We all make mistakes. College students tend to make more than their fair share. That's OK. College is a time for exploring who you are, for learning to set boundaries for yourself, for figuring out the many nuances of adulting. A mistake shouldn't cost you your academic future.
Unfortunately, it often can.
Schools seem to take everything seriously these days—sometimes too seriously. There are all sorts of reasons why a school like the University of Pennsylvania might dismiss you, from plagiarism to assault. You always deserve a chance to defend yourself, though—to tell your side of the story and to protest unfair treatment. You also deserve someone to help you do it. National Student Defense Attorneys at the LLF Law Firm built their careers helping students just like you get the justice they deserve. Whatever problem you might be facing, you owe it to yourself to contact the LLF Law firm and find out just what they can do for you.
Reasons for Dismissal at the University of Pennsylvania
What kinds of mistakes can get you dismissed from the University of Pennsylvania? Basically, they can be divided into four categories.
- Academic Performance: Your first responsibility as a student is to succeed as a student. The University of Pennsylvania requires all students to meet four academic standards in order to continue their studies. You must maintain a term and cumulative 2.0 GPA; you must not receive more than one Incomplete or F in any given term; you must complete at least six credit units over any two consecutive terms; you must be “making progress” toward a college degree. Failure to meet any one of these standards can get you placed on probation or even dismissed for a year from the school.
- Academic Misconduct: Just as the University of Pennsylvania expects you to excel academically, it expects you to do so honestly. The school's Code of Academic Integrity mentions seven separate kinds of violations, including cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication. Repeated or egregious offenses can result in dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: The University of Pennsylvania isn't just a school; it's a community. As such, it also has a Code of Student Conduct that outlines how you must behave outside of the classroom. Many of the Code's prohibitions—hazing, drug possession, physical assault—can be sanctioned with dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, the University of Pennsylvania maintains a sexual misconduct policy separate from its disciplinary misconduct policy. Most sexually-based offenses are subject to Title IX, a federal law that bans all forms of sexual discrimination and harassment. The minimum penalty in such cases is almost always suspension, but expulsion is the more common penalty.
The Adjudication Process
You have the right to defend yourself at the University of Pennsylvania from any attempt to dismiss you from the school. However, how you go about that defense will vary based on what specific type of charges you're facing.
- Academic misconduct is generally dealt with by instructors, but if the charge is serious enough to warrant dismissal, the school must conduct an official investigation and give you a chance to defend yourself at a formal hearing.
- Most disciplinary misconduct is subject to the University of Pennsylvania's unique Restorative Processes program. However, serious complaints, such as hazing, drug possession, and physical assault, can garner disciplinary hearings.
- Sexual allegations cases automatically trigger an investigation and a hearing. These cases are handled by the school's Title IX Coordinator, who appoints investigators, decision-makers, and appeals officers to oversee proceedings. Hearings are mandated by law and allow respondents to make arguments, present evidence, and call witnesses.
- There are no procedures in place as such for defending yourself from academic dismissals since these are largely a matter of numbers—courses taken, number of Incompletes or Fs, GPA. However, there are ways to approach an academic dismissal. You might, for instance, ask an instructor to re-evaluate your assignments. Likewise, you might ask a professor to give you an Incomplete so you can finish makeup assignments or outstanding coursework. While you can't get more than one I or F in a semester, changing an F to an I might be enough to raise your GPA and prevent probation or dismissal.
The LLF Law Firm attorneys have the background and experience to know exactly which options will work best for you. They are skilled at negotiating with faculty and administrators, and know how all of the University of Pennsylvania's many judicial processes work.
Appeals Process
A negative result in a University of Pennsylvania hearing isn't necessarily the end of the road, even if the decision-makers recommend dismissal. You have the right to appeal hearing outcomes. Again, the specific type of appeal will depend on your specific situation.
You should know, however, that grounds for appeal are strictly limited in all cases.
In the case of academic or disciplinary appeals, the appeal itself must be filed within ten days of being notified of the outcome. Appeals may only be filed in the case of
- The discovery of new evidence
- Error in the interpretation of University regulations
- Allegations of procedural or prejudicial error
Appeals for sexual misconduct must also be filed within ten days and are similarly limited to
- New evidence
- Procedural errors
- Bias on the part of a Title IX official
- An outcome that doesn't match the evidence
- An outcome not consistent with University regulations
Appeals at the University of Pennsylvania do not involve live hearings. Rather, both sides submit written arguments and supporting evidence. Decision-makers determine the outcome based solely on these documents.
Fighting for Your Future
Fighting a dismissal from your university can feel like a daunting task. No matter what kind of case you're dealing with, you can expect that procedures will be complex and difficult to navigate. This leads many students to simply give up and accept expulsion.
The bottom line, though, is that your future is at stake. Yes, it may be arduous, but isn't the chance to salvage your reputation and finish your degree worth the extra effort?
Remember, too, that you don't have to take on this fight alone. The LLF Law Firm built their practice helping students just like you handle all types of charges. They have dealt with everything from plagiarism allegations to rape charges. No matter what problem you're facing, the attorneys at the LLF Law Firm are 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 have already been dismissed, the Education Law Team may be able to help. Contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
