The Marquette University Law School is a well-respected Catholic academic institution. Found in 1908, the school is frequently ranked among the top legal studies program in the United States. Students at the Marquette University Law School are held to high ethical and academic standards. Should you be accused of violating the school's Honor Code, you may feel anxious about next steps. With your dream career on the line, a single mistake could jeopardize all your hard work.
The Honor Code at Marquette University
The Academic Regulations Committee oversees the enforcement of the Marquette University Law School Academic Regulations. The regulations state that it is a “violation of the Law School's Honesty Standard to engage in such conduct as cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty.”
Examples cited in the official Honesty Standard include:
- Cheating: This may include copying a student's answer to a test, bringing notes into an exam, or obtaining a copy of the answers ahead of a test.
- Electronic dishonesty: If a student uses their personal device to access information relevant to a test, exam, or quiz, they may be found to have violated the honor code.
- Improper collaboration: Collaboration on a test or quiz is strictly forbidden, and violations may result in sanctions.
- Plagiarism: Using the thoughts and words of another person without citing them is a form of plagiarism that is punishable under the Academic Regulations at Marquette.
- Academic misrepresentation: Falsely representing your academic or professional experience warrants an investigation for potential misconduct.
How Marquette University Law School Addresses Allegations of Student Misconduct
When Marquette University Law School students are accused of misconduct, school officials follow the protocol outlined in the Disciplinary Proceedings section of their Academic Regulations. The process starts with a complaint, typically filed by a student or employee. The dean will then refer such complaints to the Chair of the Judicial Committee. The committee meets and determines whether an investigation is necessary. Students may be contacted about their alleged involvement.
Report to Dean for Academic Affairs
Students and employees are required to file written complaints about student misconduct with the Dean. This process is what kickstarts disciplinary procedures.
Judicial Committee Investigations
Should the Judicial Committee decide there is evidence of misconduct, the investigation will begin. The student in question should be notified in writing about the launch of the investigation. The accused will have the chance to meet with the Committee to present evidence. The Committee may refuse to accept evidence if it appears irrelevant to the complaint.
Judicial Committee Hearings
Should the investigation turn up evidence of misconduct, officials can recommend a hearing. The accused has the right to cross-examine witnesses but may not confront their accuser. If clear and convincing evidence of misconduct is not found, the complaint is dismissed.
Students are allowed to bring a support person with them to the hearing. This individual may be an attorney and can act in a support role, so long as they do not interrupt proceedings.
Judicial Committee Decisions
In deciding whether a violation of Title IX has occurred, the preponderance of evidence standard is used. So long as there is solid evidence of misconduct, corrective actions may be handed down from the Committee.
Possible Sanctions
Students at the Marquette University Law School may face the following sanctions for academic misconduct:
- Expulsion
- Suspension
- Probation
- Failing grade
- Other discretionary sanctions
Sanctions are based on a person's prior history at Marquette University. If a student has been previously found to be in violation of school policies, sanctions may be more severe. A majority of the board must come to an agreement about sanctions before they are handed down to the student in question.
If a student is found not to be in violation, deliberations are concluded. The Hearing Board may recommend personal growth sanctions even if no violation occurred.
Finality of Decisions
Marquette University Law School students have the option to appeal Judicial Committee actions and decisions to the Dean. An appeal, in this case, is not a second hearing and is not granted on the basis of disagreement with the original decision. Requests for an appeal should be submitted within five days to the Academic Integrity Director or the Provost's Office.
How a Student Defense Advisor Can Help
Facing allegations of academic misconduct at Marquette University Law School can be challenging. A thorough understanding of the school's policies can help guide your next steps, but navigating complex procedures is no easy feat. If you're hoping to put a swift end to potentially career-ending allegations, you'll want an experienced student defense advisor guiding you through the process.
An attorney-advisor who specializes in student defense can help you navigate through your options. They can gather exonerating evidence, ensure that the university respects your rights as a student, and guarantees you won't miss out on any procedural details you might have otherwise missed. Joseph D. Lento has guided hundreds of law students around the country through such proceedings. If your career as a lawyer is on the line over allegations of academic misconduct, reach out to the Lento Law Firm now by calling 888-535-3686.
