Resources for Students
Rights and Responsibilities
The Honor Code and Honor Code Handbook apply to the conduct of individual undergraduate students, student organizations, student groups, and houses, whether the alleged behavior occurred on or off campus. The individual undergraduate student, student organization, student group, or house implicated in allegations of academic integrity or conduct violations described in the Honor Code Handbook are referred to as "respondents."
The following rights and responsibilities apply to those involved in a matter being addressed by any process outlined in the Honor Code Handbook.
All respondents involved in any process outlined in the Honor Code Handbook have the following rights:
- To be presumed not responsible for a violation of prohibited conduct until found in violation by a preponderance of the evidence.
- Written notice of the charge(s) made against them and the basis of the allegation(s) that led to the charge(s), prior to any interview or hearing.
- To receive written notification of the time, date, and location of any interview or hearing.
- To an advisor who must be a member of the Caltech community (but who may not be an attorney). Student Affairs staff, Board of Control representatives, and Conduct Review Committee members are all trained to serve as advisors to respondents going through conduct processes.
- To request reasonable accommodations due to disability.
- Reasonable access to inspect and review their own case file, which includes all information that would be used during the process, to the extent permitted by confidentiality laws.
- Explanation of the resolution options available to them through Honor Code Handbook.
- To speak or not speak on their own behalf. A respondent who decides to not attend a hearing or interview, or who elects to attend but not speak, will not be presumed responsible simply for their decision not to attend or speak on their own behalf. However, the process will still move forward, and a decision will be made based on the information available to the decision-maker at the time.
- The opportunity to respond to information used as part of the decision-making process.
- To receive written notice of the outcome and any sanction imposed.
- The right to appeal within seven calendar days of the Dean issuing a written decision.
All respondents, witness, and other student participants involved in any process outlined in the Honor Code Handbook have the following responsibilities:
- To be honest and forthright in all information they provide during the process.
- To attend all required meetings, conferences, or hearings, as scheduled, unless alternate arrangements are made in advance.
- To otherwise cooperate with Caltech officials in the performance of their duties.
- To seek assistance or clarification when needed.
- To refrain from disruption of the process.
- To refrain from recording any proceedings described in the Honor Code Handbook in which they may be involved.
- Respondents have the responsibility to prepare and present their entire case as well as secure the presence of any witnesses who will speak on their behalf.
Support Resources
There are a number of campus resources available to support students who may be going through a resolution process, have questions about resolution processes, or have general questions about academic integrity and student conduct.
Each House has undergraduate students who serve as BOC Representatives and CRC Representatives. These students are available to answer questions, serve as advisors, and support students going through an academic integrity or student conduct resolution process.
The Hixon Writing Center works with writers in all disciplines and is committed to supporting students throughout the writing process. In addition to peer tutoring, HWC curates resources for writers, including guidelines for understanding and avoiding plagiarism.
Peer Academic Coaches are available to help you learn effective study skills and develop a deeper understanding of difficult concepts in your courses. PACs are available to undergraduates free of charge.
The Center for Student Success exists to support students as they navigate personal challenges and to ensure that students have access to the resources, guidance, and support they need to thrive. The Center for Student Success consists of the CARE Team and Student Accessibility Services (CASS).
The CARE Team connects students with resources and support. Through early identification of academic difficulties, social concerns, behavioral disruptions, or health issues, the CARE Team can partner with students to create individualized plans to help mitigate crises and promote success.
The mission of CASS is to provide equitable access to all programs, activities and services at Caltech for students with disabilities and medical conditions, including temporary conditions.
The staff in the Undergradute Deans Office, including the Undergraduate Deans and the Director of Conduct and Community Standards, are available to meet with students to discuss any concerns regarding a conduct process. Dean Weyman supports first- and second-year students at Caltech, and Dean Nye supports third- and fourth-year students.
Student Wellness Services is committed to supporting the health and emotional well-being of Caltech students. Services are available to all eligible enrolled Caltech students and are not dependent on enrollment in any insurance plan.
Occupational Therapy Services teaches students skills and strategies to improve their routines and habits. Services are available to all eligible enrolled Caltech students and are not dependent on enrollment in any insurance plan.