Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Incidents Are Reported to Student Conduct and Integrity?

Can students be reported for both academic misconduct and non-academic misconduct?
Yes, students can be reported for both academic and non-academic/social misconduct.
Can students be reported for off-campus conduct?
Yes. Student Conduct and Integrity considers many factors when determining whether to exercise off-campus jurisdiction. See On- and Off-Campus Jurisdiction.
Can the student be prosecuted criminally AND also be reported to Student Conduct and Integrity for the same act?
Yes, if the act is both a violation of student conduct standards and the criminal law. Students have special responsibilities as part of their relationship to the university that are different from their general obligations as citizens to obey the law. The same act may be a violation both of the student's responsibilities to the university and their legal obligations, resulting in more than one kind of consequence for that act.

What Happens When a Report is Made?

How are students reported to Student Conduct and Integrity?
The reporting party submits a report of misconduct through the Student Conduct and Integrity website and includes any documents or other information related to the suspected misconduct. Student Conduct and Integrity reviews the report to determine whether it describes conduct that may be a violation of university policy. In most cases, Student Conduct and Integrity notifies the student about the report and schedules a meeting with a Student Conduct Specialist to discuss the matter.
How are students notified that they have been reported to Student Conduct and Integrity?
Generally, Student Conduct and Integrity sends an email (Notice of Allegations) informing the student of the alleged policy violation(s) and notifying them of a scheduled appointment with a specific Student Conduct Specialist. Prior to the student's scheduled meeting, the student is encouraged to review the conduct process.
What should a student do after receiving an email notice that a report has made to Student Conduct and Integrity?
It is important that the student follow the directions in the notice and attend the meeting with the Student Conduct Specialist.
What if the student does not respond to the notice?
If the student does not attend the scheduled meeting, a second meeting will be scheduled. If the student fails to respond, the Student Conduct Specialist will proceed with the conduct process per policy. Holds may be placed on the student's registration and transcripts and if the student is a senior nearing graduation, holds may also be placed on the student's graduation and diploma.

Reporting Misconduct

What to expect after you submit a report?
The reporting party receives a confirmation email with the report number. Student Conduct and Integrity reviews the report and will contact you if more information is needed. Student Conduct and Integrity meets with the student, provides an overview of the conduct process, explains the report, and allows the student to respond. Student Conduct and Integrity follows up with you after meeting with the student before the case is resolved.
What about the student's grade?
If a student admits to the misconduct or is found in violation through the disciplinary process, Academic Senate Regulation 550 authorizes the instructor to impose a grade penalty up to an "F" for the course, regardless of how many points the paper, exam, lab, etc. was worth.
What if grades must be submitted before the student's case is resolved?
If a disciplinary matter is unresolved at the end of the quarter, submit a grade of "Y" for the student on the grade report form. This is just a "place-holder" grade; once the matter is resolved, Student Conduct and Integrity will notify you. See the Online Grade Change Tool for more information.
What if the student doesn't respond to Student Conduct and Integrity?
If the student does not attend the scheduled meeting, a second meeting will be scheduled. If the student fails to respond, the Student Conduct Specialist will proceed with the disciplinary process per policy. Holds may be placed on the student's registration and transcripts; if the student is a senior nearing graduation, holds may also be placed on the student's graduation and diploma.

The Conduct Process

Can a student have a friend or parent attend meetings in the conduct process?
Yes, please refer to Advisors for Student Conduct Process.
Can a student bring an attorney to the meeting with Student Conduct and Integrity?
Yes. However, the attorney may attend only in an advisory capacity, and the student must speak on their own behalf in the Student Conduct and Integrity process for academic matters. As a result, most students do not find it worthwhile to involve an attorney, especially in academic cases, since most first-time academic violations are resolved in a way that permits the student to remain in school and learn from the experience. Additionally, the main purpose of the discipline process is educational: to ensure that the student understands our conduct standards and to help the student learn.
Can a student access or review the report of misconduct prior to meeting with the Student Conduct Specialist?
No, access to the information will be provided during your meeting, not in advance.
What happens at the first meeting between the student and Student Conduct and Integrity?
A meeting with a Student Conduct Specialist provides an opportunity to explain the conduct process, discuss the reported incident, review the available information, and ensure the student has an opportunity to respond.
What happens after the student meets with the Student Conduct Specialist?
For academic cases, the Student Conduct Specialist will share the student's response and proposed outcomes with the instructor of record.
For non-academic cases, the Student Conduct Specialist will review all information available and perform additional investigation prior to reaching an outcome.
What happens if the student says they did not do anything wrong?
The Student Conduct Specialist will review the facts and information available and shall determine, based on the preponderance of the evidence, whether it is more likely than not the student violated university policy.
Why should a student be honest if the Student Conduct Specialist makes the decision?
Providing false or misleading information during a student conduct process may be considered an aggravating factor when determining an appropriate outcome and, depending on the circumstances and applicable policy, may result in more significant sanctions. Students are encouraged to participate honestly and respectfully by sharing relevant information.

Formal Hearing Procedures

When does a student go to a formal hearing?
When the outcome of the Administrative Resolution includes suspension or dismissal, and the student has contested Student Conduct’s determination of responsibility, the case will proceed to a formal hearing. However, if a student accepts the determination of responsibility but disagrees with the proposed suspension or dismissal, they do not proceed to a formal hearing and can appeal the sanctions. See Appendix H, Formal Hearing and Formal Hearing Procedures for details.
What happens during a formal hearing?
See Appendix H, Formal Hearing and Formal Hearing Procedures for details.
Does the student have to prove their innocence?
No. The university has the burden of proving that a violation occurred. If a formal hearing is held, the standard of proof for determining whether a policy violation occurred is preponderance of evidence. A preponderance of evidence is defined as "more likely to be true than not".

