As a New Hampshire college or university student, you're well aware that focusing on your studies and behaving on campus are things to be taken seriously. But once you're off-campus and seemingly out of the reach of college authorities, you can do whatever you want, right? It's a common misconception to think that driving drunk to get late-night snacks, having a brawl at a local bar, or posting videos of you and your friends engaging in illegal activities on social media don't have consequences when you're a college or university student. Suspensions and expulsions are often handed down for such instances that occur off-campus—even for those who are falsely accused.
Whether you think it's fair or not, public and private colleges and universities across the State of New Hampshire often claim jurisdiction over students whenever they leave campus. Unfortunately, that means students are put in a position where they are risking their education and are completely unaware of it. While your parents are dedicated to seeing you graduate with a degree, defending against school authorities requires extensive knowledge of collegiate rules and regulations and the finesse to advocate for the student in front of officials. Without that help, your academic progress could be interrupted, endangering your future career.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has extensive experience helping students and their parents navigate and resolve off-campus misconduct accusations. In such a difficult situation, these types of difficulties. If you are a New Hampshire college student facing possible disciplinary action for an off-campus incident, or if you're a parent of a student who has been accused, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 today to schedule a consultation or reach out to us online.
Can My College Really Discipline Me for Alleged Misconduct that Occurred Off-Campus?
Many students presume that once they leave campus, any alleged indiscretion isn't the school's business, nor does it have the authority to do anything. However, most New Hampshire colleges and universities—as well as those throughout the U.S.—have policies related to student conduct off-campus.
The guidelines by which the school claims authority will vary from school to school and are typically found in the school's disciplinary policies or student code of conduct. Once students enroll in the school, they will be subject to those rules, and school authorities will attempt to invoke disciplinary action following any violations.
Regardless, the interpretation of what off-campus activities fall under school jurisdiction—to what extent, under what circumstances, and where they occur—is commonly subject to debate. While litigation is sometimes necessary, most of these questionable factors can often be resolved through skilled negotiation and knowing the student's rights. But if you're unaware of the nuances, you could face disciplinary actions with long-lasting impacts that otherwise could have been avoided.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has nationwide experience defending students accused of misconduct, both on and off campus. We understand the complexities of school rules, student rights, and due process procedures in New Hampshire schools, and we know how to leverage these elements in your favor to reduce or eliminate the possible penalties—even in the most complex cases.
Criteria Used by New Hampshire Schools to Discipline Off-Campus Behaviors
Colleges and universities lack a standardized set of criteria to assert authority in cases of alleged off-campus misconduct, contributing to the confusion surrounding this issue. Each formulates its own distinct policies, providing a framework for potential intervention and subsequent disciplinary measures. Throughout New Hampshire, the nature of these policies varies. Typically, schools decide whether to address a situation on a case-by-case basis.
For instance, the University of New Hampshire explains that students residing off-campus are expected to "demonstrate responsible citizenship," and "disruptive behavior, including violations of law…will be subject to disciplinary review and, when appropriate, referred to the conduct process for resolution."
As well, Dartmouth College explains that the code of conduct "govern[s] the behavior and activities of individual students and student organizations on or off campus."
Common Factors that May Incur Disciplinary Action for Off-Campus Behaviors
Aside from the examples given above, colleges and universities will look to impose discipline for a long list of off-campus behaviors if school authorities believe it falls within their jurisdiction. Their approach primarily follows how misconduct is treated on campus. Below demonstrates what many New Hampshire schools will claim jurisdiction under, including but not limited to the following:
Connection to School-Related Activities
If the misconduct is directly or indirectly related to an academic activity or event, the school may claim jurisdiction. Nevertheless, academic activities can be anything from a research project or a field trip to an internship or a study abroad program. For instance, if you're accused of assaulting someone while participating in a study abroad program, the university may initiate disciplinary proceedings.
