The majority of Maine college and universities enforce what's known as a “code of conduct.” The code of conduct is a set of rules that are put in place to maintain a safe and peaceful learning environment. If a student is accused of violating any of the rules in this code, they will be required to undergo a disciplinary process to determine whether or not they are “responsible” for violating school policy.
A “responsible” determination for a violation of the code of conduct can get you in serious trouble. Trouble that can not only jeopardize your college career but will haunt you down the line in your professional life. To maximize your chances of a favorable outcome, you should seek guidance from an experienced Maine advisor.
Common Code of Conduct Violations
Academic Misconduct
The maintenance of academic integrity is important for sustaining a thriving learning environment. This is why institutions are adamant about facing rules that preserve academic integrity. Academic misconduct is any behavior that breaches your school's academic integrity policy. Plagiarism, cheating, and fabrication are some examples of academic misconduct.
Alcohol
Since underage drinking is illegal, virtually all colleges and universities have rules that prohibit alcohol use and possession for students under 21. But some schools take it one step further by restricting alcohol use for all students regardless of age. There will be consequences for providing alcoholic beverages for students who are underage.
Bullying
Bullying is defined as any action that causes substantial emotional and/or physical harm to another student or group of students. Administrators adjudicate complaints of bullying if it is pervasive. In other words, if it interferes with a victim's ability to get their education, creates a threatening or hostile environment for them, or significantly interrupts the operation of the college, bullying behavior is punishable.
Disorderly Conduct
A student who engages in behavior that can be perceived as lewd, disruptive, or indecent may be found responsible for disorderly conduct. A wide range of conduct can constitute disorderly conduct, ranging from loitering, public drunkenness and reckless behavior in a crowded area.
Drugs
The unlawful possession, use, purchase, or distribution of illicit drugs, controlled substances, or paraphernalia is prohibited on campus.
Hazing
Hazing rituals are still prevalent on campuses across the nation despite the controversy that perpetually surrounds greek life. However, it's when these rituals get out of hand that they become a hazard. If it is discovered that a ritual involves conduct that degrades, humiliates, or endangers an individual, the students involved will be sanctioned.
Physical Misconduct / Assault / Violence
Fighting or any other types of unwanted physical violence against another person is not welcomed on campus.
Theft
Theft is defined as the act of taking or attempting to take the property of another person without their permission. There are various forms of theft, and some are more serious than others. The circumstances in which the property was stolen dictates the type of theft it is. Regardless of one's intentions, if the original owner of the property feels it was stolen, a student will have to undergo their school's disciplinary process.
Maine 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.
Maine 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:
- Bates College
- Bowdoin College
- Central Maine Community College
- Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions
- Colby College
- College of the Atlantic
- Eastern Maine Community College
- Husson University
- Kaplan University Maine Campus
- Kennebec Valley Community College
- Landing School of Boat Building and Design
- Maine College of Art
- Maine Maritime Academy
- New England School of Communications
- Northern Maine Community College
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- Southern Maine Community College
- Thomas College
- Unity College
- University of Maine
- University of Maine at Augusta
- University of Maine at Farmington
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of New England
- University of Southern Maine
- Washington County Community College
- York County 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 Maine and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
