Park University's high academic standards date back to its founding in 1875. As a Park University student, you may face sanctions for any allegation of academic misconduct. Sanctions may include dismissal or suspension from Park University, and these sanctions can have a devastating impact on your life.
(Reader note: you can also retain representation if your child faces allegations of academic wrongdoing).
College students today face all the pressures that their predecessors did—to graduate with a sterling grade point average (GPA), secure a job immediately upon graduation, and distinguish themselves from their peers. These pressures, combined with unprecedented access to technology, are a recipe for ethical slip-ups.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents both students who've made an error in judgment and those facing unfounded allegations of wrongdoing. Allow Lento and his team to bear the responsibility of your academic misconduct case to achieve the best possible outcome.
Park University's Core Values
Some of the core values of Park University, as detailed by the Park U. Student Conduct Code, are:
- Accountability
- Civility
- Respect
- Excellence
Accountability is particularly important when it comes to allegations of academic misconduct. Students at Park University “are responsible for making themselves aware of Park University policies and procedures,” including policies pertaining to academic integrity.
How Park University Defines Academic Misconduct
University literature cites several general and specific acts that qualify as academic misconduct, including:
- Acts of dishonesty
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Forgery or alteration of Park University documents
- Unauthorized distribution of academic materials
- Interfering with another student's academic work
- Deceiving faculty
- Possessing or benefitting from unauthorized course materials
Park University’s Academic Regulations and Policies state that “Academic integrity is the foundation of the academic community.” The high value that Park U. places on academic integrity means that you could face stiff sanctions for an allegation of academic dishonesty.
Potential Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
In “Penalties in the Event of Academic Dishonesty”, Park University explains that accused students can face discipline from course instructors and other administrative bodies.
A course instructor may:
- Issue a verbal reprimand
- Issue a written reprimand
- Lower your grade on an assignment (possibly failing you)
- Fail you for the entire course
- Refer your case to the Student Code of Conduct Administrator (SCCA), requesting disciplinary action
The Office of Academic Affairs may also issue a written reprimand and refer your case to the Student Code of Conduct Administrator. The SCCA has more wide-ranging powers of discipline and may:
- Temporarily suspend you from Park University (re-admittance may be conditional)
- Expel you from Park University, an act which the Park U. Student Code of Conduct defines as “permanent”
- Revoke your degree
- Withhold your degree
- Issue an official, permanent reprimand on your student record
Though these sanctions vary in severity, each is significant. Any of these consequences could compromise your future employment, admittance to graduate programs, earning power, and quality of life.
Resolving Allegations of Academic Dishonesty at Park University
The Park U. Student Conduct Code states that there must be “a suspicion of wrongdoing...based on probable cause” before a disciplinary review can commence.
The disciplinary review process starts with the instructor for the course in which you are accused of dishonesty. The instructor will notify you of a pending allegation, arrange a phone conference or in-person meeting, and levy sanctions if they believe you are credibly accused.
Should you dispute the allegations and proposed sanctions, then you may request a review of your case by “the appropriate Department Chair.” You have ten days from the time you receive the instructor's finding of guilt to request a review of your case.
The Department Chair may mediate a meeting with you and the instructor, seeking an acceptable resolution. If no resolution arises, the Department Chair will make a ruling on your case. If you disagree with that decision, you can request a formal hearing with “the appropriate Academic Dean.” You have 15 days from receiving the Department Chair's decision to file a hearing request.
What to Expect From a Formal Hearing
During your hearing with the appropriate Academic Dean, you may be permitted to:
- Present evidence that suggests you are innocent of the allegations against you
- Make an oral case regarding the falsity of allegations against you
- Contend that the sanctions against you are unfairly punitive
- Plea for leniency
You may be permitted to provide witness testimony suggesting your innocence or substantiating your character. The Academic Dean may have ultimate discretion over proceedings.
Should you disagree with the Academic Dean's ruling for your case, you may have grounds to file one more appeal. If Park University agrees with your basis for appeal, the university's Provost may review your case.
Why Hire an Academic Misconduct Advisor for Your Case?
Park University generally allows you to retain an advisor during hearings related to alleged misconduct. Such an advisor may assist you by:
- Developing a comprehensive strategy for your defense
- Collecting and using any relevant evidence
- Interviewing witnesses whose testimony benefits your case
- Advising you before you enter any hearings
- Accompanying you during your hearings
- Preventing any university bodies from violating your rights
- Negotiating the best possible case outcome
Despite facing allegations of wrongdoing, you may continue your academic pursuits while your case is pending. Trying to manage your case and perform academically may be foolhardy. By hiring an attorney-advisor, you may find some semblance of normalcy during an otherwise stressful time.
Contact Attorney Joseph D. Lento Today
Attorney Joseph D. Lento is an experienced advisor who has made serving college students his mission. He understands how hard students work, the time and money they invest in their education, and the damaging consequences of formal sanctions.
Attorney Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm will review your case today. They may represent you throughout Park University's adjudication process, fighting for you the entire way. Do not go it alone—the risk is too great.
Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. You may also contact our team online using this link.
