Getting charged with an honor code violation is any student’s nightmare. But once you’ve graduated, any fear of an honor code violation accusation should be well laid to rest, right? Not quite. You can still be charged with an honor code violation by your alma mater. That being the case, have you thought of what the consequences might be?
At DC Student Defense, former federal prosecutor Shanlon Wu has defended students and graduates facing exactly this situation. What most of them wish they had done sooner was get him involved before making any statements to the university.
What Are The Consequences Of An Honor Code Violation?
Most universities have honor codes. These honor codes usually require students not to cheat on examinations, tests, papers, or assignments. The consequences of honor code violations are, however, not limited to when you’re still a student.
Once a university is notified that you may have violated the honor code, they can initiate the academic integrity process regardless of how much time has passed since you graduated.
- Your degree may be rescinded, even if you are already working in your field
- Job loss is a real possibility if your employer requires the degree as a condition of employment
- A finding against you becomes part of your permanent academic record, which may affect professional licensing, graduate school applications, and background checks
For students still enrolled at the time of the investigation, consequences may also include reprimand, probation, suspension, expulsion, a failing grade, or mandatory completion of an ethics course. But for graduates, the stakes are different. You have already built something on the foundation of that degree, and a university finding can put all of it at risk.
What Is The Procedure For Prosecuting Honor Code Violations After Graduating?
Different universities have different ways of dealing with honor code violations. Despite this, the process is typically initiated when a student or faculty member reports a person for violating an honor code to the school officials. The university then brings the allegations before an honor council. The council is generally made up of students, professors, and a non-voting faculty adviser.
In practice, if you’re charged with an honor code violation, you may not be given immediate access to the written charges leveled against you. Neither will the authorities give you the documents backing up the allegations. This can hinder you from adequately preparing a defense.
If that happens, you should nonetheless read the school’s policies and gather witnesses and documents for your defense. You can also choose to hire a lawyer to defend you, although not all universities allow lawyers in the disciplinary proceedings. In such situations, the lawyer can act in an advisory capacity.
How To Prepare A Defense Against Honor Code Violation Charges
When preparing a defense against an honor code violation charge, here’s a list of things you need to do at the very least:
- Read the written policies regulating the university’s honor code and honor council
- Get a copy of all the information the university is basing the violation charge on
- Note possible witnesses
- Examine every possible justification for the alleged violation
- Hire an experienced student defense attorney to help you understand the likely questions the honor council may ask, and prepare how best to answer them
- Research how the honor council works in practice and not just in theory
- Request for the exact procedures that comply with due process
Contact DC Student Defense Today
Being accused of an honor code violation can have a significantly negative and long-lasting effect on a student. It’s even worse if you are recalled by your university after graduating to face an honor code violation charge. It could end in you losing not just your degree but your job as well.
Contact DC Defense to avoid these problems and start building your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honor Code Violation Charges After Graduation
1. Can a university charge you with an honor code violation after you graduate?
Yes. Universities can pursue honor code violations long after you have received your degree. If the school determines you are responsible, they may revoke your degree, which could cost you your job if your position requires that credential. The process can be initiated years after graduation with little warning.
2. Can a university actually take away my degree?
Yes. If a university finds you responsible for an honor code violation after graduation, they have the authority to rescind your degree. This can have immediate professional consequences, including job loss if your employer requires the degree as a condition of employment.
3. Will I be able to see the evidence against me in a university honor code proceeding?
Not necessarily. Universities are not required to give you immediate access to the written charges or the documents supporting them. This makes it difficult to prepare a defense without guidance. Make sure you speak with an attorney before responding to any university inquiries.
4. Can I have a lawyer represent me in a university honor code hearing?
It depends on the university. Not all institutions allow attorneys inside honor code hearings. However, an attorney can advise you at every stage of the process, help you prepare your defense, and ensure the university follows its own procedures.
5. What should I do first if I am contacted about a possible honor code violation?
Do not respond to the university before speaking with an attorney. Review your university’s code of conduct, gather any relevant documents, and schedule a consultation with DC Student Defense as soon as possible.
6. Does it matter that the alleged violation happened years ago?
It can matter in terms of gathering evidence and identifying witnesses, but it does not prevent the university from moving forward. Universities can act on complaints regardless of how much time has passed. Contact DC Student Defense before assuming the timeline works in your favor.
