As a student at Chamberlain University in Florida (whether at the Jacksonville or Miramar campus), you've already invested a significant amount of time and money into your future nursing career. This is why it can be so devastating to learn that you have been accused of misconduct and that your future at the school might be in jeopardy. While for-profit educational institutions can certainly provide quality education leading to fruitful careers, not all schools act in an entirely above-board manner. Some have been prone to dubious practices that place profits above students--for instance, "bending" their adherence to their own disciplinary policies and denying a student due process, possibly even causing the student to forfeit their tuition without finishing their education.
While we'd never presume without cause that your disciplinary issues at Chamberlain University-Florida are tied to underhanded tactics, you should always have a skilled education law attorney in your corner in such situations. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is well-versed in school disciplinary policies and procedures, and we've helped students nationwide achieve favorable resolutions in disciplinary conflicts. To discuss your case, contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.
About Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University, a nationwide for-profit institution, is committed to preparing students for nursing careers. It consists of two schools: the College of Nursing, which provides a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing programs, and the College of Health Professions, which offers master's degrees in public health, physician's assistant studies, and social work. With campuses scattered across several states, Chamberlain stands as the country's largest pre-license BSN program provider. In Florida, Chamberlain has two campuses located in Jacksonville and Miramar.
Florida Campuses of Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University operates two campus facilities in Florida—one in northern Florida (Jacksonville) and another in south Florida (Miami metropolitan area). The Jacksonville campus sits conveniently off of I-95 in the Baymeadows area. The South Florida campus is in Miramar, north of Miami, situated just off the Miramar Parkway.
Both campuses provide a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which can be completed in as little as three years. This program has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), allowing students to start nursing classes without prerequisites. The program offers flexibility with daytime and evening/weekend options and accepts transfer credits. Financial assistance, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, is accessible. Both campuses offer students mentoring, hands-on clinical training, and extensive simulated experience.
What Constitutes Misconduct at Chamberlain University?
Both Florida campuses of Chamberlain University abide by the university-wide student conduct codes. The Student Handbook details an academic misconduct code, a student conduct code, and a Title IX policy addressing sex discrimination and sexual harassment.
Academic Misconduct Defined
The Student Handbook expands on various types of academic misconduct that could result in disciplinary action, including:
Work Duplication: This includes obtaining or sharing information from another student for personal benefit.
Plagiarism: Knowingly or unknowingly presenting someone else's work as your own.
Unauthorized Aids: This involves using unauthorized resources for assignments or exams.
Unauthorized Use of School Proprietary Materials.
Collusion: This refers to two or more students collaborating on an assignment without explicit instructor approval or impersonating another student for purposes like taking an examination, writing a paper or assignment, or fulfilling other student responsibilities.
Record Falsification: Examples include forging signatures or modifying any finished examination or assignment's timing or content while presenting it as original.
Bribery: Offering bribes to gain an unfair academic advantage.
Other Dishonest Acts: Examples include misrepresenting facts for academic advantage or providing false assignment-related information.
Professional Misconduct Explained
Chamberlain University also has a distinct Professional Conduct Code that outlines further prohibited student conduct, including:
- Interference with teaching, research, administration, or other university activities;
- Non-adherence to instructions during an exam;
- Physical or verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation towards any university student, faculty, or staff member;
- Theft or damage to University property or property belonging to students, faculty, or staff.
- Bullying or cyberbullying: This involves abusive behavior that intimidates others, causing distress to a reasonable person.
- Hazing: Creating situations that cause fear, distress, or discomfort related to bodily harm, usually as a prerequisite for group membership.
- Provocative or Aggressive Conduct: This includes making derogatory remarks about a group or race, inflammatory statements on personal, political, or religious views, or the use of obscene language.
- Gambling at university events or with university resources.
- Illegal drug possession, distribution, or sale.
- Alcohol possession, distribution, or sale, except as permitted by law and university policy.
Title IX Infringements
All educational institutions that receive federal funds, including Chamberlain University, are obligated to comply with Title IX federal regulations. The existing federal guidelines encapsulate numerous forms of sexual misconduct, which are also proscribed under Chamberlain University's Title IX policy. These include:
- Sexual assault, dating-related violence, domestic abuse, or stalking;
- Quid-pro-quo harassment (i.e., proposing advantages in return for sexual favors) or
- Unsolicited behavior that is so acute, widespread, and objectively offensive that it denies equal educational access based on gender.
Approach to Disciplining Misconduct at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University has set forth specific protocols for tackling allegations of student misconduct, be it academic misconduct, professional misconduct, or a Title IX violation. Let's delve into these processes below.
- Academic Misconduct Procedures: As per Chamberlain University's policy, instructors can address student academic misconduct directly and impose penalties on students, including failing the course. Severe cases may be escalated to a Hearing Panel for review. The accused student can attend a meeting, present evidence with an attorney's support (although the attorney cannot officially represent them at the hearing), and request an administrative review if found guilty.
- Professional Misconduct Procedures: The Student Handbook mandates that a conduct administrator be assigned to handle complaints about student professional misconduct. If the complaint cannot be resolved to both parties' satisfaction by the administrator, it is escalated to a Professional Review Committee. The committee follows similar procedures to those of Hearing Panels for academic misconduct, allowing the student to present evidence, question witnesses, and appeal an unfavorable decision.
- Title IX Procedures: Upon receiving a Title IX sexual misconduct complaint, colleges and universities must adhere to current federal regulations to assess misconduct. Chamberlain University's Title IX policy aligns with federal rules, incorporating procedures similar to those for academic and professional misconduct. A three-member Decision-Maker panel, appointed by the Title IX coordinator, presides over the hearing. The accused student can have a lawyer present but must question witnesses independently. The panel applies a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard, and students can appeal against unfavorable decisions.
Consequences for Misconduct at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University treats academic misconduct with utmost seriousness to uphold the integrity of its programs and degrees. The Student Handbook and Title IX policy of Chamberlain University outline potential penalties for misconduct, which include:
- Rejection of admission;
- Revocation of admission;
- Issuing a warning or a reprimand;
- Probation;
- Loss of privileges;
- Imposing fines and/or restitution;
- Additional training;
- Restricting contact with alleged victims;
- Suspension;
- Expulsion; and/or
- Degree revocation.
How We Can Help You
Facing allegations of misconduct can be an incredibly scary experience for any student. It often brings about stress, distracts concentration, and potentially disrupts academic progress. If you are a student at Chamberlain University in Florida and find yourself ensnared in such charges, you may understandably feel disadvantaged due to a lack of time, knowledge, or resources to construct a defense. Without suitable legal guidance, there's a risk that the school could unfairly discipline you, violating your rights in the process without your knowledge. It's not uncommon for profit-driven educational establishments to employ alternative strategies to bypass their own procedures, especially if they see a financial benefit to it.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team brings a wealth of experience and a nationwide reputation for handling student defense cases like yours. We are well-prepared to guide you through this challenging period, having both the knowledge and experience to support you in defending against any allegations of academic, professional, or Title IX misconduct. We can provide assistance and advice on evaluating charges, collecting pertinent evidence, skilled negotiations, contesting the complainant's evidence, formulating your defense, and advocating for a just outcome.
Regardless of how unfounded the allegations against you may be, don't underestimate their potential to derail your career. Accusations of student misconduct can tarnish your reputation, impede your education, and endanger future career opportunities—sometimes even before you realize your rights have been violated. The Lento Law Firm Team is committed to safeguarding your rights and aiding you in resolving academic misconduct allegations favorably. Take proactive steps now to secure your future. Contact us at 888-535-3686 to arrange a consultation or complete our online form.
