AI Cheating Accusations at Clemson University

I Have Been Accused of Cheating Using AI at Clemson University

Have you been accused of academic dishonesty due to AI detection tools like Proctorio or suspected of using AI to write a paper or complete an assignment? Learn your rights, what steps to take, and how to prepare.

Understanding AI Related Cheating Accusations at Clemson

As artificial intelligence tools become more common in higher education, colleges and universities are increasing efforts to monitor potential misuse. Students are facing increasing accusations of using AI against school policy. Students may face academic dishonesty accusations in two main ways.

1. AI Based Proctoring Tools: Monitoring software such as Proctorio, Respondus, or Honorlock may flag behavior, computer glitches, hardware irregularities, and more during exams and quizzes.

2. AI Detection Tools: Professors or plagiarism checkers can utilize AI detection tools like Turn It In to claim a submitted paper was written or heavily assisted by generative AI tools.

These accusations are serious and can affect your academic standing. However, students have rights and options.

What Should I Do If I Am Accused of Cheating with AI?

1. Do Not Panic and Do Not Admit Anything. Remain calm. An accusations is not the same as a proven violation. You will have an opportunity to prepare and respond. If confronted in person, ask the professor why they believe you cheated.

2. Examine the Accusation Carefully. You will likely receive notice of the accusation from the Academic Integrity Office at Clemson. Professors refer suspected AI misuse to the office for resolution. Examine the accusation in full. Note the specific allegations, the evidence, and deadlines. Ask for clarification if you are confused.

3. Request Evidence. You are entitled to see the data or report used to support the accusation. This may include videos from programs like Proctorio, reports from AI detection software and proctoring programs, and all AI detection results.

4. Understand the Process. Read your syllabus and school policies on both AI use, proctoring softwares, and the procedures for academic dishonesty violations. Understand your rights to an advocate, counsel, timelines, and rights to appeal.

5. Gather Documentation. Gather all relevant materials. This may include drafts, study notes, citations, screenshots, research, versions of papers, or time stamps to show how the work was completed. Document your process and keep track of all documentation of steps you took.

6. Craft a Detailed Defense. Clemson will allow you to respond to the allegation in writing. You may include evidence like a report from an IT expert to support your defense. You may also have a hearing where you can present documentation. Pay attention to all deadlines as Clemson will provide you with deadlines for each step.

7. Contact an Advocate or an Experienced Attorney. Academic dishonesty violations are serious and can derail your academic career. Have a trusted advocate or attorney by your side.

What Are My Rights If I Am Accused of Cheating?

Your rights should be outlined in your institutions policies and handbook. However, you have the right to due process which includes:

• Right to notice of the allegation(s) against you

• Right to review the evidence against you

• Right to be heard at any hearing or review

Universities handle these matters differently. Know Clemson’s policies and procedures which is included in your student handbook and also available from the Office of Academic Integrity.

Should I Hire A Lawyer?

Clemson will allow an attorney to be present with you every step of the way; however, you must be the one to advocate for yourself and make the case for your innocence. Since Clemson allows written responses, at least in the early stages, an attorney and an IT expert can be invaluable to help you craft a defense, make sure your rights are protected, and to assist you in preparing written materials. At Jessica Holland Law, we bridge the gap between student defense and technological understanding. We utilize IT experts to review your case and draft a detailed report attacking the claims against you. Even though you have to speak for yourself, an attorney can act as an advocate and can assist you in drafting written responses and help you craft a detailed defense to these allegations.

How to Handle AI Proctoring Accusations

Many universities use AI proctoring software like Proctorio to proctor virtual quizzes and exams. These programs provide flags to professors which can include things like even movement, too much paper in the area, background movement or noise, hardware issues, and technical problems. These are only flags and not proof of cheating.

If you are accused of cheating on an AI proctored exam or quiz, do the following:

• Contact an experienced advocate who understands the technical side and can create a specific tailored defense like Jessica Holland Law. We use an IT expert to exam the reports and provide a report in response to these sorts of allegations. Then we create a specific defense for your case.

• Request all videos from the professor

• Exam the report and all possible flags

• Ask whether a human reviewed the allegations.

How to Respond to AI Accusations for Writing

Some instructors or software tools may claim your writing was created using an AI tool like ChatGPT. However, AI content detectors are not always reliable and can produce false positives.

What to do:

• Contact a licensed and experienced attorney who can bridge the technological evidence with zealous advocacy like Jessica Holland Law

• Request a copy of the AI detection report

• Provide evidence of your writing process

  • Version histories

  • Research

  • Handwritten Notes

• Explain your process and methods

Preparing for an Academic Dishonesty Hearing

If Clemson University requires a hearing, prepare carefully:

• Find an advocate like an experienced attorney in handling AI related academic dishonesty matters. Make sure the advocate understands the technological side of these accusations.

• Review your school’s disciplinary procedures in the student handbook and all documentation from your school

• Gather all documentation as evidence of your innocence.

• Practice and prepare for your response.

What Happens After the Hearing

Your student handbook should list the possible outcomes or ask an administrator. Possible outcomes can include:

• No violation found and the matter is dismissed

• A warning or educational sanction

• Grade penalties or assignment failure

• Probation, suspension, or expulsion

You may have a right to appeal. Act quickly as deadlines are typically within days.

Protecting Your Academic Integrity

Colleges are still learning how to handle the rise of AI in education. Students must be aware of evolving policies and use tools responsibly and only when allowed. If you are accused, remember that you have rights, and you have the ability to review the evidence against you. Always respond with professionalism, respect, and clarity.

At Jessica Holland Law, we understand the serious consequences that academic dishonesty accusations can have on your future. We specialize in defending college students accused of cheating involving AI tools, whether through online proctoring software or alleged use of AI-generated content. Our firm partners with independent IT and technology experts to critically analyze proctoring data, AI detection reports, and digital evidence. We craft a tailored defense strategy that addresses the specific facts of your case, ensuring your rights are protected at every step. If you have been accused, do not navigate the process alone—Jessica Holland Law is here to advocate for you with clarity, precision, and results-driven representation.