Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania articulates expectations of students via a Student Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct lists a number of actions and behaviors that are classified as "violations." Violations typically include behavior that endangers or disrupts the University community. When a student is found to have committed a violation will be subject to disciplinary sanctions from the University. Sanctions can range from a mere warning to a full dismissal from the University.
Lock Haven University Procedures For Conduct Violations
Any member of the University community can bring charges against a student. Charges will be investigated and processed by a designee of the Associate Provost for Student Affairs. In general, when charged with violations, students will be presented with two hearing options. Students may have their hearing in front of a University Hearing Officer, or in front of a University Hearing Board.
University Hearing Officer: A University Hearing Officer will both oversee and decide upon cases.
University Hearing Board: The University Hearing Board will consist of 6 members who rule on cases by majority vote. Its members are typically 2 students, 2 faculty, and 2 administration. The board will be headed by a chairperson who will only vote in the event of a tie.
Offenses that involve drugs or underage consumption of alcohol can generally be resolved without the need to go to a hearing.
Hearing Procedure
Hearings will proceed in the same fashion whether they are being heard by a University Hearing Officer or the University Hearing Board.
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania hearings will begin with the case being introduced, and the charges being read to the accused student. The next phase is the presentation of evidence and witnesses that are in support of the charges. Following this, the accused student can then present testimony to support their side of the events. There will then be a brief review of the evidence and testimony; after all of the information has been heard, the board or hearing officer will begin private session to make a decision. Decisions will be based upon the standard of a "preponderance of evidence." Students will be notified of the decision in writing.
Accused students are welcome to the presence of an attorney at their side during the hearing process. An attorney will make students feel more secure in the process, as well as educate them on how the hearing process can affect them. Students who receive counsel and advice from an experienced student defense attorney will also be able to present relevant and strong evidence to support their case.
Lock Haven University Sanctions
Lock Haven University will impose disciplinary sanctions if an accused student (or student campus organization) is found responsible for violating the University's Student Conduct Code. More than one of the sanctions listed below may be imposed for a violation of regulations, and the full range of sanctions is available depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Possible sanctions include:
- Disciplinary Warning
- Disciplinary Probation (Probation Level I; Probation Level II)
- Creative Discipline
- Suspension of Privilege
- Suspension of Group Recognition
- Revocation of Group Recognition
- Restitution Fines
- Interim Suspension
- Suspension
- Dismissal
In addition to any of the above sanctions deemed appropriate, Lock Haven University will impose mandatory minimum sanctions for alcohol and drug violations.
Regretfully, some Lock Haven University students, despite their and their parents' best intentions, proceed with the University disciplinary process without a full understanding of the possible consequences, both immediate and long-term. Those unfamiliar with the realities of the disciplinary process often do not realize until it may be too late that Lock Haven University imposes suspensions and expulsions as a sanction more often than would be expected; even in disciplinary matters that may seem to be less serious. The stakes are very high, and some consequences are unforeseen; even sanctions lesser than suspension or expulsion can greatly jeopardize a student's academic and professional goals.
(Lock Haven University sanctions for Title IX sexual misconduct violations, which include sexual harassment and sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence, will always be severe, and Title IX sexual misconduct violations can have lifetime consequences. Lock Haven University will also promptly impose interim measures as deemed necessary to protect the complainant before the final outcome of a Title IX investigation and disciplinary proceeding involving Dating, Relationship or Sexual Misconduct or Violence.)
An Experienced Attorney's Role When Representing a Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Student
Lock Haven University and a student's attorney may be able to work together to achieve an agreeable resolution before Student Conduct Code disciplinary charges and/or academic integrity charges are filed in certain instances. If charges have already been filed against a student, the accused student's attorney, also in certain instances, will be able to serve as an a advocate between Lock Haven University, the accused student, and other involved parties, in an effort to achieve a constructive resolution. Whether before or after Student Conduct Code disciplinary charges and/or academic integrity charges are filed, in working towards the prospect of an agreeable resolution, the extent of an attorney's involvement will be at the discretion of Lock Haven University. Every student's case is unique; an experienced attorney will understand what the University may be receptive to, and will approach the matter accordingly.
An attorney's involvement at Lock Haven University in matters involving Student Code of Conduct disciplinary charges and/or academic integrity charges should not be confused with Lock Haven University disciplinary cases involving Title IX sexual misconduct allegations. In Title IX student disciplinary proceedings, an experienced attorney must work both as the point of contact between the accused student and Lock Haven University as well as behind the scenes to defend against sexual misconduct / sexual assault allegations.
An experienced student discipline defense attorney will understand and use the most effective strategies when representing a student at Lock Haven University.
Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students will have an opportunity to make an appeal to the University Judicial Board. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania appeals must be made within 5 business days of receiving the outcome of the hearing. Appeals must be made on the grounds of procedural error, new evidence to be considered, or a claim that the evidence presented in the record does not support the outcome of the hearing. Successful appeals will be granted another informal hearing where the decision will be made. In rare cases, higher appeals may be made to the Associate Provost for Student Affairs, or if the student has been dismissed, to the President of the University.
If you or your student is currently facing disciplinary proceedings from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, contact LLF Law Firm today.
