Should I disclose academic misconduct on grad application?

[ixbo45]

I am applying to master's programs right now and am in a bind.

My professor accused me of academic misconduct in one of my undergraduate classes. I had asked a question on an online forum about an assignment and posted a short excerpt of my work. This had not been an issue with other professors. This professor was strongly against posting anything online, he found my post online and stated that I violated his rule of knowingly or unknowingly making my solutions available to other students. I felt this was a stretch, but the school sided with the professor and he will Fail me for the class. 

My school says the records of this academic misconduct process are sealed, and there will be no notation on my transcript, just the failed grade. 

Graduate school applications ask if one has been involved in any type of academic hearings and to explain the circumstances. The application also asks me to explain any failed grades.  I fear if I disclose all this information it will hurt my application. As far as I know the graduate school will not be able to find out there was any misconduct. Unless they contact student affairs and I permit them to see those records. 

Any guidance on what I should do? Thank you. 

[johnnycomelately]

Be honest. Describe the situation, and what you learned from it. 

[Sigaba]

8 hours ago, johnnycomelately said:

Be honest. Describe the situation, and what you learned from it. 

Unfortunately, the lesson taught is not yet the lesson learned.

On 5/24/2016 at 5:08 PM, ixbo45 said:

I felt this was a stretch, but the school sided with the professor and he will Fail me for the class. 

[....]

Graduate school applications ask if one has been involved in any type of academic hearings and to explain the circumstances. The application also asks me to explain any failed grades.  I fear if I disclose all this information it will hurt my application. As far as I know the graduate school will not be able to find out there was any misconduct. Unless they contact student affairs and I permit them to see those records. 

Any guidance on what I should do? Thank you. 

If you again make a decision to not do as you're expressly told, make sure that you read the fine print of the applications. By submitting it, you may authorize the schools you want to attend to look at all of your records.

In the event you decide to follow the instructions on your applications, I very strongly urge you to avoid the second guessing of your professor and your school in your OP. If you don't understand what you did and why you received the penalty, you need to review all the available materials until you figure it out.