Different universities use different terms to define a mandatory separation with a student—dismissal, disenrollment, and expulsion. If you're facing expulsion from your college, then you're facing more than having to leave your school. The damage caused by expulsion can be lifelong and take forms that you may not have considered.
Once you've weighed the gravity of a possible expulsion, do what you can to protect yourself. Hire an attorney with a passion for and experience in student defense issues. Whether your case stems from academic challenges, disciplinary issues, or another sort of problem, the Lento Law Firm can help.
Why College Students May Face Expulsion
Individual university policies are the surest way to know whether an alleged offense could lead to expulsion. The odds are that if you're seeking an attorney-advisor's help, you're already aware of a possible expulsion.
Our team represents students who are facing expulsion because of:
- Alleged sexual misconduct: Allegations of sexual impropriety are serious in every case, but a serious allegation does not mean that you are guilty. In fact, the stigma that comes from allegations of sexual misconduct requires a strong defense, as your reputation is on the line.
- Alleged Title IX violations: Title IX violations can pertain to alleged sexual misconduct but have a larger scope. A university can absolutely expel a student for a serious Title IX violation.
- Alleged academic misconduct: A student accused of breaking academic codes of conduct, either in a significant or repeated manner, may face expulsion.
- Poor academic performance: Universities will generally place you on probation before expelling you for poor academic performance. If you're at the stage where academic troubles have led you to possible expulsion, then a lawyer will explore your options for avoiding dismissal.
Other alleged offenses may lead your school to dismiss you. An attorney will tailor your defense to your specific circumstances.
Immediate Financial Harm
Literature from Indiana University (IU) plainly explains the immediate harm of an expulsion, including financial consequences. If you're expelled from your university, then you may:
- Forfeit tuition that you've already paid to the university
- Forfeit any fees that you've paid
- Be evicted from university housing
- Lose any scholarships or financial aid that you're relying upon
- Have to pay additional tuition, fees, and costs to re-enroll in another university
Each of these consequences imposes immediate financial harm.
Difficulty Enrolling in Another Undergraduate or Graduate Program
If you choose to continue your education after an expulsion, then you may not be welcomed with open arms by other universities. Many schools may reject your application outright, though they won't think twice about accepting your application fees.
You may need to enroll in a university that you would not have considered before your expulsion. You may lose all academic progress that you accumulated before being expelled. You may even need to enroll in a community college as a means of repairing your reputation or building up your academic record before you choose a larger university.
The process of identifying, applying to, and awaiting responses from schools can be stressful. Rejections can be discouraging and contribute to any emotional or psychological issues that your expulsion causes.
Sully Your Reputation With Prospective Employers, Which May Cause Further Financial Harm
There is no way to predict exactly how an expulsion will affect you professionally. One thing is for certain: a dismissal on your record is never a good thing when it comes to your professional prospects.
When prospective employers see an expulsion on your record, they may:
- Remove you from their list of job candidates
- Diminish your status among the pool of job applicants
- Question you directly about the expulsion during your interview
- Choose not to hire you because your explanation of the expulsion is not satisfactory
Accreditation boards may have a similarly negative view of your expulsion. Because of these reactions, your expulsion could become a barrier to your professional aspirations. You may have difficulty entering certain fields or obtaining certain positions because of your dismissal.
While an expulsion may not technically disqualify you from any professional position, it may put you behind the eight ball. The job market for college graduates is already hyper-competitive, and an expulsion will be a clear disadvantage.
Personal Problems
Harvard Graduate School of Education has linked school discipline to long-lasting negative effects. Among other issues, there are ties between disciplinary measures levied against students and later legal problems.
An expulsion can have a toxic personal effect. You may have psychological and emotional issues because of the expulsion, which may affect your physical health and general wellbeing. If an expulsion stifles your professional opportunities, then financial issues could further contribute to personal problems.
While it is possible to overcome an expulsion, know that a dismissal can cause serious short- or long-term harm to your mental and physical health.
Hire a Qualified Attorney If You're Facing Expulsion
By now, you know that expulsion is a serious threat to your quality of life. If there is any possible way to avoid being expelled, you must take full advantage. Hiring the Lento Law Firm is a strong start as you seek to remain enrolled in your current university.
Our dedicated team will accompany you through every step of your case. We will lead your disciplinary hearing, file an appeal, and even meet with your university's Office of General Counsel (OGC). The OGC may be inclined to settle your case rather than face a lawsuit, even if you've already received an order of dismissal.
Let our team explain precisely how we can help you. Call the Lento Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us online about your case.
