Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine (TTUHSC) is focused on improving the health and well-being of underserved communities in West Texas and around the world. Its goal is to train future physicians to tackle any kind of major challenge by offering students the opportunities to learn from leaders in the medical field, as well as participate in cutting-edge research. As such, TTUHSC School of Medicine believes their students should meet certain professional and academic standards. If a student fails to meet one of these standards, they will be referred for disciplinary or academic action, which could result in a dismissal decision.
If you or someone you love is facing such hearings, it is crucial you have a strong defense. Working with an academic attorney-advisor will guarantee you are prepared for anything the university might throw at you. Call Lento Law Firm today for help.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Getting into medical school might seem like the difficult part, but staying can be even harder, especially if you are overwhelmed by the amount of work to do each day. At TTUHSC, the application requirements are quite high. Not only do prospective students need a 3.87 GPA, a full point higher than other medical schools in Texas, but they also need a 512 on the MCAT. With only 180 spots in each cohort, it's no wonder medical school admissions are so competitive. And the pressure only continues to mount once you are accepted.
There are several ways students at TTUHSC School of Medicine can be dismissed from the program, but the most common reasons include:
- Academic misconduct, like cheating or plagiarism.
- Failure to maintain certain minimum grades.
- Failing any of the shelf exams more than the allowed times.
- Assaulting or battering anyone on campus or in the hospital, including sexual assault or misconduct.
- Retaliating against another student, faculty, or hospital staff.
- Failing to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Practicing medicine without supervision or permission.
Unfortunately, given the competitive nature of medical school, many students are accused of misconduct without any evidence to support the claim. Attorney-advisor Lento and Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team understand how nuanced these accusations can be and will work tirelessly to ensure you are not subjected to unnecessarily harsh sanctions. If you are accused of violating the code of conduct, the school owes you certain due process rights, including facing your accuser and being able to defend yourself. Attorney-advisor Lento will not only ensure they do.
Adjudication Process at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
When students enroll in the TTUHSC School of Medicine, they are given a copy of the Student Handbook, which includes a set of academic and behavioral standards they must follow. If they do not, they run the risk of being disciplined, held behind, or dismissed from the program. All students, faculty, and hospital staff are encouraged to report university or hospital policy violations to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) and the Dean of Students.
The Dean of Students will appoint an Investigator to gather evidence and witness testimony as well as to interview both the complainant and the accused student. If they determine that there is enough information to warrant the allegation, they will inform the OSC. The OSC will meet with the complainant and the accused student to see if they can orchestrate a voluntary resolution – meaning both parties agree to attempt to resolve the issue without having a formal hearing. If an agreement cannot be made, the matter will be referred for a conduct hearing.
At TTUHSC, there are two possible hearings: administrative and panel. During either hearing, both the accused student and the complainant will have an opportunity to present evidence and witness testimony to support their arguments. They will then determine whether the student is responsible for the accused action based on a preponderance of the evidence – is it more likely than not that, based on the evidence the complainant or university presented, the student violated the code of conduct? – and what sanction to impose on the student. Sanctions can include anything from a reprimand or probation to suspension or expulsion.
Appeals Process
If you do not agree with the sanctions imposed at the hearing, you can appeal them. Appeals must be made in writing within three working days of receiving the written decision from the hearing. The Dean of Students will select an appeal officer to oversee the matter.
Appeals can only be made on specific grounds, including:
- There was a procedural or substantive error during the Hearing that impacted its outcome.
- There is new evidence available now that was unavailable during the original Hearing and substantially impacts the original finding or sanction.
- The sanction imposed does not match other sanctions that are normally imposed for similar actions.
The appeal officer will review the appeal and determine whether or not to uphold the hearing decision, amend it, or refer the matter to either the original Hearing Body or a new Hearing Body for further review.
If the idea of pursuing an appeal feels overwhelming, call Lento Law Firm today for help. Attorney-advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can ease this burden from you.
How a Leading Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help
When a medical student is accused of violating the code of conduct, it can be seriously overwhelming. Who can you turn to for help? How do you defend yourself?
Medical student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team are experienced student defense attorneys that understand how difficult it can be to navigate classes, relationships, and a disciplinary or academic defense. By working together, Attorney-Advisor Lento will ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
