If you're facing dismissal from the University of North Texas, you've got to take it seriously. Expulsion doesn't just mean expulsion. UNT will put a notation about the exact reasons for your expulsion on your transcript, and that can pretty much ensure that no other school will let you transfer in. Your academic career could effectively be over.
You can bet that your school will take the situation seriously. These days, most colleges and universities have zero tolerance for academic failure or any sort of misconduct. They are zealous in their investigations, and hearings can be complicated affairs that are almost impossible to understand, let alone prepare for.
In short, you need someone on your side: someone who knows the system, who has experience with campus judicial procedures, and who has your bests interests in mind. You need attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team. The threat of dismissal is serious, and you need a serious response.
Reasons for Dismissal at the University of North Texas
It turns out there are dozens of reasons why the University of North Texas might decide to dismiss you, so many that we can't list them all here. For the most part, though, they can all be grouped into four basic categories. Know these, and you should know what to expect.
- Academic Misconduct: UNT pays close attention to all of your behavior, both in and out of the classroom. When it comes to coursework, you are subject to the school's Academic Integrity policy. That policy covers things like cheating and plagiarism. First offenses are usually handled by instructors, and penalties include things like lowered assignment and course grades. Serious and second offenses, though, can earn you dismissal from the university.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Outside the classroom, your conduct is governed by UNT's Code of Student Conduct. There you'll find rules against things like theft, arson, hazing, and copyright infringement. Any violation can potentially result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: While this is technically a form of disciplinary misconduct, sexual misconduct is usually treated as its own category of offense. In part, this is because it's subject to Title IX, a federal law. It's also such a serious offense that it's almost always punished with dismissal.
- Academic Deficiencies: Of course, it's not just misconduct that can get you expelled from UNT. You're a student, and you're expected to live up to the school's academic standards. According to the Standing policy, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Otherwise, you risk probation, suspension, and, ultimately, dismissal.
Defending Yourself From Misconduct Charges
When it comes to misconduct charges, you always have the right to defend yourself. The University of North Texas has clear procedures for investigations and hearings. Here's a rough outline of how those processes work.
- Cases begin with a complaint made to the Dean of Students. As the accused, you're referred to as the Respondent. Your accuser is referred to as the Complainant.
- You have a number of important due process rights, such as the right to a presumption of “Not Responsible” (innocence). One of the most important of these is the right to an advisor. In addition, this advisor can be an attorney. Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense team can't speak on your behalf during investigative meetings and hearings, but they can be on hand to offer advice from the moment you're charged to your final appeal.
- You can expect investigators to meet with you and get your side of the story. Obviously, they'll meet with the Complainant as well. In addition, they'll collect any physical evidence and talk with any witnesses.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators must submit a written report of their findings. This becomes the central piece of evidence in the hearing that follows.
- Hearings take place before one or more appointed decision-makers. During the proceedings, you may make arguments, offer up evidence, and suggest questions for witnesses. In addition, you may ask questions of any witnesses testifying against you.
- Once both sides have made their cases, decision-makers deliberate as to whether or not you are Responsible for the offense. They use a legal principle known as “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this principle, they must find you Responsible if they are more than fifty percent convinced that you committed a violation. Note that this is a significantly lower bar than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
- You can appeal the hearing outcome, but not simply because you disagree with that outcome. Grounds for appeal are strictly limited to issues like the discovery of new evidence and procedural errors.
Cases do differ depending on the nature of the charges. For example, sexual misconduct hearings are referred to as such. However, Academic and Disciplinary hearings are termed “Conferences.” In addition, you have the right to cross-examine the Complainants in Title IX sexual misconduct cases, a right you don't have in other types of cases.
Whatever charges you're facing, you can count on Joseph D. Lento and his team to be well-versed in all the rules and procedures. They will not only work with you to come up with a solid defense; they'll stay by your side throughout the case, helping you navigate the complexities of the system.
Academic Dismissal Cases
Your GPA is an objective fact. That is, it's either above the 2.0 “Good” standing cut-off, or it isn't. The University of North Texas doesn't consider standing decisions a matter of debate, and it doesn't provide any formal procedures for appealing any academic sanction, including dismissal.
However, Joseph D. Lento and his team have been at this a long time, and they know plenty of options for protecting yourself from the threat of dismissal, even in cases of academic deficiencies. For instance,
- You can petition your school or college dean if your deficiencies are the result of any extenuating circumstances. If you've been ill during the semester, for instance, or you had to deal with a family emergency, you may be able to convince the dean to give you more time to improve.
- You can also try negotiating directly with faculty. Some professors are open to a convincing argument if you approach them respectfully.
- If you discover you have a disability that has gone undiagnosed up to now, you can ask the university to set aside low course grades and allow you to retake those courses with accommodations in place.
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.
