The majority of Mississippi higher education institutions and colleges and universities nationwide enforce what's referred to as a “code of conduct.” This code is a compilation of rules that are intended to maintain a safe and disruption-free campus environment. At each school this code will look different, so be sure to check your school's student handbook for clarification as to your school's expectations.
Students who are accused of violating the rules in this code must undergo a disciplinary proceeding. Protocol may endorse a resolution in the form of a hearing or another process. Regardless, this proceeding is supposed to determine whether or not an accused student is “responsible” for violating school policy. It's important for accused students to understand that a responsible determination for even a seemingly minor violation exposes them to serious consequences. The effects of these repercussions are can not only jeopardize a student's college career, and their professional lives down the line.
If you are a student facing accusations of breaking your school's rules, you should take these claims seriously. With all that is at stake, you shouldn't hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced Mississippi advisor. An attorney advisor's presence in your case will ensure an equitable process and fair results.
Common Code of Conduct Violations
Academic Misconduct
This is one of the most common violations committed amongst students. Academic misconduct is any action that breaches academic integrity. With such a broad definition, there are various actions that could constitute academic misconduct. From cheating on a test, plagiarizing parts of an essay, or merely being complicit in an academically dishonest act, there are many behaviors that can lead to severe consequences.
Alcohol
As most students know, underage drinking is illegal. This is why virtually all the colleges and university in Mississippi have rules that prohibit alcohol use by students under the age of 21 on campus. But some institutions take this rule a step further by restricting access to alcohol for all attending students regardless of age. Check your school's code of conduct to be clear on your school's alcohol policies.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is characterized as a student's engagement in behavior that can be perceived as lewd, disruptive, or indecent. The nature of this conduct can be incredibly broad because of its open-ended definition. For example, being drunk in public, acting recklessly in a crowd, and loitering all examples of how diverse actions that constitute this violation can be.
Hazing
Despite the perpetual controversy that surrounds greek life, hazing rituals are still a huge part of campus culture in some schools. But these rituals only lead to trouble if they get out of hand. If it is discovered that a ritual contains conduct that humiliates, endangers, or degrades another individual, those behind initiation procedures will be at risk of sanctioning.
Mississippi 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.
Mississippi 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:
- Alcorn State University
- Antonelli College Hattiesburg
- Antonelli College Jackson
- Belhaven University
- Blue Cliff College Gulfport
- Blue Mountain College
- Coahoma Community College
- Copiah Lincoln Community College
- Delta State University
- East Central Community College
- East Mississippi Community College
- Hinds Community College
- Holmes Community College
- Itawamba Community College
- ITT Technical Institute Madison
- Jackson State University
- Jones County Junior College
- Meridian Community College
- Miller Motte Technical College Gulfport
- Millsaps College
- Mississippi College
- Mississippi Delta Community College
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Mississippi State University
- Mississippi University for Women
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Northeast Mississippi Community College
- Northwest Mississippi Community College
- Pearl River Community College
- Rust College
- Southeastern Baptist College
- Southwest Mississippi Community College
- Tougaloo College
- University of Mississippi
- University of Phoenix Jackson Campus
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Virginia College Biloxi
- William Carey 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 Mississippi and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