Academic Misconduct Off-Campus
If a student engages in academic misconduct off-campus, such as plagiarism, cheating, or research misconduct, the school will begin its grievance procedures. This can also apply to misconduct that occurs during off-campus study groups or collaborative projects, and it can even occur if a student uses their own work in another class without permission.
Violation of State or Federal Laws
If a student's off-campus behavior violates local, state, or federal laws and the university becomes aware, they may take additional action. Institutions have an obligation to protect their public reputation, and behavior reflecting poorly on the school will be dealt with—whether or not the allegations lead to criminal or civil charges.
Online Misconduct
In the digital age, schools will monitor and manage online behavior. Cyberbullying, threats, harassment, or other forms of misconduct affect the campus community. Yet, many schools will also punish students who use school computers or their network to run for-profit businesses as students.
Sexual Harassment, Assault, or Discrimination
Since Title IX is a federal law impacting schools receiving federal funds, violations like sexual assault and harassment only apply to alleged incidents on campus. However, most schools also have their own policies regarding student sexual misconduct, so in some instances where the alleged perpetrator is a student (as well as an alleged victim), the school may opt to intervene even if the incident occurred off-campus.
Misconduct During University-Sponsored Events
Colleges and universities will almost always claim jurisdiction over off-campus events that are school-sponsored, utilize school equipment, or otherwise fall under the school's authority. However, many also reiterate that streets and sidewalks adjacent to college or university buildings or the locations where events are held may also fall under their jurisdiction.
Affiliation with University-Recognized Organizations
If your alleged off-campus misconduct occurs while you are participating in activities with university-recognized organizations (like fraternities, sororities, clubs, or sports teams), the university can assert discipline. Moreover, the school can have authority if an alleged incident occurs during an event through an organization, like a fraternity weekend trip.
Honor Code/Moral Code Violations
Some of New Hampshire's private religious colleges may ask students to sign an Honor Code in which they promise to uphold certain moral standards of behavior both on and off campus. For example, students may be held accountable if they engage in sexual activity, public displays of affection, or consume alcohol at the appropriate age.
Threats to Health and Safety
Any off-campus action that directly or indirectly threatens the health, safety, or welfare of the university community or the public at large, the university may decide to intervene. This could include situations like the possession of weapons, distribution of drugs, threats of violence, and, in some cases, protesting.
Threat to University Reputation
As mentioned before, colleges and universities work hard to uphold their public reputations. Therefore, if a student's off-campus actions significantly damage the university's reputation, the school will likely decide to take disciplinary action.
Possible Disciplinary Actions for Off-Campus Misconduct in New Hampshire
If your college or university determines that your off-campus misconduct falls within their jurisdiction, they will follow the procedures listed in the student code of conduct and other disciplinary protocols. Typically, the grievance process begins the same as if the alleged incident occurred on campus.
There will be an investigation process, including evidence gathering, interviewing witnesses, informal and formal hearings, and a final determination made by a disciplinary board or committee. If the school believes the student is responsible for the misconduct alleged—usually based on a preponderance of the evidence—they may choose to impose one or more of the following actions against you:
- Probation: A period of time during which punishment is withheld under the agreement the student won't behave in ways that will garner further charges.
- Loss of Privileges: Restrictions from participating in certain activities or privileges like parking spaces, on-campus housing, leadership roles, or the opportunity to represent the university in an official capacity.
- Restitution: Compensate for loss, damage, or injury to the school or any victims involved.
- Educational Programs: Mandatory educational programs, such as workshops, seminars, or online courses related to rehabilitating a student based on the offense committed.
- Suspension: A separation from studies for a specified period of time. During a suspension, students are prohibited from attending classes or university-related events.
- Expulsion: A student's forced departure from the school, with or without the chance to apply for readmission at a later date.
- Revocation of Degree: Taking away a degree awarded following substantiated misconduct.
- Withholding Degree: A school may only award a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the grievance process set forth in the student conduct code, including the completion of all sanctions imposed.
