The vast majority of Missouri colleges and universities, along with schools across the country, enforce what's known as a “code of conduct.” This code is a compilation of rules and regulations that are intended to maintain a safe and harmonious campus community. Of course, each school will have different variations of this code, so check your school's student handbook for clarification as to what your school expects.
Students who are accused of breaking the rules in this code will undergo a disciplinary proceeding. Whether this proceeding is conducted in the form of a hearing or another resolution method depends on the school. But ultimately, the main goal is the same: to determine whether or not accused students are “responsible” for violating school policy.
A responsible determination for even a minor violation can get you in serious trouble. Trouble that can not only derail the progress you've made academically but haunt you in your professional life down the line as well. This is why disciplinary violation allegations shouldn't be taken lightly. Don't hesitate to seek the help of an experienced Missouri advisor. An attorney advisor's presence in your case can ensure an equitable process and consequently, a fair result.
Common Code of Conduct Violations
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is a very common violation committed by college students. A large part of the reason is that students may not realize that what they're doing is against school policy. Put simply, academic misconduct is any action that breaches academic integrity. Its definition is vague, leaving room for various actions that could possibly constitute this misconduct. Plagiarizing parts of an essay, cheating on a test, forging a professor's signature, or merely being complicit while someone else commits an academically dishonest act are all ways one can commit academic misconduct.
Alcohol
Most students are aware that underage drinking is illegal. In accordance with this law, virtually every college and university in Missouri has implemented rules that prohibit alcohol use by students under the legal drinking age of 21. But some schools have decided to take this rule a step further by restricting student access to alcohol regardless of age. Check your school's code of conduct for a clearer picture of your school's alcohol policies.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is loosely characterized as a student's engagement in behavior that can be construed as indecent, lewd, or disruptive. The nature of this conduct may be difficult for some to grasp because of its open-ended definition. But a wide range of actions - such as public drunkenness, loitering, and recklessness in a crowded area - can constitute this misconduct.
Hazing
Hazing rituals are still very much a part of campus culture despite the perpetual controversy that surrounds greek life in higher education. They are permitted as long as they don't get out of hand. Schools may punish those behind initiation procedures if it is discovered that a ritual humiliates, degrades, or endangers the safety of participants.
Missouri 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.
Missouri 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:
- Avila University
- Baptist Bible College and Graduate School
- Brown Mackie College St Louis
- Bryan University Springfield
- Calvary Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Central Bible College
- Central Christian College of the Bible
- Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Chamberlain College of Nursing Missouri
- College of the Ozarks
- Colorado Technical University Kansas City
- Columbia College
- Conception Seminary College
- Cottey College
- Cox College
- Crowder College
- Culver Stockton College
- DeVry University Missouri
- Drury University
- East Central College
- Evangel University
- Everest College Springfield
- Fontbonne University
- Grantham University
- Hannibal LaGrange University
- Harris Stowe State University
- Hickey College
- ITT Technical Institute Arnold
- ITT Technical Institute Earth City
- ITT Technical Institute Kansas City
- ITT Technical Institute Springfield
- Jefferson College
- Kansas City Art Institute
- Kenrick Glennon Seminary
- L'Ecole Culinaire
- Lincoln University
- Lindenwood University
- Linn State Technical College
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Messenger College
- Metro Business College Arnold
- Metro Business College Cape Girardeau
- Metro Business College Jefferson City
- Metro Business College Rolla
- Metropolitan Community College Blue River
- Metropolitan Community College Business & Technology
- Metropolitan Community College Longview
- Metropolitan Community College Maple Woods
- Metropolitan Community College Penn Valley
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Mineral Area College
- Missouri Baptist University
- Missouri College
- Missouri Southern State University
- Missouri State University Springfield
- Missouri State University West Plains
- Missouri Tech
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Missouri Valley College
- Missouri Western State University
- Moberly Area Community College
- National American University Independence
- National American University Lee's Summit
- National American University Zona Rosa
- North Central Missouri College
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Ozark Christian College
- Ozarks Technical Community College
- Park University
- Pinnacle Career Institute North Kansas City
- Pinnacle Career Institute South Kansas City
- Ranken Technical College
- Research College of Nursing
- Rockhurst University
- Saint Louis Christian College
- Saint Louis Community College
- Saint Louis University Main Campus
- Sanford Brown College Fenton
- Sanford Brown College Hazelwood
- Sanford Brown College St Peters
- Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Southwest Baptist University
- St Charles Community College
- St Louis College of Health Careers Fenton
- St Louis College of Health Careers St Louis
- St Louis College of Pharmacy
- State Fair Community College
- Stephens College
- Stevens Institute of Business & Arts
- Texas County Technical College
- Three Rivers Community College
- Truman State University
- University of Central Missouri
- University of Missouri Columbia
- University of Missouri Kansas City
- University of Missouri St Louis
- University of Phoenix Kansas City Campus
- University of Phoenix Springfield Campus
- University of Phoenix St Louis Campus
- Vatterott College Berkeley
- Vatterott College
- Vatterott College Kansas City
- Vatterott College Saint Joseph
- Vatterott College Springfield
- Vatterott College St Charles
- Vatterott College Sunset Hills
- Washington University in St Louis
- Webster University
- Wentworth Military Academy & Junior College
- Westminster College
- William Jewell College
- William Woods 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 Missouri and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
