Academic Integrity Reviews
Ensuring a Fair and Transparent Process
Academic Integrity Reviews (AIR) serve as a vital step when a student contests an academic integrity violation, constituting approximately 15% of reported cases. This process involves faculty and students coming together to make unbiased determinations.
The AIR process focuses solely on determining whether a student's actions violated the Academic Integrity Policy. It does not consider intent (i.e., whether the student “meant” to violate policy) or the character (i.e., whether the student is a “good person”) of the student but relies on an evaluation of facts and evidence. The Academic Integrity Review Board is responsible for reviewing the evidence and determining based on the preponderance of evidence (i.e., more likely than not) whether a student is responsible for a violation.
The decision-making process mirrors research methodology, where data is collected, analyzed, and logical conclusions are drawn based on the evidence.
Preparing for the Review
When a student requests a review, you have 10 business days to submit, update, or approve existing materials related to the allegation. The following will be asked of you:
- to review and approve or update your allegation statement
- to provide the names and contact information of any other relevant parties that should attend the Review (i.e., instructional assistant, an uninvolved student who witnessed specific behavior)
Ensure your materials clearly convey the academic integrity concern and support the allegation. Timely responses are crucial - any deviations from timelines may form the basis for appeals.
Requesting Assistance
Request a trained AI Review Board (AIRB) Advisor from the Academic Integrity Office to assist in preparing materials.
Scheduling the Review
AI Review I
Your presence is not required, so scheduling is not a consideration.
AI Review II
The AIO will contact you to ask for your availability. We ask for your flexibility to be able to accommodate all relevant parties. Once a date and time is confirmed, you will receive a scheduling notice with detailed information to help prepare for the Review.
Prepare for the Day of Review
AI Review I
Your presence is not required, but questions may arise. If any do, AIO will contact you via email.
AI Review II
Prepare for a formal hearing where you explain the allegation, help the panel understand the evidence, and respond to questions. On the day of, we ask that you:
- Log in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled Review time, leaving time to troubleshoot any technical issues
- Respond truthfully to questions and avoid adversarial behavior.
- Remember, the process is not a trial, and the AIRB determines violations based on available information.
- Arguments of “intent” or “character” are irrelevant
- Dress casually; formal attire is unnecessary.
For additional details or assistance, refer to our FAQ on participating in remote reviews (PDF)
After the Review
Once the AIR I or II panels make a decision on responsibility, notifications are sent to you and the involved student(s) within 5 business days.
- If the student is held responsible, they can appeal. If the appeal is unsuccessful, you can submit the academic penalty.
- If the student is not held responsible, they choose to receive their earned grade or retroactively withdraw without it being indicated on their transcript.