The Loyola University New Orleans College of Law is a private law school established in 1914. The college is part of Loyola University and is one of the few Jesuit law schools operating nationwide. Due to its historic location and its unique structure, Loyola Law offers students a rich, well-rounded legal education. Loyola Law offers Civil Law and Common Law curriculums and releases multiple annual academic journals. Moreover, students consistently successfully participate in national and global moot court competitions. This training effectively prepares them for the rigors of their future professions upon graduation.
As a law student, you are familiar with the pressure to succeed in your field and become a successful attorney. Law school is notoriously challenging, and you are sure to make mistakes and learn through trial and error. Your professors expect you to make mistakes, but some errors are more impactful than others. These issues can lead to harsh sanctions, including suspension and permanent dismissal from the university. These penalties have negative consequences on your reputation and may lead to career disruptions in the future. Due to the many issues that can arise, you need the help of an attorney advisor who understands what's at stake.
Student Handbook and Academic Misconduct
Loyola Law students must follow the general code of conduct enforced by Loyola University. The code emphasizes ethical behavior and encourages students to demonstrate exceptional moral characteristics. Although the code contains an extensive overview of what type of conduct is unacceptable, there are no examples of what specific actions fall under these categories. Although this may not seem like a substantial issue, it may lead to many misinterpretations that get you in trouble.
According to the handbook, the following actions constitute violations of academic dishonesty:
- Cheating on an academic exercise or test
- Plagiarizing their work
- Knowingly providing the university with false information
- Forging data or documents
- Altering documents or identification with the intent to commit fraud
According to the code of conduct, the adjudication process is an essential and constructive learning experience for the student. Its goal is to help students accept personal responsibility for their actions and allow them to uphold community standards. Fairness is a significant part of the proceedings, and the accused has the right to defend against damaging allegations that may impact their future.
Adjudication Process
Any member of the university may bring a charge against a student that violates the code of conduct. The university uses Administrative Hearings and a Student Justice Board to adjudicate cases per the code. The accused and the accuser must present a statement before attending the hearing representing the truthfulness of their claims.
Once the hearing members listen to the case details and examine the evidence, they decide the outcome and recommend sanctions to the DSC and the designee. These parties can make adjustments to the sanctions before imposing them. Fortunately, students may have an advisor present during this process.
Appeals Process
Students at Loyola Law can appeal a sanctions decision through an online submission form if they disagree with the panel's recommendation. However, an appeal is only valid if it meets specific criteria. As per the code, the following exceptions are grounds for an appeal:
- One or more members of the panel acted in a manner that indicates developed or predisposed bias
- The emergence of new evidence unknown at the time of the hearing that affects the case outcome
- The accused student did not receive the rights guaranteed under the code
- The decision made by the panel is arbitrary and capricious and not made on reasonable grounds
- The sanction recommended by the hearing panel is disproportionate to the offense
Students at Loyola Law have opportunities to reduce the impact of sanctions on their future. However, many mistakenly assume that they can go through this process alone. In many cases, the student had a better chance of success if they worked with an attorney-advisor. In others, students wait until the appeals process to work with an advisor. Never wait until it's too late. The sooner an expert is by your side, the more likely you will experience a positive outcome.
Sanctions for Academic Dishonesty
Loyola Law lists extensive sanctions for code violations. These penalties fall under two categories, active sanctions and status sanctions. The former sanctions deal with penalties that only affect a student's status. The latter requires action by the student for completion.
The code lists the following penalties:
- An official written warning
- An elevated written reprimand noted in the student's transcript
- Placement on disciplinary probation
- Temporary suspension
- Permanent dismissal
Most of these sanctions harm your progress and can impact your professional direction. It won't be a simple affair even if you assume you can start afresh in a different law school. Admissions officers will look into your history and likely forgo your application for another student that has an unblemished record. With all that can go wrong, it's best not to approach the issue alone.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense nationwide. With years of experience, advisor Lento has the knowledge and the skills to identify errors, bias, and other factors that decrease your chances of a fair case outcome. With his eye for detail and his passion for justice, advisor Lento helps you when facing a hearing panel that can permanently alter your career and future.
You are a student and making mistakes is part of the journey at law school. Don't let a misunderstanding or an accusation prevent you from graduating on time and with a clean record. Future employers check your transcript and may not hire you due to your history at law school. Don't let this scenario happen to you without fighting back.
If you or someone you love faces accusations of academic dishonesty at Loyola University College of Law, don't wait until the appeals process. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a thorough and confidential consultation at 888-535-3686.