Potential Long-Term Impacts to Your Future
If you're accused of off-campus misconduct, the stakes are high. Just because you were off campus doesn't mean that gives you any level of protection. The discipline documented is the same as if it occurred on campus.
Unfortunately, records of misconduct can lead to the following repercussions:
- Academic Progress: If you're suspended or expelled, it can delay or even grind your academic progress to a halt, as suspension or expulsion from one school may disqualify you from being accepted elsewhere.
- Transcript Notations: Notations on your academic transcript can and will be seen by potential employers or graduate programs. Misconduct charges can easily cost you a job in a competitive market.
- Professional Licensing: If you're pursuing a profession that requires licensing—healthcare, education, legal work—a disciplinary record may impact your credibility with the governing board.
- Graduate School Admissions: Many graduate programs require applicants to disclose disciplinary actions during the admissions process, which could negatively affect the chances of acceptance.
- Financial Aid Eligibility: Serious disciplinary actions can affect your eligibility for financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships.
The Lento Law Firm: Your New Hampshire Student Defense Team
With the threats to your future, if you're facing student misconduct allegations in New Hampshire, the last thing you want to do is defend yourself alone. In student disciplinary processes, there is no guaranteed presumption of innocence, and the school has a low burden of proof to charge you for the alleged misconduct.
To pursue the best outcome in your case, hire an experienced education attorney at the first sign of trouble. While retaining legal assistance may seem like a big step, here's how the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can help:
- Evaluating allegations and advise you on the best strategy for defense (even if you're not allowed legal representation at your hearing).
- Gather evidence and witnesses to support your defense.
- Negotiate with the school and their Office of General Counsel.
- Draft a compelling response to the allegations.
- Coach you and prepare you for your hearing.
- Take steps to litigate matters in a local or state court, if necessary.
Don't take unnecessary risks with your academic or professional future. If you are a New Hampshire student facing school discipline—or one's dedicated parent—the Lento Law Firm Team will work to protect your rights and help you get the most favorable resolution possible. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or use our online consultation form.
As a New Hampshire college or university student, you're well aware that focusing on your studies and behaving on campus are things to be taken seriously. But once you're off-campus and seemingly out of the reach of college authorities, you can do whatever you want, right? It's a common misconception to think that driving drunk to get late-night snacks, having a brawl at a local bar, or posting videos of you and your friends engaging in illegal activities on social media don't have consequences when you're a college or university student. Suspensions and expulsions are often handed down for such instances that occur off-campus—even for those who are falsely accused.
Whether you think it's fair or not, public and private colleges and universities across the State of New Hampshire often claim jurisdiction over students whenever they leave campus. Unfortunately, that means students are put in a position where they are risking their education and are completely unaware of it. While your parents are dedicated to seeing you graduate with a degree, defending against school authorities requires extensive knowledge of collegiate rules and regulations and the finesse to advocate for the student in front of officials. Without that help, your academic progress could be interrupted, endangering your future career.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has extensive experience helping students and their parents navigate and resolve off-campus misconduct accusations. In such a difficult situation, these types of difficulties. If you are a New Hampshire college student facing possible disciplinary action for an off-campus incident, or if you're a parent of a student who has been accused, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 today to schedule a consultation or reach out to us online.
Can My College Really Discipline Me for Alleged Misconduct that Occurred Off-Campus?
Many students presume that once they leave campus, any alleged indiscretion isn't the school's business, nor does it have the authority to do anything. However, most New Hampshire colleges and universities—as well as those throughout the U.S.—have policies related to student conduct off-campus.
The guidelines by which the school claims authority will vary from school to school and are typically found in the school's disciplinary policies or student code of conduct. Once students enroll in the school, they will be subject to those rules, and school authorities will attempt to invoke disciplinary action following any violations.
