Part VI, Section II: Summary of Academic Integrity Violation (AIV) Regulations and Procedures at East Carolina University

Updated: August 16, 2024

Important Sites/Links
ECU PRR manual links
ECU Regulation on Academic Integrity
ECU Procedure to Initiate AIV Proceedings
Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities – AIV Information
FERPA waiver consent form
Sample notification email
Link to submit AIV information to OSRR

The AIV process at ECU involves an instructor, student(s), and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR). The full ECU REG02.07.11 University Regulation on Academic Integrity is housed in the University Policy Manual. The purpose of the information provided here is to provide a general outline to guide the instructor through the AIV process and summarize the regulation contents, but instructors should be aware of all aspects of the regulation.

First, should a suspected AIV arise in their classroom, the instructor should be aware of their rights as well as those of the student. These are listed below:

Student Rights:

  1. The right to a fair, impartial and efficient process and evaluation of the complaint.
  2. The right to be present at the meeting with the instructor of record and during the Academic Integrity Board (AIB) meeting if applicable.
  3. The right to reasonable access to all relevant information gathered throughout the investigation pertinent to the alleged violation.
  4. The right to respond to information presented against the student. This may include presenting information relevant to the alleged violation and/or to invite witnesses.
  5. The right to provide information throughout the process. The University will make a determination with or without the student’s information. The University will not imply that a student failing to provide information means that the student is withholding incriminating information.
  6. The right to a separate meeting with a faculty member or individual AIB hearing in cases involving multiple students. Charges against multiple students may be heard a single hearing only if each student consents.
  7. The right to review the decision, after receiving written notice of the outcome, and to appeal as outlined in the PRR.
  8. The right to be presumed not responsible until proven responsible, and to plead not responsible without fear that the plea itself (as distinct from any unrelated lies or misrepresentations) may give rise to a charge of lying should the student be found guilty of committing an AIV.
  9. The right to be assisted in their written appeal by a licensed attorney or non-attorney advocate at the student’s expense.

Instructor Rights:

  1. The right to have a non-participating observer present at the initial meeting (see below), subject to FERPA compliance.
  2. The right to invite relevant witnesses with knowledge of the alleged AIV.
  3. The right to submit a written statement.
  4. The right, after receiving the written notice of the outcome, to review the decision if permitted under ECU policies, University of North Carolina System policies, and local, state, and federal laws.
  5. The right to submit a written statement or additional information. This includes the right to submit material even after referral to the AIAB.

In addition to these rights, the main components of the regulation are as follows, and can be found in their entirety in the University Regulation on Academic Integrity:

  • Scope and overview of Academic Integrity regulation
  • Definitions of Academic Integrity Violations (AIVs)
  • Definitions of committees involved in the AIV process
  • A listing of student and instructor rights and responsibilities
  • Due process standards
  • Summary and construction of the different academic integrity review committees involved in the AIV process
  • Additional considerations involved in AIV reporting
    • Withdrawal from course
    • Involvement of multiple students
    • Scenarios involving students outside of class in question or situations where class is not in session
    • Graduate and professional school students
  • Possible sanctions
  • Process for appeals

The full procedure to initiate the AIV Process can be found in Appendix A: Academic Integrity Process and Procedures (PDF). Please note, beyond the standard procedure to follow to initiate the AIV process, instructors should be aware of any program specific regulations that must be followed. Please consult the specific program code for any AIV specific information before consulting the University regulation steps below.

The general ECU AIV procedure is summarized in this flowchart from OSRR and as follows:

  • Instructor becomes aware of a potential AIV by student.
  • Within ten (10) days of discovering the AIV, instructor notifies student by email of the suspected AIV. The notification should list the following (Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) provides a sample email):
    • Specific allegation of AIV
    • A brief description of the evidence of the AIV
    • A time and a place to meet to discuss the AIV
    • Possible sanctions should the student be found responsible
    • Appropriate contact information
    • A link to the ECU AIV Regulation as well as the AIV Procedures document
  • Student needs to respond within ten (10) calendar days to acknowledge the notification and agree to a meeting with the instructor (instructor meeting). If the student doesn’t respond, the AIV form can be submitted to OSRR (see below).
  • The instructor meeting is where evidence is presented, and the student can explain the circumstances involved in the suspected AIV. A template for conducting the meeting is available.
    • Both parties are allowed to have a non-participating observer present.
    • FERPA waivers need to be signed if necessary.
  • The instructor considers the evidence and student information. Within ten (10) calendar days, the instructor informs the student of the outcome of the meeting.
    • Student responsible: Instructor fills out OSRR form summarizing the evidence and meeting outcome and indicates a sanction commensurate with the violation. Possible sanctions are summarized in REG02.07.11 University Regulation on Academic Integrity.
    • Student not responsible: Instructor informs the student, but no other information is sent to OSRR, and the case is closed.

In cases sent to OSRR, the student has the option to appeal the decision. OSRR will communicate with the faculty member(s) and student(s) regarding the steps involved in the appeal process and additional hearings.

Originally Approved (entire document): Faculty Senate Resolution #83-26, April 1983
East Carolina University Chancellor

Amended:
FS Resolution #83-30 thru #83-34, April 1983 Chancellor
FS Resolution #84-42, January 1985 Chancellor
FS Resolution #87-16, October 1987 Chancellor
FS Resolution #11-36, June 2011 Chancellor
FS Resolution #20-18, June 2021 Chancellor
FS Resolution #24-41, August 2024 Chancellor