Capital University Law School is a private school of law established in 1903 in Columbus, Ohio. The law school is part of the Capital University complex, the state's oldest institute of higher education. The school of law prides itself on high morals. It is a Lutheran-affiliated law school that prepares students for careers centered on public service. Capital Law School offers Juris Doctor (J.D.) and LL.M degrees in taxation, business, and business taxation. Students can look forward to multiple career opportunities in-state and abroad upon graduation.
Law schools like Capital instill solid values and ethics that help students become the best versions of themselves to prepare students for the rigors of their future professions. As a prospective lawyer, you must maintain the highest ethical standards while studying and practicing. Because you work with people and the law, your actions matter now and in the future. Although mistakes are common and expected, not all are the same gravity. Some are more problematic than others and may cause probation, suspension, and expulsion issues. Because these issues can affect your graduation prospects and stay on your permanent record, you need the help of a skilled attorney-advisor specializing in student defense.
Honor Code and Academic Integrity Policy
Capital University Law School holds students to the highest academic and behavioral excellence standards. The law school administration considers all students to be responsible members of the learning community who share similar values and demonstrate academic integrity in all of their actions. As per the student handbook, the Academic Integrity Board is responsible for compliance relating to all academic integrity affairs. As per the handbook, the following actions constitute policy violations:
- Altering or attempting to change university documents, grades, and records
- Performing unauthorized actions to access an administered or non-administered test
- Forging an instructor's signature on a letter of recommendation or similar document from the law school
- Submitting an altered transcript to law school administrators
- Putting one's name on another student's exam or assignment
- Copying or trying to copy from another student and allowing others to copy from you
- Using a course textbook or other materials such as a laptop to complete an assignment without a professor's permission
- Submitting the same project to multiple professors without authorization
- Buying or selling academic works and services (such as essay writing or homework completion)
- Collaborating with an unauthorized person on an assessment or exercise
- Unsanctioned collaboration with persons to prepare academic work
- Resorting to bribery to obtain non-administered test information
- Violating course rules or program regulations
- Disturbing the classroom by interfering with the course of instruction or limiting others from exercising freedom of speech
- Falsification or fabrication of information
- Plagiarism and paraphrasing
Although this extensive list has many examples, it does not include all actions considered infarctions under the code of conduct. The administration has the right to categorize any action not classified under these rules as academic misconduct and prosecute them accordingly.
Reporting Violations and Hearing
A violation of Academic integrity results in an unfair academic advantage over members of the community, and it goes against the principles and values of the university and the school of law. Any Capital University Law School member who believes that another is committing academic integrity violations must report the matter to Student Affairs. The latter forwards the case to the Academic Integrity Board. After they receive the complaint, the board investigates the issue and determines whether to move forward with a hearing. If it believes a violation occurred, the board schedules a hearing that its members administer.
During the hearing, the accused defends allegations by producing information, evidence, and witnesses. Although some students believe that they can face a panel alone, this is not a recommended action. The help of an attorney-advisor who specializes in student defense is an invaluable asset during this challenging stage.
Appeals
Suppose the academic integrity or hearing panel believes that a student is responsible for violating the policy. In that case, they may establish or recommend sanctions. Students can appeal this decision by writing to the Provost or the Vice President of Learning. They render a decision based on a review of the details and the contents of the appeal letter. They may ask to interview the person filing to discuss in-depth. Once the Provost decides on the outcome, they notify the Director of Academic Integrity within five business days of the result.
Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
Capital University imposes harsh sanctions for academic integrity violations. These depend on the severity of the infraction, the student's history, and the number of times a student committed a similar error. According to the student handbook, these are the possible sanctions for academic misconduct:
- An official warning
- Probation with the possibility of more severe sanctions if the accused reoffends
- Loss of privileges for a set timeframe
- Restitution if applicable
- Housing relocation, probation, or suspension
- Disciplinary suspension in abeyance
- Disciplinary suspension
- Dismissal
Starting over at another institution is difficult, especially with a suspension or expulsion on your record. Sanctions can ruin a student's reputation and prevent them from graduating on time. In worst-case scenarios, they may not complete their degree and have to leave the university permanently. With everything that can go wrong, you need the help of a skilled attorney-advisor who knows what's at stake.
Contacting an Attorney-Advisor
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense. With an impeccable eye for detail and attention to your case, working with advisor Lento helps decrease the likelihood of a negative outcome. Attorney-Advisor Lento works with students nationwide, giving each issue the time, care, and attention it needs. With his experience and skill, advisor Lento helps prevent bias, false accusations, and unsubstantiated claims from causing a loss of your degree.
You worked hard and spent countless hours studying to become a successful attorney. You deserve representation and a fair and reasonable chance to defend against allegations that cost you your degree. Don't let a lapse in judgment or mistake prevent you from entering the career path of your dreams.
If you or a loved one faces allegations of academic misconduct at Capital University Law School, there is hope. Contact the Lento Law Firm today for a confidential and thorough review of your case at 888-535-3686.
