The University of Toledo, also known as UT or UToledo, is a public university with an undergraduate enrollment of around 15,000 students. Statistics show that graduates of UT generally earn a comfortable salary, and many of them have their UToledo diploma to thank for their professional success.
However, countless students do not make it to their graduation date or graduate with unsightly blemishes on their academic record. The root of these circumstances, in many cases, is an allegation of academic misconduct.
If you are facing charges of academic wrongdoing as a UT student, you want to put forth a strong defense. Your university is clear that it does not tolerate academic misconduct and that it can suspend or expel you for a violation of academic integrity.
Consider hiring an experienced attorney-advisor to lead your defense.
How the University of Toledo Defines Academic Misconduct
UT's Student Handbook refers those wondering about academic dishonesty to this document, which details Policy Number 3364-71-04. This policy states plainly that “Academic misconduct will not be tolerated” and lists violations of academic integrity such as:
- Plagiarizing someone else's words or ideas by trying to claim them as your own or failing to properly cite the original source
- Sharing or receiving unauthorized details of an exam
- Using unauthorized information, like a cheat sheet or cellphone, during an exam
- Sharing or receiving answers from another test-taker during an exam
- Working on an exam before or after the exam period
- Submitting an assignment more than once
UT may determine that certain other actions qualify as academic misconduct. If you're accused of any act that violates UToledo's academic dishonesty policies, prepare to face an investigation and possible sanctions.
Faculty Investigation and Sanctions
UT Policy Number 3364-71-04 explains that a faculty member who suspects academic misconduct has first rights to dole out discipline, at least in most cases. The instructor has two general choices when faced with possible academic wrongdoing:
- To “counsel” the student, which may generally result in no formal sanction
- To recommend formal sanctions
Possible sanctions that a faculty member may impose range from failing the student on a specific assignment (the least punitive measure) to recommending expulsion of the student (most punitive). Other measures along this spectrum of punishments include:
- Failing the student for the entire course without allowing them to withdraw
- Placing the student on probation
- Suspending the student
- Detailing misconduct on the student's permanent record
For certain sanctions, the dean of your college will be directly involved. If the faculty member recommends failing the student for the course, placing them on probation, suspending them, or expelling them, the dean of the college will need to sign off on the decision.
Based on UT policy, you will not face a panel of faculty or peers in a hearing-like process—though this is a common practice at many universities. Instead, UT policy states this: “It is expected that the dean will consult with the instructor and the student in making such a judgment, and that the dean will notify the student of the sanction imposed and of the appeals procedure.”
Specifically, UT Policy 3364-71-04 refers to students who would like to appeal a ruling to the university's Academic Grievance Procedure.
Academic Grievance Procedures at UT
The University of Toledo's Policy Statement on Academic Dishonesty explains that appeals should proceed “according to procedures approved by respective colleges” within UT. When a dean discusses sanctions with you, they should explain your specific options for appeal.
Generally, you may need to file an Academic Grievance if you want to appeal a ruling against you. UT allows you to file a grievance “based on a violation of a university rule, policy, or established practice.” Though you generally have until the end of a subsequent semester to file a grievance, this timeline may vary based on the nature of your grievance.
You may have one or more legitimate reasons for filing a grievance. As Policy Number 3364-71-04 explains, “faculty members also have a responsibility” to mitigate possible instances of academic misconduct.” Perhaps a professor failed to adequately explain proper conduct for a specific assignment. This may be grounds for a successful grievance.
Other legitimate grounds for appealing may include:
- That you were not provided due process during your case's investigation
- That new information has emerged which was not available during the original investigation
- That there is evidence of bias in your case
- That the sanctions you've received are unjust based on your circumstances
If you find yourself at the grievance stage, your back may be firmly against the wall. Having an experienced attorney-advisor lead your grievance and all other steps in your case may help you put forth the strongest possible case.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento Is Ready to Assist You
Your college career is not something to play with. Accepting a sanction on your record, or even failing to fight against a suspension or dismissal, could have lifelong consequences. If you don't fight now, you'll almost certainly regret it.
If you're facing any sort of punishment, hire an attorney-advisor to help you. Joseph D. Lento helps students facing suspension, dismissal, and all other consequences. Employers, graduate school entrance boards, and others will notice sanctions on your record, and the odds are that they'll hold them against you.
Attorney Lento and his team know how to negotiate with schools, regardless of the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. Our team can contact the University of Toledo's Office of Legal Affairs, which “provides legal advice to The University of Toledo and its officers and employees while acting on behalf of the University.” This Office may have the power to resolve your case in a manner that you'll be pleased with.
Our team will advise you throughout your case investigation, the grievance process, and all other necessary steps in your case. We'll take a leading role so that you can focus on other important aspects of your life.
Call our dedicated team today at 888.535.3686 or submit your case details online.
