You already know CalTech is an amazing school. It's why you decided to apply in the first place. You know that a diploma from here will virtually guarantee you a successful career.
Getting that diploma, though, is going to take some real effort. It's not just about academic excellence, though that's a crucial component. It's about maintaining the very highest standards of academic and personal conduct both on and off campus.
There are lots of reasons CalTech can dismiss you before you finish your degree. You'll find information about most of them below. Before you read any further, though, you need to know now, right at the start, that if you're facing dismissal for any reason, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are here to help. Joseph D. Lento is a National Student Defense attorney-advisor who's devoted his career to helping college and university students defend their rights and salvage their futures. If you're facing dismissal, or if you've already been dismissed, you owe it to yourself to find out what Joseph D. Lento can do for you.
Reasons for Dismissal at CalTech
Let's start with the basics: there are essentially four reasons why CalTech might try to dismiss you: poor academic performance, violating the rules of academic integrity, committing disciplinary misconduct, and committing sexual misconduct.
- Academic Performance: Job one as a CalTech student is to succeed in your coursework. No one wants to hire an engineer who couldn't pass their classes. As a result, the school maintains a strict set of “scholastic requirements.” Fail to complete at least 27 course units in a term, or fail to achieve a 2.0 GPA, and you'll find yourself immediately ineligible to enroll in the next term.
- Academic Misconduct: With standards as high as they are, you can understand why some CalTech students might be tempted to cheat. Academic misconduct, though, can get you expelled just as fast as failing to meet standards. Cal Tech's Honor Code Handbook prohibits all forms of cheating and plagiarism as well as any other activity that might tend to give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: The Honor Code Handbook also addresses non-academic misconduct, actions like providing false information to an official, fireworks possession, and theft. Any violation of the Code can potentially get you dismissed from CalTech. Some violations, though, like hazing, drug possession, and setting fires, almost always garner dismissal
- Sexual Misconduct: Technically, sexual misconduct is a form of disciplinary misconduct. However, due to the seriousness of this offense, allegations are treated using a separate set of procedures. Suspension is usually the minimum penalty in such cases. Expulsion is far more likely.
The Adjudication Process
Knowing what you might be accused of doing is half the battle when it comes to defending yourself from dismissal charges. The other half is knowing what processes and procedures you'll face.
In most cases, CalTech performs an investigation of the allegation and you're entitled to a formal hearing. At the hearing, you may offer evidence and, in some types of cases, call witnesses. Cases are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of evidence.” Essentially, if decision makers believe it is more than fifty percent likely that you committed an offense, they must find you Responsible for (guilty of) the offense.
The specifics of how investigations and hearings work, though, depend on what type of dismissal you're facing.
- Academic misconduct is handled by the CalTech Board of Control (BOC). Initially the BOC appoints two investigators to collect evidence, including information from the Respondent. Then the five-person board meets. The Respondent is invited to address this hearing and present evidence before the Board renders its decisions as to responsibility and—if necessary—punishment.
- The CalTech Conduct Review Committee (CRC) oversees the investigation and adjudication processes for any disciplinary misconduct accusations. The co-chairs of this committee conduct the investigation, and, if warranted, convene a full three-member panel to hold hearings into the case. Here again, respondents may attend these hearings, make statements, and present evidence.
- Sexual misconduct isn't just a matter of school policy but of federal law. Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, specifies exactly how investigations and hearings must proceed. All aspects of the case are ultimately under the purview of the school's designated Title IX Coordinator. Investigations are conducted by trained Title IX investigators. A single decision maker oversees hearings. In addition, students have due process rights they don't get in other kinds of CalTech cases. For example, both sides may choose an advisor, and this advisor may be an attorney. Both may call witnesses to testify on the behalf. They may also cross-examine one another and any witnesses who testify against them.
Appeals Processes
In all three types of cases, you also have the right to appeal the outcome of the hearing. All appeals are heard by the Vice President for Student Affairs.
You should know that there are time limits on filing your appeals—7 to 10 days, depending on the specific type of appeal. Grounds for appeal are also strictly limited to
- New evidence
- Procedural errors that occurred in the investigation or hearing
- Bias on the part of an investigator or decision maker
- A sanction disproportionate to the nature of the offense
In addition, you should know that unlike hearings, appeals don't allow for you to address decision makers. Decisions are based solely on the written appeal itself and any documentary evidence.
Academic Dismissal Cases
Dismissals for academic causes are generally based on objective numbers. That is, either you completed the minimum 27 credits during a term or you didn't; either you earned a 2.0 or better GPA during the term or you didn't. Typically, then, the decision to revoke your eligibility to enroll is automatic.
However, you have the right to petition for reinstatement. Written petitions are reviewed by the dean or associate dean of undergraduate students or the Undergraduate Academic Standards and Honors (UASH) Committee. Either has the authority to allow you to enroll in an additional term under probationary status.
Alternatively, the dean or UASH committee can dismiss you for two terms and require you to apply for readmission before you return.
Of course, should you be ruled ineligible multiple times, you can also be permanently dismissed from CalTech.
Fighting for Your Future
Fighting dismissal can be a daunting proposition. Developing a defense strategy, collecting evidence, talking to witnesses—these can all be time-consuming. You're a student, and your time is already at a premium.
Keep in mind, though, that you don't have to handle this situation all on your own. 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. He knows how to put together a water-tight appeal; he knows how to formulate witness questions; he knows how to negotiate with faculty and administrators. Most importantly, no matter what problem you're facing, Joseph D. Lento is on your side and will do everything in his power to get you the very best possible resolution to your case.
If you or your child is facing dismissal or has 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.
