You made it into the University of Alabama. Congratulations!
Making it in isn't the same thing as graduating, though. For that, you're going to need to buckle down for at least four more years. And we're not just talking about academics. Sure, you've got to study hard and go to class if you want to avoid academic dismissal from UA. It turns out, though, that there are lots of other reasons you can be dismissed as well.
- Academic Misconduct: UA expects you to earn your degree honestly. Otherwise, you risk expulsion.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: The Code of Conduct lists rules about your behavior on campus. Break these, and you can find yourself looking for another school.
- Sexual misconduct: Sexually-based offenses aren't just school violations; under Title IX, they are against federal law, and almost all offenses are punished with dismissal.
Luckily, no matter what type of dismissal you're facing, there's help out there. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are dedicated to helping students succeed. They know the law; they know how your school operates, and they're ready to put what they know to work for you.
Defending Yourself from Misconduct Charges
If you're accused of misconduct at the University of Alabama, you have the right to defend yourself. The school has thorough investigation procedures in place, and if you're facing dismissal, you are subject to a full hearing. Here's what you can expect from those processes.
- Your case will begin with a formal accusation. In general, you're referred to as the Respondent (defendant). Your accuser is referred to as the Complainant.
- Throughout the process, you are entitled to an advisor. This advisor can be an attorney. While Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team can't speak for you at investigative meetings and hearings, they can offer important advice on how to build and conduct your defense.
- During the investigation, you'll have a chance to give your side of the story. Of course, investigators will talk with the Complainant as well. They'll also collect any physical evidence and interview any witnesses.
- The results of the investigation become the foundation for any hearing that follows.
- Hearings normally take place in front of a panel of decision-makers. While proceedings aren't formal in the way that a court trial might be, you are allowed to make arguments, offer up evidence, and call witnesses to testify on your behalf. In addition, you may ask questions of any witnesses testifying against you.
- At the conclusion of the hearing, decision-makers determine whether or not you are Responsible for (guilty of) an offense. To do this, they use a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Put simply, they must find you Responsible if they believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed a violation.
- Finally, you have a limited right to appeal the hearing outcome. In most circumstances, grounds for appeal include
- Procedural error
- The discovery of new evidence
- A finding that does not fit the evidence
- A disproportionate sanction
You should know that there are small but significant differences between how different types of cases unfold. For instance, disciplinary misconduct is ordinarily handled by the Office of Student Conduct. Academic misconduct is subject to an Academic Misconduct Monitor. Sexual misconduct is under the purview of the school's Title IX Coordinator.
However, Joseph D. Lento and his team are fully versed in all of the University of Alabama's judicial procedures and can help guide you through the process no matter what specific charges you may be facing.
Academic Dismissal Cases
Of course, your first responsibility as a student is academics. So, in addition to dismissals for misconduct, you are also subject to dismissals for academic deficiencies. The school maintains a strict academic standing policy. Any time your cumulative GPA fall below 2.0, you're placed on probation. If it falls further, you face outright dismissal.
Unfortunately, the University of Alabama doesn't offer any formal procedures for challenging an academic dismissal. However, Joseph D. Lento and his team also know a number of strategies for dealing with this type of situation. For example,
- You are allowed to take summer courses during the summer following your dismissal. If you can raise your GPA high enough by taking these courses, you can avoid dismissal altogether.
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances—a family emergency, for instance—you can ask the dean of your school or college for more time to improve rather than dismissal.
- Any unfair classroom treatment is grounds for a grade appeal. If you feel you've been treated unfairly, you should report this immediately to your instructor's department head.
Again, no matter what your particular situation, Joseph D. Lento and his team are on your side and ready to help. They can work with you to formulate a plan and help 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. Plus, it's no exaggeration to say that your entire future is on the line. You're facing dismissal, and you know what happens to people who go into the workforce with no college degree.
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.