Reported Academic Misconduct and the Student's Grade

What happens to the student's grade if a student is reported for suspected academic misconduct?
While the matter is pending, no grade will be assigned to the work in question. If the matter is not resolved by the end of the quarter, a grade of "Y" will be recorded for the course. The "Y" is simply a place-holder that signals to the Registrar's Office that a matter remains pending with Student Conduct and Integrity, and the Y grade does not factor into the student's GPA. The student's final course grade is submitted at the conclusion of the conduct process. Once the matter is resolved, the instructor may assign the student up to an F in the course, regardless of how many points the piece of work was worth.
Can't a student who has been reported to Student Conduct and Integrity for an incident in a class just drop that class?
No, once a student has been reported to Student Conduct and Integrity, they must go through the conduct process regardless of whether they are still enrolled in the class. Also, deans in the academic colleges may not approve a late drop for a class in which a student has been reported for suspected academic misconduct.

Academic Integrity

What should a student do if they see another student cheating?
If a student sees someone cheating during an exam, the student should cover their own work and alert the instructor to the situation as soon as possible. If possible, tell the instructor while it's still happening so that the instructor can also witness the behavior. It is very helpful if you can also supply additional details, such as how the student appears to be cheating (e.g. copying, using a cell phone or cheat-sheet, etc.), where the student is sitting, what they look like and — if you know it — the suspect student's name.
What if the student wants to tell the instructor but doesn't want the other student to know who reported incident?
Often, students want the instructor to know what happened but don't want the other student to know who reported the matter. So reports can be made anonymously. Letting the instructor know there is concerning behavior means that the instructor can investigate further and decide whether to refer the matter to Student Conduct and Integrity. Student Conduct and Integrity will not disclose the name of a student witness if the witness wishes to remain anonymous.
What if the student was not aware of the course policies or the Code of Academic Conduct and did not mean to do anything wrong?
Students at UC Davis are responsible for knowing the rules, so is ignorance is not considered a valid excuse. This is why it is important to ask questions if one is unsure of the standards that apply. For example, if a student does not know the proper rules for citing sources in a paper, or does not know whether or to what extent students can work together on a homework assignment, the student should ask questions about the rules BEFORE completing and submitting the assignment. If a student is worried about whether something is OK or not, it's important not to ignore those concerns. When in doubt, the best course of action is to ask for clarification.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Does the University have a single AI policy?
No, there is no universal policy. At this time, each individual instructor determines their own AI policy for the course. We recommend checking each course syllabus, course announcements and Canvas (assignment guidelines/instructions) as well as any verbal or written instruction from the course instructional team (TA and/or instructor). If you are unsure about the AI policy for a course, it is the student’s responsibility to check with the course instructional team before using any AI tools.
What is considered an AI tool?
First, the student should always defer to the course instructional team about what is considered an AI tool and if it is permitted to be used. Second, AI is ever evolving. It is impossible to create an exhaustive list; however, some current common AI tools include ChatGPT (any version), Google AI Overview, Google Translate, Google Gemini, DeepL, DeepSeek, PhotoMath, Copilot, Claude, Github's Co-Pilot, Grammarly, Youdao, Baidu, Quillbot and SnapChat AI.
Is using AI cheating?
Sometimes. At UC Davis, use of AI can be considered plagiarism, not following instructor’s directions, and/or use of unauthorized material, to name a few. Remember to always check with your course instructional team on what is permitted or not permitted because not knowing does not excuse use of AI tools. If your course instructional team has not given you permission, do not use AI tools (generative and/or editing).
For more information and resources related to AI use and academic integrity, please see Suggestions for Avoiding Academic Misconduct and the Writing Center or AATC Writing Support Center.
I have been reported for AI use and/or my instructor suspects I have used AI, how can I prepare for my meeting with Student Conduct and Integrity?
If you have used AI, acknowledge your use, be prepared to explain and/or show how you used AI (e.g., chat history), and also be prepared to answer questions about your work and process. You may consider bringing browser history, document history, notes/drafts, peer and/or instructor feedback, etc.; however, anything you bring to the meeting, the Student Conduct Specialist will review and determine the relevancy and/or authenticity of your evidence.

Sanctions for Disciplinary Violations

If a student did break the rules, will they get kicked out of school?
It depends. However, the student may be removed from school - suspended or dismissed - if any one or more of the aggravating factors are present (see Factors Considered in Determining Student Conduct Sanctions and Actions).
What are some possible sanctions/consequences?
Please refer to Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline.
What is the difference between Academic and Disciplinary Probation?
A student can be placed on Academic Probation by the Dean of his or her school or college if the student's GPA or units completed fall below academic requirements. Disciplinary Probation is a sanction imposed for violation of university policy; it is specific to conduct and a student's disciplinary standing, and does not affect the student's academic standing or status.
Will my disciplinary status show on my transcript?
Only Suspension and Dismissal will be posted on academic transcript, see Section 106.00 of the Policy.
How does a disciplinary record affect a student's future education and career?
UC Davis is an educational institution, one of the primary goals of our campus disciplinary process is to help students learn from their mistakes. Consult with your graduate, professional school and/or employer for their requirements concerning disclosure of conduct records. See Record Retention Policy of Student Disciplinary Records. In addition, on-campus student positions, Education Abroad and Summer Abroad programs may require Student Conduct and Integrity to verify a student's disciplinary standing or record. Failure to accurately disclose a disciplinary record when required on an application may also affect the application outcome.