If you're a dental student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, you are well aware of the hard work you've put in to get exactly where you are.
You're likely also aware of the stellar resources and incredible reputation of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine — an institution that's leading the field in dental education, patient care, and healthcare research. Students flock to this Aurora, CO-based school for a rigorous academic experience and access to state-of-the-art clinical opportunities.
They may not expect their experience in dental school to be cutting-edge and cutthroat. However, it's becoming increasingly common for dental students to fail to make it to their graduation year.
One reason why? There's a growing trend of schools recommending dismissal for their students. These dismissals may be due to alleged misbehavior. Students may also “merit” dismissal if they do not progress through their studies quickly enough or make high enough grades.
If you get dismissed from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, your career as a dentist may be over before it begins. Don't let that happen! When your school starts talking about dismissal, retain premier Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at once. Call 888.535.3686 today for more information.
What are the Specific Reasons the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Dismisses Students?
When you first matriculated at your school, you likely received a copy of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine student handbook.
In that handbook, there is a code of conduct that spells out the link between allegedly punishable student behaviors and your school's disciplinary strategies.
Referencing that code is a good idea if you're looking for specific details, but, generally speaking, the types of severe behavior that can merit dismissal include:
- Behavioral issues (e.g., violence, bullying, weapons activity, or drugs activity)
- Sexual misconduct (e.g., anything from stalking to sexual violence)
- Academic misconduct (e.g., plagiarism or cheating)
Those aren't the only reasons that a school can move to dismiss a student.
Increasingly, students are getting dismissed for “failure to progress” or not moving through their academic programs as quickly or successfully as their school deems necessary. Often, the standards for proof associated with these allegations are low — or, in other cases, educators and administrators make “failure to progress” assessments based on outdated or erroneous data.
Regardless of the specific reason the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is trying to dismiss you, you need to get started with strategic actions to protect your education immediately.
What Will the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine's Process Look Like?
While your own sanctioning process may be unique to you, there should be some common elements that you can anticipate.
These elements include:
- A written or emailed notice from your school containing your specific allegations
- An investigation initiated by your school to learn more about what allegedly happened, your role in it, and your relevant behavioral or academic history
- A mandatory hearing, at which your school will review all gathered evidence, listen to witness testimony, and hear your side of the story
At the end of your mandatory hearing, your school representatives will issue their official decision in your case and, likely, recommendations for associated sanctions.
While the most common student disciplinary sanction by far is a suspension, if your school believes you are responsible for severe actions or marked failure to progress, your school may recommend dismissal.
Fortunately, this isn't the end of the road for you — though it may feel like it. Depending on the information available in your case, you may be able to file an appeal.
Filing an Appeal at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (And Other Strategies)
One of the first things post-hearing that you may be able to do to negotiate with your school is to file an appeal. After your hearing, you'll have a short amount of time (five business days) to file a formal request for a lesser sanction or for your school to reconsider your case.
You'll only have one shot at this, so you'll need to make sure your appeal is as strong as possible. After you submit your appeal, your school's representatives will get back to you in a few days with their final decision.
If your appeal works, great! If not, you still have options. You may attempt either of the following:
- Having the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team negotiate with the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine on your behalf
- If that doesn't work, file a lawsuit.
In either case, premier Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm will help you determine your most strategic next steps.
If You Get Dismissed from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Call Us Now
Fright, fight, or flight: When you receive a letter from your school discussing your imminent dismissal, it's very tempting to get paralyzed with fear, start lashing out with any strategy imaginable, or try to ignore what's happening.
None of these options will work well for you.
What will work well is calling this number: 888.535.3686. To work toward a favorable outcome after your school has begun its dismissal processes, you need the help of the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team — a team with years of experience supporting dental students as they protect their futures.
Whether you require assistance dealing with your school's investigation, navigating the appeal process, or pulling together a strong defense in preparation for your formal hearing, premier Attorney-Advisor Lento and his Student Defense Team can help. Call 888.535.3686 today, or fill out this brief form, and we'll schedule your consultation at your earliest convenience.
