The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is one of the oldest medical colleges west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1869, UNMC is a multidisciplinary medical college, particularly known for its emergency response and preparedness programs centered around Omaha, Nebraska. Along with Nebraska Health, the medical university has the largest operational biocontainment in the U.S. Therefore, many prospective and current students respect the education and experience they can gain at UNMC.
While enrolling as a medical student at UNMC seems like you've secured your position as a future professional in the healthcare field, it's a responsibility-filled privilege that can be lost. Students must uphold their institution's regulations concerning standards for academic integrity and pre-determined progression timelines but also rules for professionalism and ethical conduct. Any allegations of misconduct warrant an investigation by the school's disciplinary officials and can lead to expulsion from the school. Such an event can profoundly affect your forthcoming career as a licensed medical practitioner. Since UNMC will work hard to protect its reputation when allegations arise, contact the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team today.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
UNMC medical students are required to adhere to the UNMC Student Code of Conduct, but also the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct. While each medical program may have additional or stricter requirements, they will be governed by the two above. Critically, each will list and explain reasons for dismissal, and the following are some of the most common:
- Academic misconduct, which includes failure to progress or cheating.
- Unprofessional conduct, which may involve frequent tardiness or dress code violations.
- Breach of ethics, which can include the misuse of alcohol or engaging in unsanctioned protests.
Generally, issues related to academic progression often top the reasons for expelling students from medical schools. The journey often serves as a profound challenge to a student's commitment and tenacity. Students are required to juggle a demanding academic schedule, engage in research work, attend conferences, and deliver healthcare services to the community. This high-pressure routine can sometimes lead medical students to inadvertently breach ethical norms.
Rule violations could be as seemingly minor as neglecting to promptly follow up with patients. However, the most prevalent forms often involve plagiarism and research misconduct. Beyond the standard academic framework, medical students are also expected to conform to a comprehensive set of professional standards. Given the public trust vested in your future role, it's crucial to maintain an impeccable academic and personal reputation. This means that even actions observed in your private life can be scrutinized by the institution's authorities, potentially leading to a separation from studies.
The Adjudication Process
When misconduct is alleged, the university will assign a Conduct Officer to investigate and determine if there is a reasonable basis to believe that the accused is responsible. The Conduct Officer must provide in writing to the accused the following:
- Alleged violations
- The student's right not to discuss allegations
- The student's opportunity to be accompanied by an advisor during any meeting
Investigations must be completed within 30 days, with the Conduct Officer either taking no action, seeking an administrative resolution, or sending the matter to a formal hearing. The identity of the Hearing Officer and members of the Conduct Board must be provided to the respondent at least three school days before the hearing to provide the chance to challenge on the grounds of lack of fairness or impartiality. During proceedings, the Hearing Officer has the discretion to:
- Allow the parties to make opening statements, closing statements, or both, with reasonable time limits.
- Permit witnesses to testify in person or through videoconferencing.
- Provide the opportunity for both parties to present evidence.
- Authorize cross-examination between the parties.
After the hearing, the Conduct Board must go into closed session to deliberate and make its decision by majority vote. Respondents will receive the Conduct Board's decision no later than seven school days after the hearing and will be notified by letter of the conclusions, including sanctions, if applicable.
UNMC students can face the following punishments:
- Formal reprimand
- Remediation
- Probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Don't worry yet; there is an opportunity for student redress. UNMC must allow medical students to appeal the Conduct Board's decision and punitive measures.
Handling Appeals
Medical students may appeal sanctions to the three-member Appeals Board, which will hear the respondent's claim based on one or more of the following premises only:
- The evidence presented was insufficient to conclude that the charges were more likely true than not.
- The Conduct Board's response to the charges was clearly excessive.
- Procedural defects constitute a substantial likelihood that the Conduct Board's conclusions and decisions are wrong.
The Appeals Board has 20 days to issue a response, which may include upholding the sanctions or granting the student's appeal, thus modifying or withdrawing the sanctions. For sanctions leading to dismissal from the school, respondents may appeal to the Vice Chancellor, who will affirm the former decision or grant a new hearing.
Hiring a Lento Law Firm Education Law Team Attorney
If you are a medical student at UNMC at risk of expulsion, the Education Law Team at Lento Law Firm stands ready to assist. With a track record of aiding medical students combat damaging allegations, the Team will strive to uphold your rights, offering legal advice and helping you comprehend the broader implications of your predicament. Rather than navigating the disciplinary or appeals procedure on your own, enlist an experienced team to advocate for your best interests and optimal resolution.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team do more than just provide emotional support during these challenging times. They also assist in devising a tactical approach for your defense, which includes the collection of evidence and formulating compelling arguments. Moreover, they can work to negotiate a favorable settlement with the school's Office of General Counsel before the formal proceedings begin.
Don't let allegations of misconduct ruin your chances of gaining a top-tier education from UNMC. If you face allegations of academic misconduct, ethical violations, or professionalism concerns, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or visit us online for more information about how to approach your case.
