Think about all of the years, money, and energy you've put into your progression toward a medical degree thus far. You had to keep up stellar grades through undergrad, study for and ace the MCAT, and go through a rigorous admissions process to get into Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.
Of course, now that you're here, you feel confident that the Maywood school is where you need to be to achieve your degree. The school is committed to fostering an environment of socially responsible, compassionate medical practice. Students receive a rigorous education and have access to clinical experiences.
That's fantastic. However, you do need to be aware that many medical schools are dismissing students on a regular basis. It's not necessarily the case that you just need to work hard and you'll get your degree. If your school believes it can associate you with behavioral misconduct or any academic issues and concerns, the administration at Loyola University could dismiss you.
This is scary. Fortunately, you don't have to figure out how to handle these situations alone. Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team are ready to help you protect your academic future and professional reputation.
The Stritch School of Medicine Code of Conduct and Reasons for Dismissal
When you matriculated at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, you likely received a copy of the student handbook. (No worries; if you did not receive this resource or have lost it since your orientation, you can access it online on your school's website).
The Stritch School of Medicine Student Handbook contains your school's code of conduct — a lengthy list of behaviors your school does and does not condone. This document also lets you know which punishments you risk if you are associated with any of the listed prohibited behaviors.
According to the student handbook, Stritch School of Medicine may consider dismissing you if it believes you are responsible for the following:
- Specific types of severe behavioral misconduct, which can include hazing, bullying, bringing or using drugs on campus, and bringing or using weapons on campus
- Sexual misconduct or Title IX offenses, which can range from inappropriate behavior to stalking and domestic or sexual violence
- Academic issues and concerns, which can encompass misconduct (like cheating and plagiarism) as well as a less-well-defined “failure to progress,” if your educators do not believe you are making good enough grades or moving through curricula as expected.
The exact reason your school cites to back up your dismissal processes may make sense. It may not. Your school also may or may not have solid evidence backing up the allegations against you.
This means that you need to work quickly to protect your due process rights throughout your school's disciplinary process. You need to think creatively, pull together a strong defense, and understand your school's disciplinary policies in and out.
And, of course, you need to realize what's happening as soon as possible.
What are the First Steps the Stritch School of Medicine Will Take When Disciplining Me?
If your school is getting ready to dismiss you, you should be able to recognize the following signs and steps of the dismissal process:
- A formal notification from your school detailing the allegations against you. (If you have not already done so, this is an excellent sign that it's time to retain the services of the Lento Law Firm Team.)
- An investigation into your student history. Representatives from your school may speak with your educators, review your past academic performance, and take time to learn about any disciplinary events that may have taken place in your past.
- An invitation to a (mandatory) hearing. At this hearing, your school will review the evidence it collected during the investigatory phase. You may also have a chance to present your own defense or statement. By the end of the hearing, your school will have come to a decision regarding your responsibility for the relevant allegations and will issue a recommendation for your disciplinary experience.
If your school tries to dismiss you at this stage, you may (understandably) feel panicked. Luckily, there are several strategies you may be able to implement at this time.
The Stritch School of Medicine Has Just Tried to Dismiss Me. What Next?
Our team can help you assess your situation and pursue strategic actions to achieve your preferred outcome — e.g., not getting expelled.
These actions may include:
- Submitting an appeal with your school directly (which you will have to do in a very short window of time — and you'll only have one shot to make it work)
- Having premier Attorney-Advisor Lento and his Student Defense Team negotiate on your behalf with your school's Office of General Counsel
- Filing a lawsuit with your school if neither of the previous strategies has been as successful as you want!
These strategies will require deft knowledge of your school's policies and the ability to create and present strong arguments. That's where the Lento Law Firm Team is ready to assist.
Stritch School of Medicine Students, Call the Student Defense Team for the Support You Deserve
Getting told your school's trying to dismiss you is scary. You may suddenly feel very alone, unsure of your future, and unsure of where to turn. Your school won't make your options clear, after all, and you may feel you have no option but to accept your fate.
Don't do that. You can work toward a more favorable outcome — but you do have to get started now. Retain premier Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm to start taking strategic actions to protect your future.
Need a strong defense? Worried about an upcoming hearing? Wondering whether you can negotiate with your school's lawyers or if it's time to sue? The Lento Law Firm Team can leverage years of experience with medical school disciplinary systems to help you realize a more successful outcome.
If Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine is attempting to expel or dismiss you, call our office today at 888.535.3686 to set up your consultation. Alternatively, you can reach out online, fill out this brief online form, and we'll get back to you shortly.
