As you grow up through the school system, the notion of “being sent to the principal's office” has turned into a relatable trope in sitcoms and comedy movies. You can probably picture it: uncomfortable chairs lined up in the hall outside the main office; the school secretary, busy answering calls while writing out hall passes; and an imposing door leading to the head honcho's inner sanctum, where the invariable consequences will be meted out. Front and center in the frame, the student is either quaking in their boots or in a defiant and sullen slouch.
When it comes to student misconduct and disciplinary actions at the university level, however, things look a lot different—and the consequences are no laughing matter.
Let's take a look at the different types of misdeeds for which university and college students can be sanctioned, the process of investigating and adjudicating code of conduct violations, and what the potential penalties entail.
A Quick Look At The Types of Misconduct
There are myriad forms that misconduct can take, but generally speaking, each infraction falls under one of three categories:
● Academic. Students violate their school's code of conduct when they cheat in their courses or exams. Examples include plagiarism; the submission of duplicate material (submitting a term paper for two different courses); the purchase of pre-written or custom essays or papers; sourcing answers from the internet while taking an online test; or hiring someone to take an exam for them, using the student's credentials.
● Sexual. The law known as Title IX prohibits sex- and gender-based discrimination. Colleges can find themselves in violation of Title IX and stripped of the federal funding that attaches to its statutes if their administrators do not act swiftly to investigate allegations of sexual assault, coercion, battery, or abuse, including rape; unwelcome sexual actions; any nonconsensual sexual touch; and the dissemination of sexual content such as pictures, videos, or social media posts without consent of the creator, among other transgressions.
● General. The prohibited behavior that cannot be classified as academic or sexual includes underage alcohol use or providing alcohol to a minor; the use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs; dangerous or harmful behavior during hazing; trespassing; destruction of property; violence or threats of violence; unauthorized possession of firearms; and violation of any local, state, or federal laws.
The Consequences of Misconduct
If a student is found to have violated the university's honor code or conduct code, they could face significant disciplinary measures, up to and including expulsion from the school. Naturally, the severity of punishment will depend on the infraction, whether others were hurt during the commission of the act, any history of misconduct, and the like. A few of the most common repercussions are:
● A formal written warning or a notation in the student's file
● Disciplinary probation, which includes additional penalties if the student continues to commit offenses
● Revocation of student housing
● The loss of a scholarship or work-study contract
● Restriction from college athletics
● Loss of privileges
● On-campus community service obligations
● Suspension from all classes and campus activities
● Barred from entry to the campus
● Expulsion or dismissal
Of course, those are just the primary punishments. There will invariably be a ripple effect after a finding of misconduct, which can haunt a student for years and even alter the trajectory of their life. It might be more difficult for the student to transfer to another school, be accepted in a graduate program, or even continue on their desired career path.
How The Lento Law Firm Can Help
While the consequences are undoubtedly grave, know that you do have recourse if you've been accused of a misdeed. The sooner you secure legal assistance from attorney-advisor Joseph Lento and his team, the better your chances of getting back on track after this difficult situation. How will The Lento Law Firm support you? Let's take a look.
● Appeal. First, it may be possible to appeal the disciplinary board's decision. Usually, students only get one chance, however, so make certain you're as prepared as can be. Your attorney-advisor may be able to attend an appeal alongside you, but if not, they can certainly help you prepare for it.
● Negotiate. Every university and college has a department, usually called the Office of General Counsel (OGC), that handles its legal concerns. Luckily for you, Mr. Lento has established relationships with OGCs around the country, a result of having successfully negotiated so many student discipline issues. It's quite possible for you and your whole family to be not just satisfied with the outcome he'll broker on your behalf but genuinely pleased.
● A lawsuit. This is the last resort, a remedy to turn to only when all other options have been exhausted. Filing a lawsuit against the school, however, might prove successful in several ways. Often, the university or college doesn't want the negative publicity that comes along with a legal battle. So, a suit may bring the OGC back to the bargaining table, where they may be more amenable to settling the matter if it lets the school avoid going to court. The other possibility, of course, is continuing with the suit and receiving a favorable outcome.
The Last Word on Student Misconduct Dismissal
There are plenty of attorneys out there who will gladly fulfill a student's desire to sue the school that suspended or expelled them. But there's an easier, less stressful, less costly, and all-around better option: the Lento Advantage.
Thanks to his extensive experience in student discipline defense, Mr. Lento has good working relationships with the Offices of General Counsel at many institutes of higher education. Unlike other greedy, litigious lawyers, he will explore and exhaust all other available solutions.
Moreover, the entire team at The Lento Law Firm prides themselves on helping to resolve student misconduct kerfuffles in a way that pleases all parties—and puts the student back on track to a successful future.
Give us a call today at 888-535-3686 to schedule an initial consultation so that you can tell us more about your case.
