Facing a College Investigation or Disciplinary Proceeding?
K Altman Law helps Penn students and families through conduct hearings, Title IX complaints, NIL disputes, and more.
Why Penn Students Come to Us
Penn runs its student conduct process through the Office of Student Conduct, under the Charter of the University of Pennsylvania Student Disciplinary System. OSC has up to 60 days to investigate a complaint before deciding whether to bring charges, and once a hearing is scheduled, the process moves fast. Whatever issue brought you here, the same rule applies: the earlier you understand your options, the more of them you still have.
What Is Your Situation?
Academic & Conduct Misconduct
Accused of academic misconduct or a conduct code violation? Penn's Code of Academic Integrity and Code of Student Conduct are handled differently, with different hearing panels and different appeal rules.
Title IX Complaints
Facing a Title IX complaint or investigation? Title IX cases run on a separate track from general conduct matters, with their own investigators and timelines.
NIL Disputes
Dealing with an NIL dispute as a student-athlete? NIL deals, collective agreements, and compliance questions carry rules specific to your sport and conference.
Other Student Matters
Something else, like special education rights or a social media harm claim? If your issue doesn't fit neatly into the categories above, we still may be able to help.
What To Do in the Next 24 Hours
- Save documentation: Save any notice, email, or letter you received, and note every date in it.
- Identify the office: Identify which office is handling your matter (OSC, Title IX Coordinator, or another office).
- Pause responses: Don't respond in writing or agree to anything before you talk to an advisor.
- Get counsel: Call for a free consultation before a decision gets made without you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a Penn academic integrity hearing?
You are not required to hire one. Penn's Charter permits you to bring an advisor through the entire process, and if you face parallel legal issues, that advisor can be a lawyer. Students who understand the Charter rules, panel structures, and appeal requirements generally manage their cases better.
How long does Penn's disciplinary process take?
Investigations typically conclude within 60 days of a complaint, though the office can extend that period. Panels usually schedule hearings within 30 days after a student requests one.
What is the difference between the Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Conduct?
Academic Integrity addresses plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and altering academic records. The Code of Student Conduct covers general behavior and non-academic rules. The two codes use different hearing panel setups and carry different penalties.
Can a finding be appealed?
Yes. You can appeal to Penn's Disciplinary Appellate Officer. You must submit the appeal shortly after the panel reaches its decision, and the officer reviews cases only on specific grounds: procedural errors, incorrect policy application, or newly discovered evidence.
Will this show up on my transcript?
That depends on the final sanction and the decision made by the panel or Appellate Officer. Because transcript entries vary by case, you should discuss this directly during a consultation.
Do Not Try to Handle Penn's Disciplinary Process On Your Own
Whether you are a student facing a hearing or a parent trying to figure out what comes next, we can explain your options before the university makes decisions without your input.
Schedule a Consultation