Students enrolled in colleges and universities must follow academic integrity rules to maintain their good standing and progress toward graduation. Institutions of higher education like Central Washington University also use academic regulations to bolster their public reputations as bastions of scholastic achievement and to remain eligible for federal funding streams. Breaking academic guidelines is a serious matter and often leads to a student's downfall if they fail to reach minimum thresholds set by the university.
Central Washington University, like other schools, will address academic misconduct and lackluster performance with harsh punitive measures. It's a nightmare for parents as their student children are dragged through a fast-paced grievance process that leaves their future hanging in the balance, and they believe there's nothing they can do to help.
Fortunately, students may retain professional assistance to guide them through these matters. Sanctions for academic misconduct will stick with a student for a long time, so ensuring your defense is imperative. Skilled student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento has top-notch experience helping young students fight back against harsh school disciplinary boards.
Central Washington University Scholastic Standards
Students enrolled in Central Washington University must abide by academic progression standards set by the school faculty and detailed in the Academic Catalog. For example, students in good standing are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0. Students failing to meet these requirements will have a formal academic warning issued to them, and they will be subject to academic probation if their GPA is not raised to at least a 2.0 in the following semester.
Central Washington University students may only remain in school on academic probation for one semester until they improve their grades until academic misconduct charges are sought by the administration. Students may appeal the university's decision if:
- An academic success plan clearly defines a student's path toward good standing
- Extenuating circumstances can be demonstrated
A student defense advisor can assist students in these matters. Yet, young adults may run afoul of the school's code of conduct for other reasons.
Academic Misconduct at Central Washington University
Engaging in academic dishonesty is strictly prohibited at Central Washington University. Although instructors may develop slightly stricter policies for their classrooms, the school designates the following as violations:
- Cheating: Attempting to obtain or give unauthorized assistance relating to the completion of an academic assignment.
- Fabrication: Falsifying data, citations, or other information to complete an academic assignment, including providing false or deceptive information to instructors or college officials.
- Plagiarism: Taking or using another person's ideas, writings, or work to complete an academic assignment without proper attribution. Prohibited conduct may also include the unauthorized submission of academic work the student submitted for credit in another course.
- Research misconduct: Proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting research results that were inauthentic or not made on the part of the submitting student.
If a Central Washington University instructor believes an act of academic dishonesty has occurred, the instructor may investigate and discuss the matter with the student. Within 15 calendar days, the student may accept the terms of redress discussed with the instructor or the academic department head. If not, formal grievance proceedings will commence.
Central Washington University Academic Misconduct Hearing Process
Within ten calendar days of the above decision of the student, the Dean of Student Success will submit to the student a list of charges, evidence supporting their case, and any witnesses involved in the matter. The student will have 15 calendar days to review the information, retain professional assistance, and provide a written response to the school administration.
The formal hearing will commence as follows:
- A representative from the Office of the Dean of Student Success will introduce the parties to the Hearing Panel.
- The instructor (complainant) will present any evidence and witnesses.
- The student (respondent) may present evidence and witness in their defense.
- The complainant or respondent may question the other party or their witnesses and present any rebuttal evidence or closing arguments.
- The Hearing Panel will deliberate on their decision and submit it in writing to the parties within five business days of the hearing.
The Hearing Panel will base their determination of responsibility on a "preponderance of evidence" standard.
Sanctions Punishing Academic Misconduct
Central Washington University may impose the following sanctions for academic misconduct:
- Campus Internet access removal
- Disciplinary probation
- Extra or alternative assignments
- Grade or assignment failure or reduction
- Suspension
- Dismissal
All disciplinary action will remain on record for at least three years following the implementation of sanctions. Nevertheless, students may appeal.
Appeals Process at Central Washington University
Students may appeal the final decision of the Hearing Panel within ten days. The petition must be filed with the Dean of Student Success, and state in writing how at least one of the following:
- The standards for evaluation are arbitrary or capricious
- The instructor has taken an arbitrary, capricious action that adversely affects the student's academic progress
- A university department, program, or office has made a decision not in keeping with university policy.
Unfortunately, appealing disciplinary action can be intimidating given the time allotted or the qualifications needed to mount a defense. Therefore, your need for a student defense advisor cannot be more apparent.
How Joseph D. Lento Can Help You Defeat Academic Misconduct Allegations
If you're subject to Central Washington University's disciplinary process, you need skilled guidance. Navigating the complex process alone can be frustrating, and the risk to your academic career is substantial.
Student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm have handled academic misconduct matters involving students at hundreds of colleges and universities across the U.S. He and his team have maintained relationships with schools' internal Office of General Counsel in effort to broker beneficial resolutions on behalf of their student clients.
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm know how to help university officials see positive options serving the student and the school far better than suspension, expulsion, or other severe punitive actions. For expert advice, call 888-535-3686 to discuss how your defense can be ensured or use the online consultation form.
