Columbia University is among the most prestigious schools in the country. Great professors, and challenging courses: a degree from here virtually guarantees professional success.
Getting that degree, though, is sometimes easier said than done. A lot can happen over the course of four years: car wrecks, breakups, and keggers. Any one of these has the potential to impact your academic progress and derail your future.
The good news is there's help available out there if you're facing dismissal. National Student Defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has the background and experience to help you deal with virtually any issue that might come up while you're in college. He knows how Columbia's judicial processes work, and he's skilled at negotiating with faculty and administrators. Most of all, though, Joseph D. Lento understands what you're going through, and he's sympathetic to your situation. He wants to make sure single mistakes don't keep you from getting your Columbia diploma.
Reasons for Dismissal at Columbia University
There are a whole host of reasons why Columbia might try to dismiss you. However, for the most part, these can be grouped into four categories.
- Academic Performance: First, you're expected to excel as a student. After all, getting an education was why you came to Columbia in the first place. All of Columbia's colleges maintain strict requirements for progression from one year to the next. To remain in “good academic standing” as a student in Columbia College, for instance, you must complete—not attempt, but complete—at least 12 points of credit and earn both a cumulative and term GPA of at least 2.0. Failure to meet these standards can result in probation and, ultimately, dismissal from the school.
- Academic Misconduct: Columbia University expects you to gain your education honestly. Among its Conduct Policies, the school has strict rules against academic misconduct, including activities such as cheating, plagiarism, bribery, and sabotage. Any of these can get you sanctioned up to and including dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Columbia's Conduct Policies aren't limited to classroom behaviors. The school has rules against everything from underage drinking to smoking within 20 feet of a university building. Many of these rules, such as those against hazing, drug possession, and assault, are serious enough that breaking them can get you dismissed.
- Sexual Misconduct: Perhaps no misbehavior at Columbia is taken more seriously than sexual misconduct. These offenses aren't just violations of school policy; they're violations of federal law, and under Title IX Columbia is required to respond. In most cases, the minimum penalty is suspension. More often, however, students found responsible for sexually-based offenses are expelled.
The Adjudication Process
In most cases, you have the right to defend yourself if you're facing dismissal at Columbia. How you go about that, though, will depend on what type of dismissal you're facing.
- Instances of academic misconduct are usually dealt with directly by faculty, who may issue you course-based sanctions like grade penalties. However, if your charge is serious enough to warrant expulsion, it is dealt with through the Dean's Discipline process, which entitles you to a hearing before two Hearing Officers. A hearing affords you the opportunity to make arguments, submit evidence, and call witnesses.
- Like academic misconduct charges, behavioral misconduct charges are subject to the Dean's Discipline process. The same basic rules and procedures apply.
- Sexual misconduct cases are dealt with using procedures spelled out in Title IX. As in ordinary misconduct cases, you are entitled to a full and formal hearing. The rules, however, are somewhat different in Title IX cases. For example, there are clear guidelines as to how the school conducts investigations into allegations. At the hearing, you have the right to cross-examine your accuser and any other witnesses against you. Cases are adjudicated by a Title IX Hearing Panel.
Unfortunately, there is no process for responding to dismissal for academic cause. That doesn't mean, however, that there aren't ways to deal with such threats of dismissal. You may be able to negotiate with an instructor, for example, for a higher score on coursework or for an Incomplete grade to allow you time to do extra credit or makeup work.
Joseph D. Lento is familiar with all the many ways of dealing with dismissal. He can coach you in talking with faculty and, when necessary, represent you at hearings. More important than anything else, though, he knows which options are right for your specific situation and how to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
Appeals Process
A negative result at the hearing stage isn't necessarily the end of your academic career. In most cases, hearing outcomes are subject to appeal at Columbia University.
However, you should know that filing an appeal doesn't guarantee that you'll get a different result or even that Columbia will hear your appeal. The school sets serious restrictions on the grounds for appeal. Essentially, you may only file one if
- You have uncovered new evidence that could have an impact on the outcome of the case
- You can demonstrate a procedural error occurred or that one or more officials were unfairly biased against you
- The issued sanction is obviously disproportionate to the nature of the offense.
Appeals at Columbia University don't involve live hearings. Instead, decision-makers consider your written arguments and any documentary evidence you choose to submit in support of those arguments.
Again, you cannot appeal an academic dismissal since these dismissals are based solely on numbers. However, you can apply for readmission after a year. Joseph D. Lento knows how to put together an application package that will put you in the best light and give you the best chance of resuming your studies.
Fighting for Your Future
Fighting dismissal from your university can be a daunting prospect. No matter what kind of case you're dealing with, you can expect that procedures will be complicated, developing your defense will be time-consuming, and ultimately you'll be taking on the full weight of the school's faculty and administration. Such challenges lead some students to simply give up and accept expulsion.
Your very future is at stake, though. A college degree is a difference-maker when it comes to your professional career, and a degree from Columbia is especially valuable. Yes, fighting dismissal may be arduous, but isn't the chance to salvage your reputation and finish your degree worth the extra effort?
It's also important to remember that you don't have to take on this fight alone. Joseph D. Lento built his practice helping students just like you handle all types of charges. He's dealt with everything from plagiarism allegations to rape charges. No matter what problem you're facing, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are on your side and will do everything in their power to get you the very best possible resolution to your case.
If you or your child is facing dismissal or have already been dismissed, Joseph D. Lento may be able to help. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
