The following is a list of questions that students who have been referred to our office have asked. The list is continually updated, if the answer to your question is not here, please e-mail your question to us at osc@berkeley.edu and we will do our best to post it here with an answer.

What does Student Judicial Affairs do?

Student Judicial Affairs (SJA) investigates and resolves allegations of academic and non-academic violations of the Code of Student Conduct (CSC).  Examples of academic violations include cheating, plagiarism, and interference with courses of instruction, and theft or damage of intellectual property. Examples of non-academic violations include theft, physical abuse, hazing, alcohol and drug violations, and disorderly conduct.  The complete Code of Student Conduct can be accessed at http://students.berkeley.edu/conduct.htm.   The Code also explains the conduct process, a student’s rights and responsibilities, and possible outcomes.  Students may find other helpful information on SJA's website such as Academic Honesty: A Guide for Students. Our website is located at the following URL: http://students.berkeley.edu/sas/SJA/index.htm .

How are cases referred to Student Judicial Affairs?

Allegations of violations come from a variety of sources including law enforcement, faculty, staff, students, and members of the public.  Students are welcome to contact SJA if they witness violations or have a complaint.

How will I know if SJA is investigating me?

You will receive a letter from SJA called a Notice of Possible Violation that explains that an investigation is in progress, the basis of the investigation, and directs you to arrange an appointment with SJA.

An instructor has informed me of has suspicions that I cheated.  What will happen?

Cases of academic dishonesty can be resolved between the instructor and student or referred to Student Judicial Affairs to investigate.  The instructor may decide to resolve the matter with the student without any further action by SJA by meeting with the student.  If the student accepts responsibility and accepts an academic sanction proposed by the instructor, generally the case is closed at that level and recorded at SJA for informational purposes only.  If circumstances warrant, SJA may consider additional sanctions.  

The instructor may also decide to refer the matter to SJA for investigation.  SJA will review the materials, speak to witnesses and decide if there is enough information to substantiate charges.  If so, the case can be resolved through an Administrative Disposition in which the student and SJA come to an agreement or the case can go before a hearing committee to determine the outcome of the case.

What rights do I have if I am accused of a violation?

The CSC has a thorough list of student rights; some to remember are:

• Students have the right to due process.
• Students have the right to not respond to the allegations.
• Students have the right to have access to their file.

Will you tell my parents about the charges?

SJA only notifies parents if the student gives us written permission or in the rare case that a student is a threat to themselves or others.

What will happen to me if I’m found in violation of the code?

If a student chooses to accept responsibility, the conduct office and student will come to an agreement called an Administrative Disposition that outlines the charges and the sanctions assigned in response to those charges.  If the student does not accept the charges, the case will be reviewed by a hearing committee that will determine if the student should be held responsible and recommends sanctions.

How can I become a hearing committee member?

Contact us here at SJA!!
osc@berkeley.edu