If you're reading this, it likely means that someone at Kansas State University has mentioned the possibility of dismissal to you. That's a scary prospect. Wind up dismissed from K-State, and you're going to have trouble finding another school to accept you. Your academic career could be over, and you know what the job market is like without a college degree.
Just because you've been threatened with dismissal, though, doesn't mean you'll actually wind up dismissed. There are ways to fight dismissal, prove your merit, and get your academic career back on track.
Fighting a university is never easy, though, and you're going to need help—the very best help you can find. The Lento Law Firm was actually founded to help students protect their rights and get justice from their universities. Our Student Defense Team knows exactly what you're up against because we've represented literally hundreds of other students. No matter what specific problem you're facing, we can help you come up with a solution.
If you're in trouble, don't wait. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
Reasons for Dismissal from Kansas State University
First things first: just what is it that Kansas State University is trying to dismiss you for? It turns out there are just four basic categories of offense, though some of these categories contain multiple different offenses.
- Poor Academic Performance: It's your job to do well in your courses—that means going to class and it means studying. To make sure you do these things, K-State maintains an academic standing policy. You are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. Otherwise, the university places you on probation. Continue to struggle while on probation, and you can eventually find yourself dismissed.
- Academic Misconduct: You also need to be aware of Kansas State's Academic Honesty policy. This document ensures you are earning your degree honestly. Single instances of cheating and plagiarism aren't usually enough to result in dismissal. Commit multiple violations, though, and you could find yourself dismissed.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: You'd think two policies would be enough for any school, but no. You're also subject to Kansas State's Student Code of Conduct. This policy mandates your behavior outside of class and addresses issues like underage drinking, trespassing, and hazing. Any violation can potentially result in dismissal if it is serious enough.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, K-State has a separate policy against sexual misconduct. This policy is actually required by federal law under Title IX. The government requires all colleges and universities to investigate all credible complaints, and it encourages harsh punishment. Dismissal is the most likely sanction for anyone found Responsible (guilty)
Misconduct Procedures
Kansas State has clear policies and procedures in place to help you fight misconduct dismissals. You even have some important due process rights, like the right to an advisor. Here's how cases typically unfold.
- Cases begin with a complaint. Accusers are known as “Complainants” (though the school can serve in this role). As the accused, you're referred to as the “Respondent.” The point of the case is to determine whether or not you are “Responsible for” (guilty of) an offense.
- You'll know you've been charged with an offense because you'll receive a Notice of the Charges. That notice will detail the allegations against you and explain your due process rights.
- Not only are you allowed an advisor, but that advisor can be an attorney. Your very first decision, then, should be to contact the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team.
- Investigators usually start by meeting separately with both sides. This is your first chance to tell your version of events. In addition, though, investigators gather physical evidence and interview witnesses.
- At the conclusion of the investigation, investigators submit a summary of their findings. The university then sets a time and date for a hearing and appoints one or more trained decision-makers to preside.
- At the hearing, you're allowed to present your full case, including arguments, evidence, and witness testimony. You can raise questions about the other side's evidence, and you can ask questions of witnesses against you. Of course, the Complainant is allowed to do the same.
- Your Responsibility is ultimately determined using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” This isn't the same as “beyond a reasonable doubt.” If decision-makers think it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense, they must find you Responsible.
- You have the right to appeal the hearing outcome, but grounds for appeal are limited to issues like a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, and an unfair sanction. The fact that you disagree with the outcome is not grounds for appeal.
All cases follow this general outline. However, there can be considerable differences in how academic, disciplinary, and sexual misconduct cases play out. For example, Title IX gives both Respondents and Complainants the right to cross-examine one another. That's not allowed in any other type of case.
You can count on your Lento Law Firm attorney to know what procedures you'll face, no matter what the charges. They've represented hundreds of students against all types of charges, and they're familiar with the Kansas State System. They're on your side and will work to protect your rights from the moment you're charged until you've exhausted your final appeal.
Academic Dismissal Cases
In some ways, academic dismissals can be more difficult to fight. The university gives you a chance to correct problems—through probation—before you face dismissal. Additionally, these dismissals aren't based on disputed facts. They're based on your GPA.
Nevertheless, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know some useful options for avoiding dismissal in these instances as well. For example,
- If you can point to mitigating circumstances—a legitimate reason for your low grades, you can appeal to the dean of your school for more time to improve. Examples might include a serious illness or a family emergency.
- If you should discover you have a previously undiagnosed learning disability, you can petition the university to set aside your lower grades and allow you to retake those courses with proper accommodations in place.
- Faculty will sometimes negotiate grades. If your final exam score was especially high, for instance, you might try asking your instructor to use it in place of your actual course grade.
Fighting for Your Future
By this point, you should have a clear sense of why you should never fight dismissal on your own. Procedures at Kansas State can be complex and difficult to navigate, and the full weight of the school will be against you. Plus, it's no exaggeration to say that your entire future is on the line.
Luckily, you don't have to fight alone.
The Lento Law Firm was built to help students. We're committed to protecting your rights and to getting you every reasonable opportunity to complete your degree.
Our Student Defense Team knows how to negotiate with faculty and administrators, but we can also be fierce when we need to. Let us help you fight for your academic future. To find out more, contact the firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, use our automated online form.
