Thomas Edison State University is a public university located in Trenton, New Jersey. The institution is a majority-online university that serves New Jersey's adult population. It was established on July 1, 1972, and was named in honor of Thomas Alva Edison, the famous inventor who called New Jersey home. As students at Thomas Edison State University, all are subject to the University's disciplinary program and requirements. Failure to follow these, or a violation through a separate crime, can result in disciplinary action through the school.
If you are a student at Thomas Edison State University facing either criminal charges or school disciplinary action experienced attorney Joseph D. Lento is here to fight for your rights. You are not alone.
How Legal Representation Can Protect Student Rights
Disciplinary violations, as well as separate criminal charges, can occur through student actions that take place both on and off-campus. Both can result in disciplinary action being taken by Thomas Edison State University staff. Considering the amount of time, money, and energy you have put into your education, you do not want to see it trashed because of a simple one time mistake or misunderstanding. Even if you have to face a disciplinary hearing, you do not have to face it alone.
When you face this kind of situation, you need an attorney who is highly experienced in the practice area of protecting student rights. The sooner you get in contact with an attorney familiar with this area of law, the better prepared and protected you will be. Most colleges and universities permit an advisor to join the student in the disciplinary hearings, and having an attorney in the room to protect you is a must if you want to ensure your rights are protected.
If you choose to go through the process without an attorney, you are left to the mercy of college bureaucrats who may move through the process hastily and with little consideration of the rules and actual standards of proof. With an attorney at your side, you can negotiate for better resolutions to the case, and defend yourself against your charges.
Thomas Edison State University Student Rights Attorney
Thomas Edison State University requires students to follow the Code of Conduct, and violations of that code may result in disciplinary hearings and punishments. Not every violation has to be a separate crime, or result in a criminal charge.
Title IX Violations
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that is designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on gender in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial aid. It prohibits sex-based discrimination as well as sexual harassment and sexual violence. It also protects those who do not conform to historical notions of gender or masculinity or femininity.
Other types of Title IX violations include, but are not limited to:
- sexual violence (rape, sexual battery)
- verbal harassment
- nonverbal harassment
- victims of slurs or stereotypes
- persons held to different standards due to differentiating characteristics
- requests for sexual favors
If you are accused of conduct that allegedly violates Title IX, you will now have to deal with the University's Title IX office. The Title IX coordinators will use sanctions to punish you for any violation within the university system itself. They are also likely to encourage any potential "victims" to file criminal charges against you as well, if applicable.
If you stand accused of a Title IX violation, an experienced attorney is a must. Defendant yourself against these charges can protect your reputation, your student rights, and protect you from criminal charges.
General Disciplinary Matters
Violations of the school's Code of Conduct are treated very seriously by Thomas Edison State University, and you should treat your defense just as seriously. Even when the violation is not a separate crime, the sanctions you may face can be severe.
Common violations of the code that may result in disciplinary action include:
- improper use of social media
- academic responsibility violations
- hazing violations
- cheating
- discrimination issues
- violations of school alcohol policy
- criminal or other misconduct
- possession of fake ID
- theft
Academic Misconduct
Thomas Edison State University takes academic misconduct very seriously, and considers the following as violations of their academic code:
- cheating;
- fabricating information or citations;
- falsifying documents;
- falsifying information about test proctors;
- forgery;
- gaining unauthorized access to examinations;
- making up or changing data for a research project;
- plagiarizing;
- submitting credentials that are false or altered in any way;
- tampering with the academic work of other students;
- using words or ideas from others without appropriate attribution;
- facilitating another student's academic misconduct; and/or submitting course work or taking an exam for another student
- buying or selling of course materials, including exams, test answers, and course papers
Evidence Standard in Hearings
During a disciplinary hearing, the evidentiary standard is a preponderance of the evidence standard. This is a much easier standard than in a criminal case, where the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to be heard and defended at your hearings.
Penalties and Sanctions
The types of punishment you face through penalties and sanctions vary significantly based on the alleged conduct. It could range from a warning and counseling, up to suspension and expulsion. In any case, you will want to defend yourself against these accusations.
Appeals Process
Thomas Edison State University does allow for students to appeal unfavorable rulings. The dean of the school in which the student attends will hear complaints, disciplinary hearings. If you receive an adverse ruling, you can appeal your case by filing your appeal within 30 days of the unfavorable decision. It must show some error by the disciplinary hearing board. You do not have to simply accept an adverse decision, you can continue to fight to protect your rights, your reputation, and your education.
Potential Criminal Charges
Are the allegations of student misconduct associated with criminal charges? Often the campus or local agencies of law enforcement may have involvement. Joseph D. Lento has many years of experience defending clients in criminal matters in courts across New Jersey.
Thomas Edison State University Lawyer in New Jersey
Are you a student at Thomas Edison State University who is facing disciplinary action by your school or are facing a criminal charge? You will want to immediately seek the advice of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
Joseph Lento of Lento Law Firm helps students defend their case, their constitutional rights, and their right to stay in school. Call (888) 535-5336 right now to take advantage of a consultation that will let our firm review your case and discuss your legal options.
