For every college in Hawaii, there is a code of conduct that its students are supposed to comply with. Students who break one of the rules in this code of conduct can face a disciplinary violation that can range from minor to severe. Even minor violations, though, can be seen by potential employers after you graduate from college and make it more difficult to enter the working world.
An advisor can be your best defense to a claim that you broke your school's code of conduct. Hiring a lawyer to serve as your advisor can be the best way to protect your future.
Common Disciplinary Violations in Hawaii
While every school has its own code of conduct, each one covers many of the same kinds of conduct. Whether to maintain a school's reputation for academic rigor or to keep other students safe, there are a handful of rules in common.
Alcohol and Underage Drinking
One of the most common types of disciplinary violation that college students can face – both in Hawaii and the rest of the U.S. – is for underage drinking. People under the age of 21 are not allowed to drink alcohol. However, most students in college are younger than that and are enjoying their first extended time on their own. Therefore, underage drinking is an incredibly common disciplinary violation that Hawaii students need to overcome.
Hazing
Initiation ceremonies for sports teams, student organization, and Greek life are a part of the college experience and culture. However, with recent events putting the tradition into a negative light, colleges have taken disciplinary action against students who are behind acts of hazing that are too demeaning or that put initiates into danger.
Sexual Misconduct
One of the most severe types of disciplinary violation that you can be accused of committing in college is an act of sexual misconduct, like rape, sexual assault or harassment, or stalking. Not only can these lead to disciplinary action for violating your school's code of conduct, though, they can also implicate Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sexual discrimination in higher education. Because Title IX is tied to your school's federal funding, you can expect your college to vigorously enforce its code of conduct's prohibition against sexual misconduct. This can make you feel like the cards are being stacked against you.
Academic Misconduct, Plagiarism, and Cheating
Finally, all colleges prohibit plagiarism, cheating, or altering school documents in their codes of conduct. Each of these acts can constitute academic misconduct, which can saddle your academic record with a severe blemish that can be difficult to overcome, even after you have graduated.
Disciplinary Violation Advisor in Hawaii: Joseph D. Lento
Joseph D. Lento is a student discipline defense attorney who can serve as your advisor if you are facing a disciplinary violation in the state of Hawaii. With his legal help and input, you can show your school that you mean to defend against the claims you are facing, and protect your future. Contact him online or by phone at 888-535-3683.
Hawaii colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's disciplinary violation advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Argosy University Hawaii
- Brigham Young University Hawaii
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Hawaii Community College
- Hawaii Pacific University
- Heald College Honolulu
- Honolulu Community College
- Kapiolani Community College
- Kauai Community College
- Leeward Community College
- New Hope Christian College
- Remington College Honolulu Campus
- University of Hawaii at Hilo
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
- University of Hawaii Maui College
- University of Hawaii West Oahu
- University of Phoenix Hawaii Campus
- Windward Community College
College disciplinary violations can impact an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at colleges and universities throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead, prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in New Jersey and New York, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as a student advisor and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in Hawaii and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
