Maybe your grades have fallen at Texas State University. Maybe someone has accused you of plagiarism, theft, or some other form of misconduct. The school is considering dismissal. What do you do?
First, you take the situation seriously. Dismissal doesn't just mean the end of your career at TSU. Very few schools will take the risk of admitting a student who's already been dismissed from another university. If you're dismissed from TSU, your entire academic career could be over.
Of course, you want to find out everything you can about your situation. What exactly are the charges against you, and how exactly do you go about defending yourself?
Most importantly, though, you get help. If you're facing dismissal, your school isn't on your side anymore. You need someone who is. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team want you to succeed, and they don't believe a mistake, or two should stand in the way of that success. They know the law; they know the Texas State University system; they're committed to using what they know to protect your rights and get you the best possible resolution to your case.
Reasons for Dismissal at Texas State University
The first thing you need to know is what can get you dismissed at TSU. That will help you avoid problems in the first place. In addition, though, it's crucial to understand what you've been charged with if you're going to mount a solid defense.
- Academic Deficiencies: Perhaps the most obvious reason TSU might dismiss you is for failing to keep your grades up. The school's academic standing policy requires you to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point of 2.0. Should your GPA fall below that number, you are placed on probation. Continue to struggle, and you face suspension and, ultimately, dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: TSU also expects its students to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. The school's Honor Code talks generally about respect, honesty, and conscientiousness. In practical terms, cheating, plagiarism, and any other activity that could give you an unfair advantage as a student is expressly forbidden. One offense probably isn't enough to get you dismissed. Commit multiple violations, though, and your future at TSU could definitely be in jeopardy.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Outside of class, your behavior is subject to TSU's Code of Student Conduct. Here, you'll find rules about things like weapons possession, hazing, and alcohol consumption. Any offense can potentially result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: This type of misconduct almost always results in dismissal. Sexual misconduct is among the most serious charge any college student can face. In fact, it isn't just a violation of school policy. Under Title IX, it's a violation of federal law.
Defending Yourself from Misconduct Charges
Knowing what can get you into trouble at TSU is a good start. If you're going to defend yourself, though, you also need to know how the school's processes and procedures work.
If you've been charged with any form of misconduct, you can expect an investigation followed by a formal hearing.
- First, someone lodges an official complaint against you with either the Dean of Students or, in the case of a Title IX allegation, the school's Title IX Coordinator.
- If the school should decide to open an investigation into the complaint, it must provide you with Notice of the Charges. You have other important due process rights as well, such as the right to be presumed “Not Responsible” (innocent) until proven “Responsible” (guilty). Perhaps the most important of these rights is the right to choose an advisor to help you with your case. This means Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team can be at your side from beginning to end.
- The first phase of the case is an investigation. You can expect investigators to meet separately with both you and the Complainant (your accuser). In addition, they will talk with any witnesses and collect any physical evidence.
- The facts uncovered during the investigation then become the primary evidence in the next phase of the case: a hearing.
- At the hearing, both sides have the opportunity to make arguments, submit evidence, and call witnesses. In addition, you may ask questions of any witnesses against you.
- At the conclusion of the hearing, one or more decision-makers must determine whether or not you are Responsible for the offense. To do this, they apply a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” This standard requires them to find you Responsible if they believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome. However, you cannot appeal simply because you disagree with that outcome. Appeals must be based on very specific grounds. These include
- Unfair hearings
- Disproportionate sanctions
- Findings not supported by evidence
- New evidence unavailable at the time of the hearing
Different types of cases are investigated and adjudicated in different ways. For instance, at Title IX hearings, only advisors can conduct witness examinations. As a result, if you do not have an advisor, the school must provide one for you. However, the school is under no obligation to provide you with an attorney.
The good news is that Joseph D. Lento and his team are well-versed in all of Texas State University's procedures. No matter what your situation, they can guide you through the complexities of your case and help you use rules and procedures to your best advantage.
Academic Dismissals
You may have noticed that there's been no mention of academic dismissals yet. That's because these dismissals don't work like misconduct dismissals. There is no investigation, and you have no opportunity to defend yourself. Instead, decisions are strictly based on your GPA.
That doesn't mean you don't have options. For example,
- If you've been dealing with extenuating circumstances, like a family emergency or a serious illness, you can petition the dean of your school or college for more time to improve.
- If you should discover you have a learning disability, you can try convincing the school to drop low course grades and allow you to retake those courses with accommodations in place.
- If you should suffer any type of mistreatment in the classroom, you should report it to your instructor's department head immediately. You may be entitled to some form of grade relief.
Joseph D. Lento and his team know how to use these and other informal strategies to your advantage. They'll not only help you come up with a plan but work with you to put that plan into action.
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. They know how to negotiate with faculty and administrators; they know how to interview witnesses; they know how to put together water-tight appeals. To find out more about exactly what Joseph D. Lento and his team can do for you, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
