                • If the student agrees to sign a resolution form, a copy of the agreement is uploaded to the ADVOCATE database and the case is closed.<\/li>\n
                                                                • If the student does not sign the resolution form, the case moves to a hearing (Step 3b).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                  Step 3b: If the student has a prior record of academic misconduct, or if the student has declined to sign an Agreement for Resolution Form, the case is referred to a conduct committee.<\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • The conduct committee proceeds using the typical protocol outlined in the University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • The student\u2019s withdrawal from the course in question may be a fact presented to the conduct committee by the instructor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                    Effective July 1, 2026 Boston University\u2019s Academic Conduct Code (the \u201cCode\u201d) is designed to assist in the development of a supportive and productive learning environment. It is both a description of the University\u2019s ethical expectations of students, as well as a guarantee of students\u2019 rights and responsibilities as members of a learning community. It is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1393,"featured_media":0,"parent":36244,"menu_order":48,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33629"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1393"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33629"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":101662,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33629\/revisions\/101662"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}