Yale University isn't just any school. It's among the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the world. The faculty is filled with people who are at the very top of their fields. The curriculum is challenging; courses are rigorous. A degree from here means something.
That's the real trick, though, isn't it? Getting the degree. By the time you graduate, you'll be ready for whatever the world might throw at you, but getting to graduation is sometimes easier said than done. A lot can happen over four years—life is bound to intervene at times, and it can sometimes throw your academic career into total disarray.
A bad semester or two or a poor life decision doesn't have to mean the end of your dreams. If you should find yourself facing dismissal at Yale, there is help available. National Student Defense attorney-advisor, Joseph D. Lento, has the background and experience to help you deal with virtually any issue that might come up for you as a student. He knows Yale's judicial processes; he's skilled at negotiating with faculty and administrators; he's spent years helping students just like you defend themselves from all types of charges. You worked hard to get to this point. Don't let all that hard work go to waste. Make sure you have Joseph D. Lento on your side if your future is in jeopardy.
Reasons for Dismissal at Yale University
You may feel secure about your place at Yale, but the fact is, your tenure here is always tenuous at best. There are a whole host of reasons why the school might try to dismiss you. For the most part, these can be grouped into four categories.
· Academic Performance: As you might expect, Yale sets high standards for coursework. Classes here are tough, and if you want to move forward from one year to the next, you have to meet the school's requirements for “good academic standing.” Specifically, you must complete at least four credits each semester during your first two years and five credits every semester after that. In addition, you cannot receive more than one F in any given semester or in two successive semesters. Failure to meet these standards can result in Academic Warning status or, in the most serious cases, dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: You aren't just expected to do well as a student at Yale. You're also expected to succeed honestly. The school maintains a strict Academic Integrity policy that forbids cheating on exams, plagiarism, multiple submissions, and any other actions that might tend to give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework. Serious violations can get you dismissed from the university.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Attending Yale isn't just about taking classes. It's about being part of a community. Like any community, Yale sets rules for how its members behave and breaking these rules can carry serious consequences. Hazing, drug possession, weapons possession, and assault are just some of the violations that can get you dismissed from school.
- Sexual Misconduct: Technically, sexual misconduct is a form of disciplinary misconduct, and it's mentioned in the school's list of disciplinary offenses. It's an especially serious offense, though, and usually treated as a special type of violation. Allegations are dealt with using guidelines set forth in Title IX, a federal law. Most “Responsible” (guilty) verdicts result in dismissal from the university.
The Adjudication Process
In most cases at Yale University, you have the right to defend yourself from dismissal. How you go about doing that, though, will be based on what kind of dismissal you're facing.
- Yale is a relatively small school. As a result, all academic and disciplinary misconduct issues are handled by the same adjudicating body, known as the Executive Committee. The committee itself is made up of twenty members, including eight faculty and administrators and at least ten undergraduates. Hearing panels are made up of six members chosen from this committee, including at least two faculty/ administrators and two students.
- Sexual misconduct cases are dealt with using procedures spelled out in Title IX. Many of these procedures are the same as those used in academic and disciplinary cases, but cases are handled by the school's Title IX personnel under the direction of the Title IX Coordinator.
Hearings at Yale all follow the same basic procedures, regardless of the offense. Both sides have the opportunity to present their cases. This means offering up arguments, presenting evidence, and examining witnesses. At the conclusion, decision-makers use a legal standard known as “Preponderance of Evidence” to decide cases. In simple terms, they must find you “Responsible” (guilty) if they believe it is more than fifty percent likely you committed an offense.
Finally, if you are facing dismissal for academic deficiencies, you can appeal this dismissal to the school's Committee on Honors and Academic Standing. However, appeals don't involve formal hearings. Instead, you submit in writing an explanation of what extenuating circumstances have caused you to struggle as well as a plan for addressing deficiencies in a timely manner.
No matter what process or procedures you're dealing with, Joseph D. Lento is familiar with how they work. He can help you successfully navigate the rules and show you how to use them to your advantage to get the best possible resolution to your case.
Appeals Process
Should you lose an academic, disciplinary, or sexual misconduct hearing, you still have the right to appeal your dismissal. Again, whom you appeal to will vary based on your particular situation. However, all appeals work basically the same way. You submit a summary of your case in writing, together with any documentary evidence you may have. A panel of decision-makers sits in closed session and considers whether to ask the hearing committee to reconsider its decision.
In addition, you should know that the grounds for appeal are strictly limited to
- The discovery of new evidence
- A decision that overturns a longstanding judicial precedent
- An accusation of procedural mistakes
- A decision that violates “key principles of the university.”
Fighting for Your Future
Fighting dismissal from your university can be a daunting proposition. No matter what kind of case you're dealing with, you can expect that procedures will be complicated, developing your defense will be time-consuming, and ultimately you'll be taking on the full weight of the school's faculty and administration. These difficulties lead some students to simply give up and accept expulsion.
Keep in mind, though, that your very future is at stake. A college degree is a difference-maker when it comes to your professional career, and a degree from Yale is especially valuable. You can't just transfer somewhere else and hope to get the same quality of education. Yes, fighting dismissal may be arduous, but isn't the chance to salvage your reputation and finish your degree worth the extra effort?
It's also important to remember that you don't have to take on this fight alone. 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. 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 have 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.
