Leaders at colleges and universities take actions of student academic misconduct seriously. According to a Journal of Legal Studies report, acts of dishonest academic conduct are essentially a form of fraud. Cheating is more common in higher education than you may think. The International Center for Academic Integrity suggests that approximately 68% of undergraduate and 43% of graduate students have cheated at some point in their academic career. Student disciplinary actions may potentially lead to severe penalties that have an adverse impact on a student's educational and professional future. Joseph D. Lento is an established attorney that represents clients in matters of student disciplinary defense and can assist with hearings, appeals and more.
Long-Term Repercussions
Data suggest that a college education tends to make a significant difference. Some of these include:
- On average, college graduates have earnings and benefits that are 50% higher compared to those who do not
- Graduates have a significantly lower rate of unemployment
- They experience much higher levels of job and career satisfaction
Students faced with the realization that they will be suspended or dismissed from a college or university should consult with legal counsel.
Understanding the Rights of Students
Students all receive some basic protections and rights amid actions of disciplinary misconduct. The alleged acts of misconduct and potential sanctions that may be imposed are to be presented in writing. Students have the opportunity to respond to any allegations and typically may have an advisor with them for support in hearings. The alleged violations must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence—the standard used in civil proceedings.
Filing an Appeal
The appeals process varies between institutions to some extent and is outlined in their student handbook or conduct provisions. Students who wish to appeal a ruling must act fast. Most schools require that an appeals form or document be submitted within a period of 14 days. Your written appeal should be properly written and must cite some grounds for appeal contained in the school's provisions. Promptly retaining legal representation is critical at this point. The attorney will help you with creating a document that effectively explains your reasoning. In addition, your lawyer may approach the disciplinary administration to negotiate a more favorable outcome at any point in the process.
Retaining a Lawyer
Having a legal advisor in these matters provides you the best opportunity to minimize long-term consequences. Evidence of disciplinary actions may remain on your records and transcripts and could be a barrier to admission to other top-tier colleges or graduate school programs. It is possible that potential future employers may even wish to review your records and academic history. Your attorney will closely review the prior disciplinary process and might identify deviations from procedure or instances where your rights were not protected. These are types of information that would be clearly emphasized in drafting a document for your appeal.
Attorney for Appealing Violations of Student Academic Misconduct in South Carolina
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm has the experience necessary to provide effective student disciplinary defense. To appeal a ruling involving student academic misconduct you must be sure to act quickly; therefore, for students and parents of students in South Carolina, we encourage you to contact the office at (888) 535-3686 today.
- Aiken Technical College
- Allen University
- Anderson University
- Benedict College
- Bob Jones University
- Brown Mackie College Greenville
- Central Carolina Technical College
- Charleston Southern University
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Claflin University
- Clemson University
- Clinton Junior College
- Coastal Carolina University
- Coker College
- College of Charleston
- Columbia College
- Columbia International University
- Converse College
- Denmark Technical College
- Erskine College and Seminary
- Florence Darlington Technical College
- Forrest College
- Francis Marion University
- Furman University
- Golf Academy of America Myrtle Beach
- Greenville Technical College
- Horry Georgetown Technical College
- ITT Technical Institute Columbia
- ITT Technical Institute Greenville
- ITT Technical Institute Myrtle Beach
- ITT Technical Institute North Charleston
- Lander University
- Limestone College
- Medix School Fortis College
- Midlands Technical College
- Miller Motte Technical College
- Miller Motte Technical College North Charleston
- Morris College
- Newberry College
- North Greenville University
- Northeastern Technical College
- Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
- Piedmont Technical College
- Presbyterian College
- South Carolina State University
- South University Columbia
- Southern Wesleyan University
- Spartanburg Community College
- Spartanburg Methodist College
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- The Art Institute of Charleston
- Tri County Technical College
- Trident Technical College
- University of Phoenix Columbia Campus
- University of South Carolina Aiken
- University of South Carolina Beaufort
- University of South Carolina Columbia
- University of South Carolina Lancaster
- University of South Carolina Salkehatchie
- University of South Carolina Sumter
- University of South Carolina Union
- University of South Carolina Upstate
- Virginia College
- Virginia College in Charleston
- Virginia College Columbia
- Virginia College Greenville
- Voorhees College
- W L Bonner College
- Williamsburg Technical College
- Winthrop University
- Wofford College
- York Technical 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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.
