At Penn State, educators are required to submit an academic integrity form when they believe a student has violated academic integrity policies. Almost always, this form is online. On the form, the instructor will explain why they are submitting the academic integrity claim and what they propose as an outcome for the violation.
When an instructor submits the form, the student will receive an email notification that includes directions about how to respond. Students are given about a week to respond. If they contest (challenge) the allegations of wrongdoing or the outcome proposed by their instructor, they get an opportunity to explain why. Determinations of responsibility and consequences are determined by a neutral committee made up of faculty members and students. Remember that Penn State email is the official communication channel for Penn State business, so be sure to check that regularly.
After the academic integrity process ends, claims go on to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response for record keeping. This office will also respond by providing information, assigning an educational intervention, or by assigning a Conduct Outcome, which may include Conduct Probation, Suspension, or Expulsion.
As you can see, if a student does not agree with their instructor about the violation or the proposed outcome, it is important for them to contest (challenge).