At Loyola University Chicago, academic honesty is the most important way to preserve trust and respect on campus - which is why academic dishonesty allegations are taken so seriously. Getting into college is extremely hard in this era, receiving notice of an academic misconduct allegation can be scary and confusing. Who can you trust? What steps do you have to take next? Unfortunately, your university's priority is to protect its own reputation. As such, they will not go easy on you because other students might think they can get away with the same behavior. Therefore, it is even more important to ensure the university upholds your due process rights.
If you or someone you love has been accused of academic misconduct at Loyola University Chicago, working with an attorney advisor from the moment you are notified of these accusations will guarantee you the best possible outcome. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the expert team at the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of college students who have found themselves in similar situations. Call the Firm today.
Misconduct at Loyola University Chicago
The definition of academic misconduct differs from school to school, but most schools in the United States define it as actions that give a student an advantage over another student without the express permission of the university.
Loyola University Chicago defines academic misconduct as:
- Cheating: intentionally using, or trying to use, unauthorized materials on an exam, paper, or other academic exercises
- Multiple submissions: submitting all or portions of the same work for different courses without permission
- Plagiarism: using another's ideas, words, or results without giving them credit
- Giving or receiving assistance without the instructor's permission
Loyola University Chicago Academic Dishonesty Procedure
When a faculty member becomes aware or suspicious of academic misconduct, they must report it to the department. Then the instructor will meet with the student to discuss the incident. If the student confesses to committing an act of academic misconduct, the instructor is responsible for deciding which sanction to impose on the student. In some instances, the Dean may get involved and impose further sanctions. But only the Provost can impose an expulsion, and this decision is final.
If the student disagrees with the finding of the instructor, Dean, or Provost, they can challenge it. This appeal is due within thirty days. The Department Chair or the Dean's designee will determine if there are grounds for an appeal. When they determine there are enough grounds for an appeal, they will notify the student, and the hearing board will be convened.
Prior to the hearing, the student must inform the chairperson of the hearing board of the name of their advisor. Your advisor is meant to help navigate you through the process. They are able to be present during the hearing but cannot ask any questions directly. Really, the attorney-advisor is there to prepare you to defend yourself and guide you to answer questions during the hearing itself.
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to submit relevant materials to the hearing board. The hearing board will review the information and submit a letter with their decision to the student and their advisor. This letter will also include relevant sanctions. Possible sanctions include anything from a zero on the assignment or examination to suspension or expulsion.
Appealing an Academic Misconduct Decision
If the student wants to appeal the hearing board's decision, the student must do so within thirty days of receiving the notice. This appeal must be in writing and addressed to the Dean or Dean's designee. It must also identify the grounds for the appeal and provide supporting documentation.
The grounds for appeal include:
- A substantive procedural error or error in the interpretation of a University policy occurred that prevented the student from a fair hearing and decision
- There is new information that wasn't reasonably available at the time of the hearing that would likely change the outcome of the case
- The decision is significantly disproportionate with the established facts
Once the appeal letter is received, the Dean or their designee will review it and determine whether or not to uphold the hearing board's decision, reject it, or modify it in some way. Whatever they decide, it is final and binding. The appeals decision cannot be challenged further.
How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Being accused of academic misconduct can have various long-term consequences. For example, if you fail the course, you will have to retake it when it is next available. If this is a pre-requisite course, this means you might have to push off higher-level courses until the course you failed is available again. Further, you may be prevented from taking classes on days when they are more convenient for you, altering your ability to get to and from campus easily. Additionally, if you are found responsible for academic dishonesty and punished with suspension or expulsion, those sanctions are noted on your transcripts. So, if you are trying to get into another college to finish your degree, or you are attempting to enroll in graduate school, you will have to explain the incident to any admissions advisor who requests more information.
Hiring an attorney-advisor the moment you receive notice of academic misconduct will ensure you have the best defense for your case. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experienced fighting for students accused of academic misconduct across the country. They understand how complex these grievance processes can be and work tirelessly to gather evidence and witnesses to protect your place on campus. Call 888-535-3686 today to schedule your consultation.
