Despite the steeper tuition costs associated with private, for-profit universities, many students feel they are worth the higher price if they receive a quality education. A prime example is Chamberlain University, a private, profit-oriented institution with numerous campuses around the country, which offers one of the nation's most popular Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Chamberlain University has a location in northern Virginia, located in Tysons Corner in the Washington Metro area conveniently located off the western Beltway.
Regardless of the quality of education, one of the pitfalls of for-profit schools is that they sometimes prioritize financial gains over their students' welfare. This could potentially lead to unjust disciplinary measures, possibly culminating in the unwarranted expulsion of students while still holding onto their tuition fees, for example.
If you are pursuing a nursing degree at the Virginia campus of Chamberlain University and find yourself embroiled in allegations of misconduct, you need to take steps to ensure your rights are being protected and the school is following its own disciplinary protocols properly. The best way to do this is by seeking advice from a seasoned educational law attorney. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is nationally recognized for helping students accused of misconduct in schools across the country. We'll work to ensure that the school adheres to its policies fairly while safeguarding your right to due process. To schedule a consultation, please reach out to the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.
Types of Misconduct at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University in Tysons Corner, Virginia, adheres to a standardized set of guidelines and policies that are followed across all Chamberlain campuses. These rules are detailed in the university's Student Handbook. Generally speaking, student misconduct at the school falls into three primary categories.
Academic Misconduct
The Student Handbook defines several forms of academic dishonesty that could lead to disciplinary measures. These include:
- Plagiarism: The intentional (or unintentional) act of presenting someone else's work as your own.
- Copying: Illegally obtaining and copying material from another student or permitting another student to duplicate your work.
- Collusion: Unauthorized collaboration between students on assignments.
- Use of Unauthorized Aids for assignments or examinations.
- Unauthorized Use of School Proprietary Materials.
- Falsifying Records: For instance, forging signatures or altering completed exams or tasks to misrepresent the original work.
- Bribery: Proposing inducements to gain an unfair academic advantage.
- Deceptive Practices: This involves generating false statements or documents for academic advantage or providing incorrect information related to tasks.
Professional Misconduct
At Chamberlain University, any of the following would fall under the umbrella of professional misconduct:
- Disruption of university functions: For example, causing a disturbance in the classroom or actively or hindering research, administrative tasks, etc.
- Non-adherence to instructions during examinations.
- Bullying and/or cyberbullying.
- Hazing.
- Aggressive behavior (e.g., physical or verbal assault, threats, or intimidation).
- Theft or damage to university property or belongings of university students, faculty, or staff.
- Inflammatory conduct (e.g., racial slurs, disparaging remarks about political or religious beliefs, etc.).
- Gambling at university events or using university resources.
- Drug and alcohol violations: This includes illegal possession, distribution, or sale of drugs, or selling/distributing alcohol contrary to school regulations.
Title IX Violations
Like other federally-funded institutions, Chamberlain University is obligated to adhere to federal regulations regarding sexual discrimination/harassment as detailed in its Title IX policy. These rules address various forms of sexual misconduct, including:
- Sexual Misconduct (e.g., sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking).
- Quid-Pro-Quo Harassment: Offering advantages in exchange for sexual favors.
- Creation of a Hostile Environment: Participating in unwelcome conduct that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive to the extent it impedes equal access to education based on sex.
Chamberlain University's Disciplinary Procedures
Chamberlain University-Virginia addresses allegations of misconduct in each of the above three categories using established protocols. Here's what to expect:
- For Academic Misconduct: Faculty members have the authority to discipline academic misconduct directly by imposing penalties, up to and including failing the student. In severe cases, a Hearing Panel may step in to evaluate the complaint. Accused students have the privilege to present their defense during these hearings and, if deemed guilty, can request an administrative review.
- For Professional Misconduct: For cases involving professional misconduct, a designated conduct administrator is assigned to probe the allegations and seek a resolution. If this process fails, the case is escalated to a Professional Review Committee, which operates similarly to the Hearing Panels used in academic misconduct cases. The accused student has the right to present a defense and appeal any negative decision.
- For Title IX Violations: In instances where Title IX sexual misconduct complaints are involved, the university is bound to comply with federal regulations to investigate and rectify the alleged misconduct. A three-member Decision-Maker panel, appointed by the Title IX coordinator, presides over the hearing using a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Students have the right to appeal decisions they find unfavorable.
Disciplinary Actions for Misconduct
Chamberlain University enforces a strict policy against all forms of misconduct detailed in the Student Handbook. If the school determines you have committed misconduct, you could face one or more of the following sanctions:
- A warning or reprimand;
- Probation;
- Restriction or revocation of campus privileges;
- Fines/restitution;
- Restricted contact with any alleged victims;
- Suspension;
- Expulsion; and/or
- Revocation of any degrees you've already earned.
The Lento Law Firm Team Can Help You Navigate Misconduct Allegations
Facing allegations of misconduct at Chamberlain University in Tysons Corner, Virginia, can be a frightening prospect, especially if you feel placed at a disadvantage and do not know how to defend yourself against the allegations. Without the counsel of a seasoned education attorney, you may find your rights compromised by the school's disciplinary procedures. Any resulting sanctions could potentially inflict long-lasting damage on your academic trajectory and future nursing career.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has considerable experience with student discipline cases such as yours. We will review the charges against you, assemble evidence in your support, rally witnesses in your favor, advise you in formulating a formidable defense strategy, aid in negotiations, and, if necessary, support you in filing an appeal. In short, your chances of a favorable resolution go up considerably with our Student Defense Team in your corner.
Don't risk your academic or professional future by confronting misconduct allegations on your own. The team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to assist. Reach out to us at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation or complete our online form.
