What is an Honor Code Notification?

For Accused Students

Case Timeline

Timeline of an Accusation and Appeals Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have received a letter or email that says there is an accusation pending against me.  How do I find out the name of the accuser and the course I’ve been accused in?

A: The first step you should take is immediately emailing your ombuds and confirming the investigation time.  Once you email your ombuds to confirm the investigative meeting date and time, the ombuds will then be able to tell you the course pertaining to the accusation.  While the ombuds cannot yet tell you any other information relating to the accusation, they can help prepare you for the investigative meeting and Honor Council procedures.

Q: What is an investigative meeting?

A: An investigative meeting is a pre-hearing meeting where four Council members, you, and your Ombuds meet to present the accusation to you and to determine if there is enough evidence to go to a hearing.  In this meeting, there is no verdict decision (determining whether or not there is a violation) or penalty decision.

Q: What is an Ombuds, and how can they help me?

A: Your Ombuds is there to answer any procedural questions you may have and to watch over the Council to ensure it follows procedure during its meetings.  Your Ombuds cannot give personal advice on your case, but he/she can advise you on any procedural questions or part of the Rice Honor Code.

Q: What does withdrawing under Article XII mean, and how do I do it?

A: Within three business days following the investigative meeting, a student may withdraw under the Honor Code’s Article XII by first (1), emailing lindsay.m.kirton@rice.edu , dho@rice.edu , rebecca.wrynn@rice.edu , and your ombuds and second (2), by filling out the online form located at http://ugstudents.rice.edu/ (for undergraduates) or here (for graduate students), indicating that you are withdrawing under Article XII.  If you withdraw under Article XII, the accusation will not show up on your record, you will loose credit for the course in question, and you must withdraw from the University until the "commencement" of the second semester following.

Q: What happens at a hearing?

A: After an investigative meeting, if it is determined that there is enough evidence to go on to a hearing, nine members of the Honor Council, your Ombuds, and yourself will meet to go over your case.  Going to a hearing does not mean that you are “In Violation” of the accusation against you.  You will first present your opening statement, and then Council members will ask you questions.  Once you leave the meeting, your Ombuds will stay, and the Council will first decide if the evidence clearly and convincingly proves that you are “In Violation” or “Not In Violation.”  If you are found to be “In Violation,” the Council will then decide a penalty.

Q: If I am suspended, when does the suspension start?

A: The start of suspension is determined by the Assistant Dean of Student Judicial Programs, Dr. Don Ostdiek (dho@rice.edu ).

Q: If I am found “In Violation,” will it show up on my record?

A: The Honor Council will hold a record of a prior violation on its record; this is kept extremely confidential.  A prior violation tag is also placed on the University’s internal record but not on your external transcript, such as the one that appears on Esther.

Q: May I appeal the Council’s decision?

A: Yes.  The first level of appeals is to the Assistant Dean of Student Judicial Programs and a faculty appeals panel.  Email a statement of your wish to appeal to lindsay.m.kirton@rice.edu , dho@rice.edu , rebecca.wrynn@rice.edu , and your Ombuds to notify them that you wish to appeal the Council’s decision.  The next level of appeal is to the President’s office; to do this, you must notify the office of Judicial Programs.