Graduate Student Academic Integrity

The Graduate Student Academic Misconduct policy lays out a process for adjudicating suspected cases for academic integrity violations. Academic units can adopt the policy so that they can engage in the resolution of suspected graduate student academic misconduct cases locally to meet professional and collegial standards.

The policy outlines two different phases in the approach to the resolution of suspected graduate academic misconduct — an informal phase and a formal phase — where the Graduate Division acts as a consultant throughout the process to ensure equity and due process.

When an instructor suspects that a graduate student has committed an academic integrity violation, they should first discuss their suspicion with their chair or dean and with the Graduate Division to confirm that the student does not have a prior record of academic misconduct.

If the student does not have a prior record, the faculty member may attempt to resolve the suspected academic misconduct by discussing it with the student. This is considered the informal phase. If the student has a prior academic misconduct record, if the student and faculty member do not agree on whether misconduct occurred, or if the student or department chair/dean disagrees with the sanction, then a formal investigation is initiated. During the formal phase, a committee of at least three faculty will conduct an investigation on the allegation and, if the student is determined by a preponderance of evidence to be responsible for the allegation, decide upon the appropriate sanction(s).

Academic Units are asked to decide by the end of Fall ‘23 as to whether they will adopt the policy locally to adjudicate cases of suspected academic misconduct or whether they would like such cases to be adjudicated centrally. 

During the 2023-24 Academic Year, allegations of academic misconduct of graduate and professional students can still be reported through the Center for Student Conduct where their cases will be addressed in consultation with the Graduate Division.

Procedural information, training and FAQs for instructors and students.

It is important that graduate students understand the Graduate Academic Misconduct Policy and associated procedures should they find themselves facing an allegation of academic misconduct.

If you are participating in the conduct process, act with integrity. If you have concerns, communicate with the relevant parties. Be prompt in responding to requests and make sure to ask questions if you need clarification.

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. For assistance in understanding your rights, the adjudication process, and to learn about resources please contact the Director of Graduate Academic Conduct and Climate at [email protected]. 

• 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 remain silent at any part of the adjudication process. 
  • Graduate students also have the right to choose not to participate in the resolution of their charges. 

• Students have a right to be heard.
  • 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
  • The advisor can be a part of any stage of the process. 
  • 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 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. For assistance in understanding your rights, the adjudication process, and to learn about resources please contact the Director of Graduate Academic Conduct and Climate at [email protected].

• Respondent Services: Respondent Services through the Center for Support and Intervention provides further resources, information and referrals to students who have been charged with an alleged violation and face suspension or dismissal from the University. 
• Graduate Peer Support Providers: Graduate Peer Support Providers (PSPs) meet one-on-one with graduate students at UC Berkeley to provide assistance in navigating the processes related to mental health, basic needs and academia. 
• 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.

If you are faculty, suspecting of graduate student academic misconduct, please note the following:

• Faculty are responsible for notifying their chair/dean and the Graduate Division if they suspect a case of academic misconduct
• Faculty should always presume that a graduate student is not responsible for an alleged violation unless the student openly admits or is determined to be responsible after a preponderance of evidence.
• Faculty may not take any punitive action against a student upon suspicion of misconduct or during the pending resolution of an allegation./
• If grades need to be submitted, faculty must utilize a temporary notation of “RD” (Review Deferred) on the grade roster during the pending resolution of an allegation.
• Faculty have sixty (60) days to report an incident of suspected academic misconduct.