The University of South Carolina is dedicated to academic integrity. It is important for students to understand the significance of academic integrity at the University and their role in upholding such standards. Students must also understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as the process when there is a possible violation of the Honor Code. To help students understand how the process works, please view the chronological outline below. Please direct questions to the Office of Academic Integrity at academicintegrity@sc.edu.

1. Course instructor becomes aware of an alleged violation of the Honor Code.
   
   
2. Course instructor reports alleged violation to the Office of Academic Integrity.
   1. Course instructor should contact the student (either in person, via phone or email) to discuss the violation.
   2. Course instructor determines and implements any academic penalty.  **Note that this penalty is at the discretion of the course instructor, and only the course instructor.
      
      
3. Office of Academic Integrity reviews the instructor’s report and the relevant evidence. Consults with Dean of the College (or designee) to determine if a charge is warranted.
   1. If no charge is warranted, the case is closed.
   2. If a charge is warranted, the process continues to step 4.
      
      
4. Office of Academic Integrity sends notification of the incident to the charged student(s).
   
   
5. An Office of Academic Integrity staff member holds an initial meeting with the charged student regarding the alleged violation.
   1. Office of Academic Integrity gathers all relevant evidence to determine if student is “Responsible” or “Not Responsible” for violating the Honor Code.
   2. If it is determined that the student is “Not Responsible”, the case is closed.
   3. If it is determined that the student is “Responsible”, proceed to step 6.
      
      
6. Office of Academic Integrity determines appropriate non-academic sanctions through an informal administrative hearing.
   1. If the student agrees to the findings and sanctions, he/she will receive a letter from the Office of Academic Integrity outlining those findings and sanctions.
   2. If the student disagrees with the findings and/or the sanctions, a College Committee Hearing will be held. Proceed to step 7.
      
      
7. Office of Academic Integrity coordinates a College Committee Hearing.
   
   
8. College Committee, comprised of University faculty and students, meets to determine the student’s responsibility and sanctions (if found responsible).
   1. If found responsible, student receives letter notifying him/her of sanctions.
   2. If the student does not agree to the Committee's findings and/or sanctions, he/she has ten (10) university business days to appeal the Committee's findings to the University Committee on Academic Responsibility.