College can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It's a chance to meet new people, establish your independence, and figure out what you want to do with your life. If you're facing dismissal, though, all of that is in jeopardy. And not only will you be forced to leave Walden, but a dismissal on your record could keep you from enrolling anywhere else. Your academic career could essentially be over.
Luckily, there's help available out there. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team work with students to help them get fair treatment from their colleges and universities. They know the law, and they know how Walden University operates. Whether you need to file a simple grade appeal or you're trying to defend yourself against a sexual misconduct charge, they're on your side and will work with you to get your life back on track.
Reasons for Dismissal at Walden University
You might be surprised to learn that there are dozens of different reasons Walden University can decide to dismiss you, everything from a low GPA to forgery to tampering with the fire safety equipment. Luckily, they can be grouped into four basic categories, so it's easier to keep track of them all.
- Academic Deficiencies: First and foremost, you need to keep your grades up at WU. The academic standing policy requires you to maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Should you fall below that number, you can wind up on Academic Warning, and should you continue to struggle, you can be dismissed.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Even if you're acing every course at Walden, you can still find yourself in trouble for your behavior. The school maintains a strict Code of Conduct, with prohibitions against things like theft, property damage, and harassment. Any violation can potentially lead to dismissal. Some offenses, such as hazing and making threats, are almost always punished with dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: The Code of Conduct also contains a lengthy section on Academic Integrity. You can find yourself in serious trouble for cheating, plagiarism, and even copyright violations. First offenses are generally punished with classroom sanctions like lowered grades. Major and repeat offenses, though, frequently garner dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, Walden also bars any type of sexual misconduct. In fact, such offenses are regulated by federal law under Title IX. You can expect your school to investigate all but the most spurious allegations, and punishment is almost always a dismissal.
Defending Yourself from Academic and Disciplinary Misconduct Charges
A misconduct accusation doesn't necessarily have to lead to dismissal. You do have the right, for instance, to a thorough investigation by either the dean, the executive director, or one of their representatives. Further, you have the right to appeal the outcome of this investigation if you can demonstrate a procedural error or that the decision was not based on the facts of the case.
However, Walden University is somewhat unusual in that it doesn't offer you the right to defend yourself at a formal hearing. Instead, investigators make all decisions and determine appropriate sanctions. This places a great deal of power in the hands of a single individual, and it deprives you of a number of due process rights you would expect to receive were you actually charged with a crime. You don't, for example, have the right to challenge your accuser or to call witnesses to testify on your behalf.
It's particularly important, then, that you have an attorney from the Lento Law Firm at your side throughout the process. They can make sure you are treated fairly and that, ultimately, justice is done in the case.
A Note about Sexual Misconduct Charges
Because sexual misconduct cases are subject to federal law under Title IX, they are treated somewhat differently from other kinds of misconduct cases at Walden. You are entitled, for instance, to a full, live hearing, where you may submit evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine any witnesses against you. In addition, Title IX grants you the right to an advisor, and this advisor can be an attorney.
Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are familiar with the law. They know exactly how Title IX rules and procedures work. They can help you navigate the process and make sure your school affords you all the rights you deserve.
Academic Dismissals
Academic dismissals don't usually entail a formal investigation, and there's never a hearing. Rather, these dismissals are based almost entirely on the fact of your grade point average. That isn't ordinarily a subject for debate.
However, there are some measures, formal and informal, for dealing with these kinds of dismissals as well. For example,
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, such as an illness or a family emergency, you can appeal to the dean for more time to improve.
- If you suffer from a learning disability, you may be entitled to classroom modifications. If you don't receive these, this can be grounds for a grade appeal or to retake the course without penalty.
- Some faculty are open to the possibility of grade negotiation if you have a strong argument. For example, a high final exam score might be justification for a higher grade in the course, even if your other coursework grades were low.
Finally, Walden also offers some unique opportunities for dealing with academic dismissals. For instance, if you've been dismissed, you can apply for readmission, and as part of that application, you can ask for Academic Renewal. Basically, this process allows you to drop up to two consecutive semesters worth of work from your grade point.
Here again, Joseph D. Lento and his team are well-versed in all the possibilities. They can help you come up with a plan that's suited to your particular situation and work with you to implement that plan.
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.
