Most Iowa higher education institutions, along with colleges across the country, enforce what's referred to as a “code of conduct.” This code is comprised of rules and regulations that are intended to maintain a safe and harmonious campus environment. Each school will have a different version of this code, so be sure to check your school's student handbook to understand your school's expectations.
Students who've been accused of violating the rules in this code must undergo a disciplinary proceeding. Depending on your school, this proceeding may be conducted as a hearing or another process. Regardless, the ultimate goal is the same at every school: to decide whether or not an accused student is “responsible” for breaking the rules.
It's critical that you, as an accused student, understand that a responsible determination for even a seemingly minor disciplinary violation can get you in deep trouble. Trouble that can not only derail the progress you've made academically but haunt you down the line in your professional life. With all that is at stake, don't hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced Iowa student defense attorney. An attorney's presence in your situation will essentially maximize your chances of an equitable process and consequently, a fair result.
Common Code of Conduct Violations
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is one of the most common violations committed by college students. This is because many students may be partaking in things that they may not realize is against school policy. Simply put, academic misconduct is constituted by any action that breaches academic integrity. It's a vague definition, leaving plenty of room for students to mess up. Cheating on a test, plagiarizing parts of an essay, forging a professor's signature, and merely being complicit while others are committing an academically dishonest act are all examples of academic misconduct.
Alcohol
As most students know (but often disregard), underage drinking is against the law. In accordance with this law, virtually all colleges and universities in Iowa have rules that prohibit alcohol use by students under the legal drinking age of 21. But some institutions have made the choice to take this rule further by enforcing rules that restrict student access to alcohol regardless of age. Check your school's code of conduct for a clear picture of your school's alcohol policies.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is characterized as a student's engagement in behavior that can be perceived as indecent, disruptive, or lewd. The exact nature of this conduct is difficult to understand for some with such an open-ended definition. A few examples, such as public drunkenness, loitering, and acting recklessly in a crowded area are a testament to how diverse and broad the span of actions that constitute this violation can be.
Hazing
Hazing rituals are a big part of campus culture. But they may lead to trouble if they get out of hand. If school administrators discover that these rituals are humiliating, degrading or endanger the safety of participants, those behind initiation procedures will be at risk of being sanctioned.
Iowa Disciplinary Violation Advisor
The help of an attorney advisor is invaluable in the disciplinary process. National student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento has the skill, experience, and expertise to help you preserve your entitled rights under your school's policy. For a case evaluation or more information about his representation, contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 today.
Iowa 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:
- AIB College of Business
- Allen College
- Briar Cliff University
- Brown Mackie College Quad Cities
- Buena Vista University
- Central College
- Clarke University
- Coe College
- Cornell College
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Divine Word College
- Dordt College
- Drake University
- Eastern Iowa Community College District
- Ellsworth Community College
- Emmaus Bible College
- Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Graceland University Lamoni
- Grand View University
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton Technical College
- Hawkeye Community College
- Indian Hills Community College
- Iowa Central Community College
- Iowa Lakes Community College
- Iowa State University
- Iowa Wesleyan College
- Iowa Western Community College
- ITT Technical Institute Cedar Rapids
- ITT Technical Institute Clive
- Kaplan University Cedar Falls Campus
- Kaplan University Cedar Rapids Campus
- Kaplan University Council Bluffs Campus
- Kaplan University Davenport Campus
- Kaplan University Des Moines Campus
- Kaplan University Mason City Campus
- Kirkwood Community College
- Loras College
- Luther College
- Maharishi University of Management
- Marshalltown Community College
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Morningside College
- Mount Mercy University
- North Iowa Area Community College
- Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
- Northwest Iowa Community College
- Northwestern College
- Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport
- Saint Ambrose University
- Simpson College
- Southeastern Community College
- Southwestern Community College
- St Luke's College
- University of Dubuque
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- University of Phoenix Des Moines Campus
- Upper Iowa University
- Vatterott College Des Moines
- Waldorf College
- Wartburg College
- Western Iowa Tech Community College
- William Penn University
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 Iowa and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
