Dismissal can be a scary prospect. We get it. So let's not beat around the bush. Here's what you'll find on this page:
- Information on all the various reasons Northern Arizona University can dismiss you
- A complete description of NAU's process so you'll know how to defend yourself
Before we get into all of that, though, you should know that you don't have to deal with this situation all on your own. The Lento Law Firm is here to help. We know the law; we know how Northern Arizona State University operates, and we're ready to do whatever it takes to protect your academic future.
Reasons for Dismissal at Northern Arizona University
A strong defense begins with knowing exactly what you've been charged with. That's just as true if you're fighting dismissal from college as it is if you're facing an allegation of murder. Here's what can get you dismissed from NAU.
- Academic Deficiencies: You're a student, and your first job is to meet NAU's academic expectations. The Academic Standing policy requires you to maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. If you can't do that, you can be placed on Academic Warning status. Continue to struggle, and you can wind up dismissed as well.
- Academic Misconduct: You also have to abide by NAU's Academic Integrity policy. That means no cheating, no plagiarism, and no helping anyone else to break the rules either. First offenses are usually punished with grade sanctions. Second offenses, though, are eligible for dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: As though you don't already have enough to worry about, the rules at NAU aren't just about your classroom conduct. The Student Code of Conduct prohibits everything from underage drinking to forgery, to the use of fireworks, and any rule violation can result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: These offenses are among the most serious a college student can commit, and they are almost always punished with dismissal. In fact, sexual misconduct isn't just a violation of school policy. Under Title IX, it's a violation of federal law.
Defending Yourself From Misconduct Charges
Now that you know what can get you dismissed from NAU, you need to find out all you can about the process for defending yourself. If you've been charged with misconduct—academic, disciplinary, or sexual—here's how that process works.
- Someone lodges a complaint against you, either with the Dean of Students or, in the case of sexual misconduct, with the Title IX Coordinator. These officials must then decide whether or not to open an official investigation.
- You're entitled to Notice of the Charges any time you are under investigation. This Notice should provide you with important details about the allegation and a list of your due process rights.
- One of your most important rights is the right to an advisor, and this advisor can be an attorney. This means someone from the Lento Law Firm can accompany you to all meetings and proceedings right from the start of your case.
- Investigators typically begin by meeting with both sides in the case. This is your first chance to give your side of the story. They'll also interview witnesses and collect any physical evidence.
- Investigators submit their findings to either the Dean of Students or the Title IX Coordinator, who then sets a time and date for a formal hearing. In addition, they'll select one or more Decision Makers to oversee proceedings.
- A university hearing resembles a court case in that both sides have the chance to make arguments, present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine any witnesses against them. However, it isn't a court case. Rules of procedure are far less formal. In some instances, for instance, Decision Makers are allowed to consider hearsay evidence.
- Another important difference from criminal trials is that in a university hearing, Decision Makers don't have to be sure of your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Instead, they use a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Under this standard, you're guilty (Responsible) if Decision Makers are more than fifty percent convinced you committed the offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome, but not simply because you disagree with it. Grounds for appeal are strictly limited to issues like new evidence, procedural errors, a decision that doesn't fit the facts, or a sanction that doesn't fit the offense.
Cases can differ in small but important ways depending on the specific nature of the charges. For instance, in Title IX sexual misconduct cases, you have the right to cross-examine the Complainant. Whatever type of case you're facing, though, you can count on the Lento Law Firm to be fully educated on all aspects of the process and to guide you through that process from the moment you're charged until your last appeal is exhausted.
Academic Dismissals
There is no formal process at NAU for challenging an academic dismissal. Such dismissals are based on GPA, and the university doesn't consider this a debatable circumstance.
However, even in these instances, the Lento Law Firm can offer some important strategies for protecting your academic career.
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances—a family emergency, for instance, or a hospital stay—you can appeal directly to your school or college dean for more time to improve.
- Some faculty are open to the process of grade negotiation. You might try convincing them to take a second look at your work. Once the chaos of the semester is over, they may see something they missed.
- If you've suffered any type of mistreatment in the classroom, you should bring this to the attention of your instructor's department head. You may have grounds for a grade appeal.
Here again, no matter what your particular situation, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can work with you to find a solution.
Fighting for Your Future
By this point, you probably have a clear sense of why you need the help of an attorney-advisor to fight dismissal decisions. Campus judicial procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate, and the full weight of your school will likely be against you.
You need someone watching over your shoulder, making certain you're treated fairly and that you get the justice you deserve.
The Lento Law Firm was built on helping students just like you handle all types of misconduct charges. We know how to negotiate with faculty and administrators; we know how to interview witnesses; we know how to put together water-tight appeals. To find out more about exactly what the Lento Law Firm can do for you, contact us today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
