Procedures for Graduate Students
It is important that graduate students understand the Graduate Student Academic Misconduct Policy (GAMP) and associated procedures should they find themselves facing an allegation of academic misconduct.
If you’re involved in the conduct process, approach it with honesty and responsibility. Communicate any concerns clearly, respond to requests in a timely manner, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear.
You can always reach out to the Director of Graduate Academic Conduct and Climate, Burcu Tung, PhD ([email protected]). The Director’s role includes ensuring due process in the administration of GAMP and serving as a resource for students with questions about the process.
Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
- Students have a right to be notified of alleged academic misconduct.
- This may come as an official Alleged Violation Letter (AVL) letter or as an informal communication (email or in person) with a faculty member.
- Students have a right to access all the information utilized for the allegation they received. Students must fill out a “Records Release Form” (see below) to access this information.
- Students have a right to choose to not participate in adjudication process.
- Graduate students also have the to not respond to the charges brought against them. However, choosing not to participate does not mean the charges will be dismissed. The adjudication process may proceed and reach a conclusion without the student’s involvement.
- Students have a right to share information and their side of the story.
- If a student receives an AVL, they have five days to challenge in writing the membership of the committee, which they should do if they see a conflict of interest.
- During a hearing process, students have a right to express their point of view.
- During a hearing process, students also have a right to review and respond to a written summary of all the evidence presented by the committee before a decision is reached.
- Students have a right to be accompanied by one advisor
- Students have the right to select an advisor of their choice or request the campus to provide an advisor to them. The advisor can be a part of any stage of the process.
- UC Berkeley fulfills requests for advisors by providing students “Respondent Services” (see Student Support below).
- The advisor can assist the student in preparing for the hearing or can act as an emotional support.
- The advisor, however, may not speak on behalf of the student at any time, or represent the student.
- Students need to complete a “Third-Party Authorization Form” (see below) to discuss their record and work with an advisor.
- Students have a right to appeal (within 10 days of receiving the notification of the hearing committee’s decision), if
- A student has new evidence that was not available at the time of the hearing that could affect the committee’s decision.
- A student has grounds to believe that there was a significant procedural error that affected the committee’s decision.
If you are a graduate student seeking more information regarding UC Berkeley’s policies and procedures regarding Graduate Students, including Graduate Appeals, please refer to the Guide to Graduate Policy.
Student Support
Respondent Services: Respondent Services assists you in understanding your rights, the investigation, the adjudication process, and resource referral. If you would like to learn more, please contact Respondent Services at [email protected] or call 510-664-4218.
Graduate Wellness Center: The Graduate Wellness Center provides graduate-focused wellness and mental health services. Graduate students charged with an alleged violation may receive individual counseling through the Graduate Wellness Center
Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees: The Ombuds Office is a confidential service for students for any campus-related conflict or concern.
ASUC Student Advocate’s Office: Students can consult with the Student Advocate’s Office on alleged violations. Students should note that this is a student run-service for students.
More resources for Graduate Students can be found at Resources and Services for Graduate Students.
Forms
Please complete the following Google Form to request any of the forms listed below. These forms will be sent to you via DocuSign. Once you have completed the relevant DocuSign forms, no further action is required on your part.
Records Release Form
Request a “Records Release Form” form if you would like to access the records utilized in the context of the allegation that you received. Once you’ve completed the DocuSign please allow three working days to receive your conduct record. Note that we are only able to provide you with electronic copies of your records.
Third-Party Authorization Form
This form grants the Graduate Division or the Academic Unit permission to discuss your record with an advisor. You must fill this form if you want to work with an advisor. This form also permits an advisor or support person to be present during meetings.
Request to Expunge Student Conduct Record Form
You must utilize this form if you want your conduct record to be reviewed and expunged early. Disciplinary records may be expunged early by the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate Division or their designee for good cause, upon written request of a student who has a disciplinary record. With rare exceptions, most student conduct records are retained for five years from the end of the semester in which the notice of the final outcome occurred.