Facing a College Investigation or Disciplinary Proceeding?
K Altman Law helps USC students and families through conduct hearings, Title IX complaints, NIL disputes, and more.
Why USC Students Come to Us
USC splits its student conduct process across two separate offices. The Office of Academic Integrity (OAI) handles academic dishonesty cases, while the Office of Community Expectations (OCE) handles everything else, from disorderly conduct to hazing. Title IX and discrimination complaints go through a third office entirely, the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX (EEO-TIX). 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 dishonesty or a Student Handbook violation? USC's Office of Academic Integrity and Office of Community Expectations run separate processes, each with its own review panel and appeal rules.
Title IX Complaints
Facing a Title IX complaint or investigation? These cases go through USC's Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, on a separate track from general conduct matters.
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 (OAI, OCE, or EEO-TIX).
- 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 USC disciplinary hearing?
You're not required to hire one. USC's Student Handbook allows you to bring an advisor to any meeting with OAI or OCE staff, or to a review panel. Note that USC's rules limit an advisor's role: they can quietly confer with you but can't speak on your behalf or submit written statements, so understanding the process yourself still matters.
How long does USC's disciplinary process take?
Reports are actionable for up to one year after OCE or OAI receives them, though there's no fixed investigation deadline. Once a matter moves to a review panel, panels typically convene within a few weeks of referral, and decisions come by majority vote.
What's the difference between the Office of Academic Integrity and the Office of Community Expectations?
OAI handles academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism, cheating, or falsified records. OCE handles non-academic conduct, such as disorderly conduct, hazing, or property damage. Title IX and discrimination matters go through a separate office, EEO-TIX, entirely.
Can a finding be appealed?
Yes. You have 10 business days from the written decision to appeal, on one of three grounds: new information you couldn't have reasonably obtained earlier, a procedural error that affected the outcome, or a sanction disproportionate to the finding.
Will this show up on my transcript?
Only certain outcomes create a permanent transcript notation, specifically suspension, expulsion, or revocation of admission or degree. Other disciplinary records are kept separately by OAI or OCE for up to seven years. Because this varies by case, it's worth discussing directly.
Do Not Try to Handle USC'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