Regardless, the interpretation of what off-campus activities fall under school jurisdiction—to what extent, under what circumstances, and where they occur—is commonly subject to debate. While litigation is sometimes necessary, most of these questionable factors can often be resolved through skilled negotiation and knowing the student's rights. But if you're unaware of the nuances, you could face disciplinary actions with long-lasting impacts that otherwise could have been avoided.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has nationwide experience defending students accused of misconduct, both on and off campus. We understand the complexities of school rules, student rights, and due process procedures in New Hampshire schools, and we know how to leverage these elements in your favor to reduce or eliminate the possible penalties—even in the most complex cases.
Criteria Used by New Hampshire Schools to Discipline Off-Campus Behaviors
Colleges and universities lack a standardized set of criteria to assert authority in cases of alleged off-campus misconduct, contributing to the confusion surrounding this issue. Each formulates its own distinct policies, providing a framework for potential intervention and subsequent disciplinary measures. Throughout New Hampshire, the nature of these policies varies. Typically, schools decide whether to address a situation on a case-by-case basis.
For instance, the University of New Hampshire explains that students residing off-campus are expected to "demonstrate responsible citizenship," and "disruptive behavior, including violations of law…will be subject to disciplinary review and, when appropriate, referred to the conduct process for resolution."
As well, Dartmouth College explains that the code of conduct "govern[s] the behavior and activities of individual students and student organizations on or off campus."
Common Factors that May Incur Disciplinary Action for Off-Campus Behaviors
Aside from the examples given above, colleges and universities will look to impose discipline for a long list of off-campus behaviors if school authorities believe it falls within their jurisdiction. Their approach primarily follows how misconduct is treated on campus. Below demonstrates what many New Hampshire schools will claim jurisdiction under, including but not limited to the following:
Connection to School-Related Activities
If the misconduct is directly or indirectly related to an academic activity or event, the school may claim jurisdiction. Nevertheless, academic activities can be anything from a research project or a field trip to an internship or a study abroad program. For instance, if you're accused of assaulting someone while participating in a study abroad program, the university may initiate disciplinary proceedings.
Academic Misconduct Off-Campus
If a student engages in academic misconduct off-campus, such as plagiarism, cheating, or research misconduct, the school will begin its grievance procedures. This can also apply to misconduct that occurs during off-campus study groups or collaborative projects, and it can even occur if a student uses their own work in another class without permission.
Violation of State or Federal Laws
If a student's off-campus behavior violates local, state, or federal laws and the university becomes aware, they may take additional action. Institutions have an obligation to protect their public reputation, and behavior reflecting poorly on the school will be dealt with—whether or not the allegations lead to criminal or civil charges.
Online Misconduct
In the digital age, schools will monitor and manage online behavior. Cyberbullying, threats, harassment, or other forms of misconduct affect the campus community. Yet, many schools will also punish students who use school computers or their network to run for-profit businesses as students.
Sexual Harassment, Assault, or Discrimination
Since Title IX is a federal law impacting schools receiving federal funds, violations like sexual assault and harassment only apply to alleged incidents on campus. However, most schools also have their own policies regarding student sexual misconduct, so in some instances where the alleged perpetrator is a student (as well as an alleged victim), the school may opt to intervene even if the incident occurred off-campus.
Misconduct During University-Sponsored Events
Colleges and universities will almost always claim jurisdiction over off-campus events that are school-sponsored, utilize school equipment, or otherwise fall under the school's authority. However, many also reiterate that streets and sidewalks adjacent to college or university buildings or the locations where events are held may also fall under their jurisdiction.
Affiliation with University-Recognized Organizations
If your alleged off-campus misconduct occurs while you are participating in activities with university-recognized organizations (like fraternities, sororities, clubs, or sports teams), the university can assert discipline. Moreover, the school can have authority if an alleged incident occurs during an event through an organization, like a fraternity weekend trip.
Honor Code/Moral Code Violations
Some of New Hampshire's private religious colleges may ask students to sign an Honor Code in which they promise to uphold certain moral standards of behavior both on and off campus. For example, students may be held accountable if they engage in sexual activity, public displays of affection, or consume alcohol at the appropriate age.
