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Western Governors University (WGU) is an institution in the Western US with a long history of making college studies available to students through virtual studies. In 1997, the governors of 19 Western states founded WGU in Millcreek, Utah. WGU serves a large, older-than-average population of over 100,000 students. Because of its nonprofit status and lower costs, WGU is a good choice for students wishing to study virtually or online. However, online attendance comes with its own set of issues and challenges. Online institutions are particularly sensitive to cheating and plagiarism allegations and the selling or sharing of tests and content. These things are defined as Code of Conduct violations at WGU.

If you are a WGU student facing Code of Conduct allegations or other discipline, the LLF National Law Firm is here to help you preserve your reputation and college degree. The LLF National Law Firm is experienced with all types of disciplinary appeals. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.

Disciplinary Violations at WGU

The Code of Conduct defines allegations that may lead to discipline at WGU and what discipline may be imposed. The following are disciplinary violations:

  • Cheating, plagiarism, and acts of dishonesty.
  • Forgery, submitting false information, or alteration/misuse of a university document (such as a transcript).
  • Disruption of university activities or proceedings.
  • Bullying, harassment, or other abuse of any university community member (i.e., student, faculty, or staff) or other unprofessional conduct.
  • Physical abuse or threats of physical abuse, including any conduct which threatens the welfare of others.
  • Failure to comply with university officials or any law enforcement officer acting within the scope of their duties.
  • Violation of any WGU Student Policy.
  • Theft or misuse of any WGU communications or computer equipment or content. This might involve sharing or making course content public. It also might involve using another person’s password or tampering with the communications system.

The WGU Student Code of Conduct prohibits attempts to do any of the above actions, whether or not the student is successful. Further, helping another to violate any of the above is a violation for both parties.

Academic Dishonesty Allegations at WGU

Like many online programs, WGU is particularly sensitive to cheating, academic dishonesty, or plagiarism. WGU prohibits the following types of academic dishonesty:

  • Using found or requested information, whether online or otherwise obtained, to complete assignments. This would include buying a paper from another source or using answers to questions found on WGU materials or otherwise. This very broad provision would seem to prohibit some uses of online research.
  • To use online research, the student must use a formatted citation to the source. WGU prohibits using another person’s work without a proper citation, which is plagiarism.
  • Students cannot share or disclose answers to exams or assessments or create content to help others cheat or violate the Student Code.
  • Students cannot share copies of exams or disclose their content to anyone else, including sharing on social media or websites.

WGU maintains that it uses the latest plagiarism software to detect violations of these policies. However, it does not note the limitations and inaccuracies of this type of software. The Student Code of Conduct defines any violation of the above policies as “cheating,” and sanctions may include dismissal from WGU.

Student Code of Conduct Procedures

If GMU receives a complaint or allegation of misconduct or academic dishonesty, the following will likely happen:

Investigation

  • WGU may commence an investigation of a student if misconduct is reported. WGU also uses electronic device data, including plagiarism and AI detection software. If WGU begins an investigation, it must notify the student, which is typically done through email.
  • Access to Content and “Good Standing” Status
  • WGU may suspend a student’s access to content, prevent the release of transcripts, or take other actions if the student is not in “good standing.” WGU maintains that it will relay the necessary steps to return the student to “good standing.” However, WGU seems to reserve the right to take various punitive measures during the investigation, which is problematic.
  • Formal Charges
  • If the case proceeds with a formal charge, it will be referred to the Board of Student Conduct procedures.

Board of Student Conduct Procedures at WGU

The Student Conduct Board will hear most complaints and allegations of disciplinary violations. The Student Conduct Officer may investigate a complaint, or it may be dismissed summarily if it is without merit. The accused student is informed of the allegations or complaint, generally through email, although the policy only requires that the notice be in writing.

  • The student will get the written complaint, which is generally sent to the email addresses of record, although WGU has the option of mailing or serving it.
  • A virtual (electronic) hearing is set for 5-15 calendar days after notice to the student. The Student Conduct Officer may extend this time if the student needs time to find counsel and prepare, but it is still limited.
  • The virtual hearing is closed to the public, but the student may attend with counsel. If more than one student is accused of related misconduct, the hearings may be separate or joint.
  • Hearing Officer: The chairperson of the Board acts as the hearing officer.
  • Witnesses: The student may present witnesses’ testimony virtually. This will involve arrangements for the witnesses to appear virtually and leave proceedings after giving testimony. Notice of witnesses must be given at least five days before the hearing.
  • Board Questions: The Student Board may ask questions to a witness through the presiding hearing officer, who is called a chairperson.
  • Documents: The chairperson may decide whether the student may present documents, electronic records, or other evidence.
  • After hearing the evidence, the Board will decide the case using the preponderance of the evidence standard. This standard asks whether it is more likely than not that the student committed the violation as alleged.
  • The Student Conduct Board will advise the student of its decision in writing, generally by email.

