There are approximately 5,300 postsecondary educational institutions in the U.S. today. Colleges and universities strive to maintain standards of academic integrity. Allegations suggesting a violation of the code of academic conduct such as through dishonesty or other forms of cheating are taken seriously. The school will act in accordance with their established disciplinary procedures that involve a hearing and rendering a decision. Many students find that campus administrators and disciplinary committees often hastily rush to judgment and fail to truly acknowledge the rights of students. The reality is that such violations can lead to harsh penalties and sanctions. The Lento Law Firm assists college students in defending these types of allegations initially and in the appeals process.
Records of Misconduct
Having documented transcripts that show you have violated rules of academic misconduct can have consequences that can hinder your future. If you were transferring to another institution or applying for a graduate school program you may find that these records are a barrier to admittance. This is particularly a problem for those pursuing selective professional programs such as medical or law school that may conduct extensive background screening.
Reviews of Sanctions
Some schools employ a process that allows a violator to question the severity of the penalties imposed. This sanction review process should not be confused with the appeals process. A sanction review merely asserts that the penalties imposed are too harsh for the violation that occurred. At many California universities, this is initiated by submitting a written request with supporting documentation explaining why the sanctions are excessive. In the appeals process, you are disputing the merit of the finding (ruling) of the actual violation. An attorney with expertise in this area of practice will properly assess your individual situation and craft an effective defense strategy. This may include entering the appeals process and also potentially negotiating the sanctions to achieve a favorable outcome on your behalf.
What is Involved in an Appeal?
The appeals process at individual schools varies and must be followed, but most schools follow similar procedures for appealing an adverse decision. At the University of California at Berkeley, for example, students must present written notice to appeal a ruling of misconduct to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs within ten days. When an appeal is received within the prior time frame any sanctions imposed are temporarily suspended. An appeal may be considered when newly discovered evidence has emerged. An appeal may also be justified if errors in procedure occurred during the process. The appellate ruling may affirm, modify or dismiss the decision, or make changes to the sanctions.
Importance of Sound Legal Representation
As seen in the prior examples, executing a successful appeal can be a challenge. The assertions made in the document must be highly persuasive and the process is made more difficult because of the limited time constraints. This is further evidence of the importance of retaining seasoned legal counsel. Your attorney will have a good understanding of how to properly draft a document that is highly effective.
Advisor for Student Academic Disciplinary Appeals in California
Joseph D. Lento is an attorney with a firm understanding of how records of academic misconduct can negatively impact your future. He is experienced in how to counter allegations and ensure your rights are protected. Those in California seeking experienced student disciplinary defense are encouraged to call (888)535-3686 for a consultation.
- Academy of Art University
- Allan Hancock College
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts Los Angeles
- American Conservatory Theater
- American Jewish University
- American River College
- American University of Health Sciences
- Antelope Valley College
- Argosy University Inland Empire
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- Art Center College of Design
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- Chapman University
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- Citrus College
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- De Anza College
- Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre
- Design Institute of San Diego
- DeVry University California
- Diablo Valley College
- Dominican University of California
- East Los Angeles College
- East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program
- El Camino College Compton Center
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- Epic Bible College
- Everest College Anaheim
- Everest College City of Industry
- Everest College Ontario Metro
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- Expression College for Digital Arts
- Fashion Careers College
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- FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles
- FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Orange County
- FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising San Diego
- FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising San Francisco
- Folsom Lake College
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- Fresno City College
- Fresno Pacific University
- Fullerton College
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- Glendale Community College
- Golden West College
- Golf Academy of America Carlsbad
- Grossmont College
- Hands on Medical Massage School
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- Holy Names University
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- International Academy of Design and Technology Sacramento
- International Professional School of Bodywork
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- ITT Technical Institute Clovis
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- ITT Technical Institute Torrance
- ITT Technical Institute West Covina
- John Paul the Great Catholic University
- King's University
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- Laguna College of Art and Design
- Lake Tahoe Community College
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- Lassen Community College
- Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Pasadena
- Life Pacific College
- Lincoln University
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- Los Angeles College of Music
- Los Angeles Harbor College
- Los Angeles Mission College
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- Los Angeles Trade Technical College
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- Musicians Institute
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- National University
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- Professional Golfers Career College
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- San Joaquin Valley College Fresno Aviation
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- San Joaquin Valley College Online
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- San Joaquin Valley College Temecula
- San Joaquin Valley College Visalia
- San Jose City College
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- Whittier College
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- Woodland Community College
- World Mission University
- Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary
- Yuba College
Regrettably, an academic misconduct finding of responsibility can derail an accused student's academic and professional goals and some students and parents do not recognize this concern until it may be too late. If a student is found responsible for academic misconduct charges, in addition to the short-term consequences such academic and disciplinary sanctions, there will be long-term consequences. Internships, graduate school opportunities, and employment opportunities can all be adversely impacted by a finding of responsibility.
For these reasons and more, it is critical to properly address such concerns as early as possible in the disciplinary process. There are times, however, that it necessary to appeal an adverse outcome, and Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients at universities and colleges in Alaska and throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in New Jersey, and New York, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as an academic misconduct advisor to students facing disciplinary cases in California and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected at all stages of the academic misconduct disciplinary process, including the appeal stage - Contact National Academic Misconduct Advisor Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
