Being a college student isn't easy. Many students feel the overwhelming pressure to maintain decent grades, to join clubs that will look good on their resume, score internships to land a high paying job out of college, and ultimately graduate. With so much to juggle, some students find themselves in a bind - whether it be intentional or not - when it comes to academic integrity.
In educational environments where integrity is rudimentary, being accused of academic misconduct is one of the most serious and damaging allegations that can be made against a student. What you may consider a small mishap, or complete misunderstanding, could be perceived as grounds for suspension or even expulsion in eyes of school authorities. And all of the academic and professional goals you've set for yourself will be in vain if you are found responsible for committing academic misconduct.
Government employers, for example, will likely ask applicants if they've been academically dishonest throughout the course of their college career. Students who plan to attend law school may also be questioned about academic integrity on the bar application. And of course, any career in academia is concerned about the academic conduct of potential employers.
If you have been accused of academic misconduct, the first thing you should do is retain an attorney. The stakes are simply too high for you not to seek professional help. It's also important that you understand what you're up against. In this article, we will address what generally constitutes academic misconduct, the broad span of actions that could lead to repercussions under your school's policy and the crucial role of an attorney in your case.
What is Academic Misconduct?
Academic misconduct occurs when a student fails to comply with the ethical academic guidelines proposed by a school. In Pittsburgh, the majority of colleges and universities, if not all of them, have implemented rules that forbid academic misconduct in all of its forms. Since schools are educational institutions that thrive due to academic integrity, students who are found guilty of this violation will more than likely experience harsh repercussions. Depending on the circumstances of a case, students have been kicked out of their program, suspended, and even expelled from their school.
Academic Misconduct Violations
There is a wide range of actions that could constitute as academic misconduct. Since there are so many potentially inappropriate actions, some students have reported that they didn't know what they were doing was wrong. This is especially true in academic misconduct cases that aren't centered around common misconduct, like cheating or plagiarism. Here is a list of examples that likely constitute as academic misconduct at your school:
- Submitting the same assignment for more than one class without the approval of all instructors involved
- Using unauthorized materials during an exam
- Forging an instructor's signature on a letter of recommendation or any other document etc.
Pittsburgh Student Defense Attorney
As you can see, academic misconduct allegations are serious matters. If your school decides that you violated its policy, you may be subject to harsh penalties that throw a wrench in your academic and professional plans. If you take your education seriously, you can't afford to not retain a student defense attorney. Skilled legal professionals at LLF Law Firm have extensive experience helping students come out on top of these cases, and they can do the same for you. Contact LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686.
Pittsburgh-area colleges and universities where LLF Law Firm can help during academic misconduct investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- CARLOW UNIVERSITY
- CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
- CHATHAM UNIVERSITY
- DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
- GENEVA COLLEGE
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- LA ROCHE COLLEGE
- PENN STATE BEAVER
- PENN STATE FAYETTE - THE EBERLY CAMPUS
- PENN STATE GREATER ALLEGHENY
- PENN STATE NEW KENSINGTON
- POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
- ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
- SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE
- SETON HILL UNIVERSITY
- SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - GREENSBURG CAMPUS
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - PITTSBURGH CAMPUS
- WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
- WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY
It is an unfortunate reality that academic misconduct charges can upend an accused student's life if not properly addressed, and the LLF Law Firm have unparalleled experience passionately fighting for the future of clients at colleges and universities in Pittsburgh and throughout the nation. They do not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes clients' needs and well-being. LLF Law Firm represents clients nationwide, and serve as an academic misconduct advisor for students facing disciplinary cases in Pittsburgh and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected. Contact LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686.
