Revocation of Awarded Degree Policy

Purpose
Awarding of an academic degree by Florida National University is a documentation of student achievement in a defined field of study. This policy affirms the right of the university to revoke an awarded degree when subsequent evidence of misconduct is discovered.

Scope
The policy shall apply to all individuals who have been awarded an academic degree by Florida National University.

Policy
Any degree awarded by Florida National University may be revoked for the subsequent discovery of fraud, intentional misrepresentation, academic misconduct, serious violations of professional standards, and other grave violations committed prior to graduation from the university. The university’s process must be completed before a degree may be revoked.

The Director of Student and Career Services, an academic administrator, or other designated individuals may recommend revocation of an awarded degree to the Vice President, Academic Affairs, or may occur as an outcome of a formal investigation. The first step in the process is to notify the student of an investigation into misconduct from the time as an enrolled student. A certified letter shall be sent by the Vice President, Academic Affairs or designee to the last known address of the student, along with an electronic copy to any e-mail address on file.

The student shall be provided with 14 calendar days to acknowledge receipt of the letter and the investigation. Upon conclusion of the investigation, a formal hearing will be scheduled in which the Director of Student and Career Services, or designer, shall serve as the presiding officer. Additionally, two administrators with at least one from the field of study, and two full-time faculty members from the field of study shall be appointed to serve on the tribunal. The former student shall have a right to appear at any formal proceedings and present evidence in defense. The hearing shall be scheduled with a minimum of 14 calendar days’ notice provided to all parties. If the former student has not responded within 30 days of receipt of the notice of investigation, the hearing will be held without input from the former student.

All evidence will be presented to the tribunal, with both sides being permitted to call witnesses and cross-examine evidence. A decision will be rendered using a preponderance of evidence with three of the members of tribunal constituting a majority. The official decision will be provided to the Vice President, Academic Affairs in writing.

The Vice President, Academic Affairs or designee will notify the former student in writing of the decision. The former student has the right to file an appeal of a decision to revoke an academic degree within 30 calendar days of the decision. The appeal must be submitted to the Office of the President in writing. The decision of the President is final.

Upon acceptance of the revocation, passage of 30 days from a decision to revoke promulgated by the Vice President, Academic Affairs, or final decision to revoke by the President, the revocation of the degree shall be final. The University Registrar shall be notified of the decision and update official transcripts to reflect the degree has been revoked.