Procedures for Graduate 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. Students should reach out to the Director of Graduate Academic Conduct and Climate, Burcu Tung, PhD ([email protected]) if they have any questions. Part of the Director’s role is to ensure due process in the administration of the Graduate Student Academic Misconduct Policy and is available to answer student questions.  

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. Make sure to ask questions if you need clarification. 

Download the student fact sheet. 

Download the early resolution flowchart

Download the committee investigation flowchart

• 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
  • 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. 
  • 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.

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.