Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC (USC HOSD) ties its lineage back to 1897, making it one of the oldest, most storied, and most respected dental schools in the United States. The first 11 dental students graduated from USC HOSD in 1900, and you're likely hoping to join the ranks of USC Dentistry alumni.
Our firm wants to help you graduate, and to do so without a blemish on your record. However, if you're facing potential dismissal from Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, you may face the possibility of non-dismissal sanctions, too.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm aims to resolve the issue you face with as little harm to you as possible. As respected as USC HOSD is, you can't assume that its disciplinary bodies will treat you fairly or make the right decision without prompting. Let our capable team fight for your name, reputation, education, and future.
Potential Reasons for Dismissal from Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
While most dental schools do not take student dismissal lightly, they present myriad ways for a student to fall onto the brink of expulsion.
As a dental student at USC, you may face dismissal because of:
- Academic difficulties
- Alleged substance misuse or abuse
- Alleged sexual improprieties
- Alleged academic misconduct
- Alleged unprofessionalism
- Alleged insubordination
These are only a few of the many potential reasons for dismissal. Note the word alleged. Too often, we represent clients who are facing dismissal based on false allegations of wrongdoing. False allegations can have real consequences, which is why it's imperative you hire our firm to protect your rights and work toward an acceptable resolution.
Rights Guaranteed to USC Students During Dental School Dismissal Proceedings
The University of Southern California Student Handbook (which applies to dental students) details the disciplinary process for students accused of wrongdoing—academic misconduct, behavioral misconduct, sexual misconduct, unprofessionalism, or other offenses.
In detailing the USC Disciplinary Process (p. 31), the handbook clearly guarantees students facing dismissal several rights, including the right to:
- Receive written notice of allegations, rights, and procedures
- Meet with university staff for an administrative review of the issue that has prompted the potential dismissal
- “A fair and impartial review of the incident” and the right to notify officials of any suspected bias
- Attend all administrative reviews and review panels
- Inspect all evidence related to the issue at hand
- Provide witnesses supporting the student's defense against allegations of wrongdoing
- Receive a written copy of any decision made by disciplinary bodies
- Appeal any adverse decision
- The right to an attorney-advisor (including Joseph Lento), who may accompany and advise you throughout the adjudication process
Perhaps most importantly, USC dental students accused of wrongdoing have the right to the presumption of innocence unless proven otherwise.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Dental Student Defense Team from the Lento Law Firm will ensure that USC respects these rights.
How Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Adjudicates Cases Involving Possible Dismissal
USC may refer your case to one of several departments for adjudication. The nature of the allegations against you will most determine who handles your case.
For alleged academic misconduct, the Office of Academic Integrity (OAI) may oversee your case. For alleged harassment or sexual misconduct, the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX (EEO-TIX) will likely adjudicate your case. The Office of Community Expectations (OCE) oversees cases of alleged non-academic misconduct, which may include unprofessionalism and any non-sexual behavioral misconduct.
Though the process may vary based on the department handling your case (and other factors unique to your case), the general adjudication timeline may include:
- Notice of allegations
- Investigation of any allegations or academic difficulties
- Interviews with investigators
- Hearing
- Issuance of a decision
- Appeal (if necessary)
This process is far more complex in practice than on paper. Attorney-Advisor will accompany you through every step.
The Adjudication Process for Dismissals Related to Academic Performance
If you post subpar marks during your time at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, you could eventually face dismissal. You are not alleged to have done anything malicious, but your academic performance suggests that the demands of USC dental school may be too much.
Students struggle academically for many reasons. Sometimes, poor marks are the result of unclear instruction, unfair grading, or other circumstances beyond the student's control. In any case, subpar academic performance is often not an indication that the student is incapable of success.
Our team will guide you through the academic review process, and we may:
- Petition for a grade change (rather than remediation or dismissal)
- Petition for remediation (rather than a dismissal)
- Seek academic probation or other
- Explain extenuating circumstances that account for your poor marks and entitle you to leniency (such as a family death, mental health problems, or technological issues during a testing period)
- Advise you throughout the duration of the review
- Lead any necessary appeals of a decision related to an academic dismissal (or other sanctions)
We will quickly determine how the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC plans to adjudicate any academic issues you've experienced. Our team will provide a personalized defense and aim for the most favorable outcome possible.
How to Appeal a Dismissal Ruling at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, USC
USC allows students to submit appeals of disciplinary decisions based on:
- The emergence of new information that would have been relevant to the initial case (so long as the student could not have obtained that information prior to the original review process)
- Procedural errors that may have affected the outcome of the initial case
- A disproportionate punishment (which a dismissal often qualifies as)
You have only 10 days to file most appeals at USC. Our team will have all appeal documents ready and filed promptly following any adverse decision.
Retain Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento to Shield You from a Pending Dismissal
You cannot spare a second when facing a potential dismissal. You've worked hard to gain entry into the prestigious Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Don't let adverse circumstances negate everything you've worked for.
Our Dental Student Defense Team will start work on your defense today. We'll fight faithfully for you until you're clear of this substantial hurdle. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your case.