WGU will keep an audio record of the Student Conduct Board hearing but no record of the Board’s deliberations or reasoning. This record should be maintained in the student’s file, but care should be taken to ensure the record is retained in case of a later court case or appeal.

Sanctions for Code of Conduct Violations After Hearing

WGU will impose sanctions for Code of Conduct violations, and the Student Conduct Board typically decides the sanction imposed in its decision. In deciding sanctions, the Board may look at the history of the student, including whether there were past instances of misconduct. The Board will also consider the severity and frequency of the violation. Possible sanctions (one or more for each violation) are:

  • Level 1 Warning: This type of warning is done through an email asking the student to cease the behavior.
  • Level 2 Warning: This type of warning indicates that the student has violated the Code of Conduct and involves an improvement plan within a set time period. If the improvement plan is not met, more severe sanctions may follow.
  • Discretionary Sanctions: The Board may order that the student complete an assignment, including an essay, or do community service to WGU.
  • Disciplinary Suspension: The Board may order that the student be suspended for a definite period or indefinitely. WGU may set conditions for readmission.
  • Restitution: The Board may order the student to pay for damages to property or other damages.
  • Removal from Program: The Board may order the student to be removed from their academic major or program.
  • Disciplinary Expulsion: The Board may order that the student be expelled permanently from WGU.
  • Revocation of transcript: WGU may change a grade or take a class off the student’s transcript.
  • Revocation of Degree: WGU may revoke a degree awarded, but only for fraud, misrepresentation, or other academic violation. This may also involve holding the degree while the appeal is ongoing.

If a student disagrees with the sanction or discipline described in the Board of Conduct decision, they may appeal.

Interim Discipline During Pendency of Appeal

It typically takes weeks or months to complete a disciplinary appeal. In the meantime, WGU may take the following discipline against a student:

  • Administrative Holds: WGU may place an administrative hold on the student’s record or transcript. The student will typically continue with the program but cannot get a transcript to apply for employment or admission to another educational institution during this period. This hold also prevents the student from enrolling in additional programs or courses.
  • Interim Suspension: GMU can seek an interim suspension, but only where serious safety issues exist, whether the student’s or the safety of others. The Student Conduct Officer determines whether this type of suspension is warranted, but it is imposed only where a threat exists, or concern exists as to the student engaging in self-harm.

Contact the LLF National Law Firm immediately if you face interim discipline at WGU. Punitive interim discipline indicates that the Board Officer is considering a more serious sanction. It is vital that a student facing serious allegations not try to “go it alone.” Just as you invest in a college education, you should invest in legal counsel to protect your good name and degree progress. This is particularly important if you are the focus of plagiarism or AI cheating allegations that are groundless. The attorneys at the LLF National Law Firm have seen what cheating allegations can do to a college career. Call the LLF National Law Firm quickly, as the period of defending against charges is short, and decisions can be final.

Appeal of Board Decision at WGU

The student has a right to appeal the Board decision or the sanction the Board determines is appropriate. The appeal must be made within five business days of notice of the decision. The notice of appeal should be sent in writing to the Student Conduct Officer or the Appellate Board.

Appeals are generally limited to:

  • Whether the chairperson or Board conducted the hearing fairly.
  • Whether the student was given fair notice of the charges.
  • Whether the student had a fair opportunity to present a defense or answer to the charges.
  • While WGU maintains deviation from the procedure is not grounds for appeal, a deviation may involve fairness to the student and is, therefore, grounds for appeal.
  • Whether new information is available relevant to the charges or the sanctions imposed by the Board.

If the Appellate Board decides the appeal is warranted, it will send the whole matter back to the original Student Conduct Board. If a conflict of interest is present, a different board may need to hear the matter.

Title IX Allegations and Charges

If a student is accused of sex discrimination or harassment, the charges will follow the WGU Title IX grievance process. This grievance process is highly similar to those used for Code of Conduct violations, with some important differences, such as witness questioning. In an online setting, Title IX charges may be less likely, but they are possible. Title IX is in constant flux, with each presidential administration taking a different position on procedures and coverage. The LLF National Law Firm is experienced with Title IX defense and is current on procedures and changes. If you face allegations of sex-based discrimination or harassment, call the LLF National Law Firm immediately.

How the LLF National Law Firm Can Help Now

The sooner the LLF National Law Firm takes your case and begins protecting you, the better. But even if you have a negative hearing decision, we can begin representation during the rehearing or appeals process. We prefer to settle cases by negotiating with colleges and universities and protecting our clients’ reputations. We have good working relationships with many large universities. We frequently pick up the phone and vigorously begin negotiations early, so a hearing may be optional. If negotiation is not successful, we are ready to take an appeal to a hearing. We are experienced in all charges, including Code of Conduct and Title IX. Call us and let the LLF National Law Firm begin the process of fighting for your future. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.

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