USAFAI36-3534 — Violations Of Academic Standards

USAFAI36-3534 governs academic penalties for violations of academic standards at the United States Air Force Academy.

Search USAFAI36-3534

  • Publication number: USAFAI36-3534
  • Title: VIOLATIONS OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS
  • Date: 2023-10-05

View USAFAI36-3534 on armypubs.army.mil


It defines academic standards, identifies decision authorities, and addresses penalty proportions and severe penalties. It establishes the preponderance-of-credible-evidence standard and procedures for notification, determinations, and documenting penalties.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) personnel involved with cadet or cadet candidate graded work.

Topics covered

  • Academic integrity standards
  • Academic penalty proportions
  • Severe academic penalties
  • Mission element lead factors
  • Preponderance of credible evidence
  • Academic violation notifications
  • Course grade of “F”
  • Academic penalty comment cards

Questions and answers

What standard of proof is required for an academic standards violation?

The decision authority's determination that an individual violated academic standards must be based on a preponderance of credible evidence, meaning that the weight of that evidence is sufficient to incline a fair and impartial mind to find it more likely than not that a violation occurred. (paragraph 3)

Is proof beyond a reasonable doubt required for an academic standards violation?

Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is not required. (paragraph 3)

Is intent required to determine that an academic standards violation occurred?

Intent to violate academic standards, although informative to penalty proportion, is not required for the determination that a violation occurred. (paragraph 1)

What is ordinarily the most severe academic penalty for an assignment?

Ordinarily, the most severe academic penalty shall be a zero on the assignment; however, decision authorities may award a lesser penalty. (paragraph 2)

When can a severe academic penalty be recommended?

If decision authorities believe that circumstances warrant a more severe penalty than zero on the assignment, they will recommend a penalty for approval by the appropriate mission element lead. (paragraph 2)

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