Section VII: Reporting Violations

A. Timeline for Addressing and Reporting. Alleged academic cheating or lying violations must be addressed and reported within 30 calendar days of discovery unless the Dean of Students finds good cause for delay. Allegations of non-academic lying or stealing must be addressed and reported within four months of discovery unless the Dean of Students finds good cause for the delay and determines that a fair proceeding may be held despite the delay. Once a party officially reports an alleged violation, the party cannot withdraw the complaint unless the Chair agrees such withdrawal is appropriate. ^[FN40]

B. Good Faith Requirement. The Code is not designed to be a tool of harassment. The Chair of the appropriate Council can decline to pursue allegations that appear to be motivated by personal animosity, and students alleging misconduct without a good faith basis to do so can be charged with an Honor violation or with “Abusing the Conduct System” under the Student Code of Conduct.

C. Initial Discussion. Prior to pursuing a suspected violation under the Code formally, the Reporting Party must make a diligent and good-faith effort to discuss the matter with the alleged violator, preferably in person. This discussion should occur as soon as practical after the Reporting Party observes or learns about the alleged violation, as specified in Sec. VII.A. The Reporting Party should request a truthful explanation of the suspected violation, reminding the Respondent of the obligation to uphold the Honor Code. If the student offers an explanation that satisfies the Reporting Party that no violation has occurred, both parties are to move forward as though there is no violation. If, however, the Reporting Party remains concerned that a violation has occurred, or if despite good faith efforts an initial discussion between the parties is not held, the Reporting Party should pursue the matter under Sec. VIII (if appropriate) or Sec. IX.

^{[FN40] An example would be when another person accepts responsibility for the alleged violation.}