When students start college, they expect to complete their degree and move one step closer to a rewarding long-term career. However, schools may suspend or expel a student if, for example, they allegedly violate student conduct rules.
Just because schools have the right to suspend or dismiss students doesn't mean you should simply accept such severe disciplinary sanctions, though. Even if you've already lost an appeal against suspension or dismissal, don't give up. There may still be avenues of relief open to you, even if it seems like all hope is lost.
If you're a parent worried about your child, or you're a student struggling with disciplinary action, here's how you might still challenge a school’s decision with help from Joseph D. Lento, an experienced attorney-advisor.
Challenges to Academic Progress Dismissal
Students attend school to complete their programs. As a result, Ohio schools have criteria in place to ensure students meet the academic standards required to complete their chosen degree, and they reserve the right to dismiss students who fail to make “satisfactory academic progress” (SAP).
Since US schools can’t accept students in receipt of federal loans unless they have such academic standards in place, we can expect colleges and universities to apply these standards rigorously. Here are some examples of when Ohio schools may impose SAP dismissals on students.
- Ohio State University: Students on academic probation or students who don't make “steady” academic progress could be dismissed. Ohio State University makes decisions on a case-by-case basis.
- University of Dayton: If a student's term GPA hits 1.00 at any time, or if the student is placed on academic probation and fails to meet their assigned goals, they could be dismissed.
It's not uncommon, however, for schools to unfairly dismiss students who they deem to have made unsatisfactory progress, especially if there are no clear criteria in place to determine when students may be dismissed. In this case, students may wish to appeal the decision with help from an experienced attorney-advisor.
Usually, students can appeal SAP dismissals on grounds such as:
- The school didn't apply its own SAP dismissal process fairly
- The student faced severe stressors, e.g., bereavement or injury, and the school didn't take these extenuating factors into consideration
- The school didn't properly consider grades which would take the student above the minimum threshold for an academic dismissal
Joseph D. Lento has helped many students facing academic dismissal. Contact him now on 888.535.3686 to retain his services.
How to Challenge a Misconduct Dismissal
Ohio colleges and universities have processes in place to handle student misconduct allegations. These rules are essential to keep students safe, maintain high standards of academic and moral integrity, and satisfy state and federal laws. Every school should produce a code of conduct that sets out a student's obligations and what happens if the school believes they've violated the conduct rules.
As with academic dismissal, however, schools don't always apply their own conduct rules consistently or even fairly. Sometimes, schools discipline students severely based on limited evidence, or they simply fail to understand how to properly apply their own misconduct rules.
Whenever a student faces disciplinary action or dismissal for alleged misconduct, they need an experienced attorney-advisor on their side. School disciplinary procedures can be extremely stressful for students and their loved ones, but an attorney-advisor will strive to ensure that students don't lose out on their education due to an unfair application of school discipline rules. And even if you've already lost an appeal against disciplinary action, your attorney-advisor can liaise with the school to get you back on track where possible.
The Consequences of College Dismissal
From both a long and short-term perspective, any dismissal or discipline for misconduct can adversely affect even the brightest, most committed students.
The short-term consequences of college disciplinary action or dismissal include the following:
- Mental health impact: Students may feel depressed, worried, or anxious about the future. If you're a parent, you might feel helpless and unsure how to support them.
- Financial impact: Since the financial obligations to a school don't end with suspension or dismissal, you may have financial concerns to think about.
We must also think about how any serious disciplinary action affects a student in the long term. The consequences include:
- Incomplete education: Students may need to apply to other schools to continue their education, which disrupts their academic goals. And if they're expelled, they might struggle to find a place anywhere at all.
- Lost career opportunities: Discipline for misconduct can damage a student's academic record or prevent them from graduating, which jeopardizes their long-term career opportunities.
There's a huge amount at stake when schools impose disciplinary action on students. Given the potential impact, students and their loved ones should consult an attorney-advisor for support and representation to ensure the student gets the fair hearing they deserve.
Appealing School Dismissal or Disciplinary Action
When an Ohio college takes disciplinary action against a student, such as suspension or academic dismissal, it's often possible to appeal the decision. It's advisable to check the school's own appeals process, which can usually be found in the college or university handbook or code of conduct.
Grounds for appeal vary, but here are some examples from Ohio University's Student Code of Conduct:
- New evidence is now available which supports a student's case
- The school didn't apply its disciplinary processes accurately
- There's evidence of a conflict of interest or bias against defendants like the student in question
Typically, students can appeal decisions with significant long-term consequences, such as academic dismissal or expulsion. However, each school is slightly different, and it may be possible to appeal other disciplinary actions or rely on different grounds for appeal. Attorney-advisor Joseph Lento can assist if you wish to appeal an Ohio college dismissal or suspension.
Relief From Discipline or SAP Dismissal
If you haven't appealed a school disciplinary decision yet, then call attorney-advisor Joseph Lento now for representation. However, even if you've lost your appeal against sanctions, don't give up hope. Here are the ways an attorney-advisor can still represent you even if you've exhausted the appeals process.
Negotiate Alternative Relief
Students usually want to return to school, resume their program, and move on with their lives. As an experienced attorney-advisor, Joseph Lento understands how important it is for you to resume your education with minimal disruption, which is why he's committed to negotiating with a school on your behalf.
Over time, Joseph Lento has developed relationships with attorneys such as those in school Offices of General Counsel (OGCs) and attorneys who represent various schools. There are few attorney-advisors with Joseph Lento's experience and connections, and his ability to negotiate with legal counsel means he'll work to find a fair outcome that both the student and school will appreciate.
With Joseph Lento's help, many students have resumed their education even after losing an appeal. Don't let a school make you feel like there's no hope left for your education. Let Joseph Lento stand by your side and represent your case.
File a Lawsuit
It's possible to file a lawsuit against a school regarding disciplinary actions taken against a student. However, lawsuits are confrontational by nature, and there are often better, less combative ways to resolve matters between a student and the school.
Joseph Lento, unlike many advisors and attorneys, is highly experienced in defending college discipline matters. He'll advise you if a lawsuit is appropriate, so call him now on 888.535.3686 to learn more.
How a National Academic Attorney-Advisor Can Help
When sanctions such as academic dismissal or suspension appear on a student's record, they might find it harder to secure a place at another college or university. Understandably, this is hugely distressing and concerning for students and their parents, and it's Joseph Lento's mission to help families facing these significant, potentially life-altering challenges.
Even the most diligent and committed students make mistakes sometimes. However, a lapse in judgment or honest error should not cost students their entire academic future or put their future career prospects at risk. When you retain Joseph Lento as your Ohio attorney-advisor, you can be sure that he'll do everything possible to ensure students can resume their program and continue their education.
As mentioned, lawsuits are a last resort, so Joseph Lento will first open discussions between you and the school to find a solution that suits everyone involved. With his OGC connections and his wealth of experience representing students facing dismissal or expulsion, Joseph Lento can support you in ways other attorneys cannot, even after an unsuccessful appeal.
When it comes to academic dismissal or suspension, there's too much at stake to not retain an attorney-advisor. Call the Lento Law Firm now on 888.535.3686 to get help or tell us about your case online.