Threats to Health and Safety
Any off-campus action that directly or indirectly threatens the health, safety, or welfare of the university community or the public at large, the university may decide to intervene. This could include situations like the possession of weapons, distribution of drugs, threats of violence, and, in some cases, protesting.
Threat to University Reputation
As mentioned before, colleges and universities work hard to uphold their public reputations. Therefore, if a student's off-campus actions significantly damage the university's reputation, the school will likely decide to take disciplinary action.
Possible Disciplinary Actions for Off-Campus Misconduct in New Hampshire
If your college or university determines that your off-campus misconduct falls within their jurisdiction, they will follow the procedures listed in the student code of conduct and other disciplinary protocols. Typically, the grievance process begins the same as if the alleged incident occurred on campus.
There will be an investigation process, including evidence gathering, interviewing witnesses, informal and formal hearings, and a final determination made by a disciplinary board or committee. If the school believes the student is responsible for the misconduct alleged—usually based on a preponderance of the evidence—they may choose to impose one or more of the following actions against you:
- Probation: A period of time during which punishment is withheld under the agreement the student won't behave in ways that will garner further charges.
- Loss of Privileges: Restrictions from participating in certain activities or privileges like parking spaces, on-campus housing, leadership roles, or the opportunity to represent the university in an official capacity.
- Restitution: Compensate for loss, damage, or injury to the school or any victims involved.
- Educational Programs: Mandatory educational programs, such as workshops, seminars, or online courses related to rehabilitating a student based on the offense committed.
- Suspension: A separation from studies for a specified period of time. During a suspension, students are prohibited from attending classes or university-related events.
- Expulsion: A student's forced departure from the school, with or without the chance to apply for readmission at a later date.
- Revocation of Degree: Taking away a degree awarded following substantiated misconduct.
- Withholding Degree: A school may only award a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the grievance process set forth in the student conduct code, including the completion of all sanctions imposed.
Potential Long-Term Impacts to Your Future
If you're accused of off-campus misconduct, the stakes are high. Just because you were off campus doesn't mean that gives you any level of protection. The discipline documented is the same as if it occurred on campus.
Unfortunately, records of misconduct can lead to the following repercussions:
- Academic Progress: If you're suspended or expelled, it can delay or even grind your academic progress to a halt, as suspension or expulsion from one school may disqualify you from being accepted elsewhere.
- Transcript Notations: Notations on your academic transcript can and will be seen by potential employers or graduate programs. Misconduct charges can easily cost you a job in a competitive market.
- Professional Licensing: If you're pursuing a profession that requires licensing—healthcare, education, legal work—a disciplinary record may impact your credibility with the governing board.
- Graduate School Admissions: Many graduate programs require applicants to disclose disciplinary actions during the admissions process, which could negatively affect the chances of acceptance.
- Financial Aid Eligibility: Serious disciplinary actions can affect your eligibility for financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships.
The Lento Law Firm: Your New Hampshire Student Defense Team
With the threats to your future, if you're facing student misconduct allegations in New Hampshire, the last thing you want to do is defend yourself alone. In student disciplinary processes, there is no guaranteed presumption of innocence, and the school has a low burden of proof to charge you for the alleged misconduct.
To pursue the best outcome in your case, hire an experienced education attorney at the first sign of trouble. While retaining legal assistance may seem like a big step, here's how the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can help:
- Evaluating allegations and advise you on the best strategy for defense (even if you're not allowed legal representation at your hearing).
- Gather evidence and witnesses to support your defense.
- Negotiate with the school and their Office of General Counsel.
- Draft a compelling response to the allegations.
- Coach you and prepare you for your hearing.
- Take steps to litigate matters in a local or state court, if necessary.
Don't take unnecessary risks with your academic or professional future. If you are a New Hampshire student facing school discipline—or one's dedicated parent—the Lento Law Firm Team will work to protect your rights and help you get the most favorable resolution possible. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or use our online consultation form.
