The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNRSM) is a public medical school established in 1969 in Reno, Nevada. It is part of the University of Nevada, Reno, and is the state's first medical school to open. UNRSM offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and the MD-MPH, MD-MBA, and MD-PhD degrees for aspiring doctors. With its long history and limited admissions, UNRSM is an excellent choice for medical students to train and learn more about their future profession. But to graduate on time and receive your degree, you must demonstrate good conduct and professionalism and make sufficient progress academically. Failure to do so may lead to severe short and long-term consequences, like suspension or permanent dismissal.
Dismissal from medical school is a serious issue that remains on your permanent record, affects your reputation, and makes it difficult to find another medical school. Although no student who enters medical school intends to “mess up,” mistakes happen – and some have more severe consequences than others. If you face suspension or dismissal from UNRSM, acting quickly before the matter escalates is essential. Send a message to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team to learn more, or call 888-535-3686 for information about approaching your case.
Common Reasons for Dismissal from Medical School
Medical school dismissals are a big deal, but the decision to implement it is not an overnight matter. Some of the most common reasons include failure to progress academically and keep up with peers, lack of discipline, unprofessional behavior, and academic misconduct. Although most medical schools warn students and allow them to remediate their grades or behavior before assigning this sanction, not every student has that opportunity, especially if the violation is egregious. In some cases, however, a lapse in judgment or a misunderstanding may lead to the same repercussions despite your intentions. With so much that can go wrong, not to mention the time, effort, and money you put in, calling the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team goes a long way when facing life-altering sanctions.
Student Disciplinary Procedures and Adjudication
According to the student handbook at the University of Reno, Nevada, which applies to all students on campus, all students must comply with the code of conduct or face disciplinary procedures. Any member of the university may file a written complaint to the proper university authority if they believe that the student violated the code.
- If a student violates the code of conduct, the complaint goes to the Office of Student Conduct.
- The process follows the university's Academic Standards Policy for academic misconduct complaints.
- Discrimination and harassment complaints go to the university's Equal Opportunity and Tite IX Office.
- Title IX and sexual harassment issues go to the Title IX Office.
Once the correct department receives the complaint, it investigates to determine if a violation may have occurred. If yes, the accused student gets a Notice of Conference, which details the allegations and informs them about the conference. The Notice of Conference contains information such as the date and time of the meeting and the potential sanctions and notifies the student of their right to have an advisor present.
Conference, Hearing, and Appeals
During the conference, the Assistant Dean discusses the allegations with the accused and accuser. If the accused accepts responsibility, the Assistant Dean imposes sanctions, ending the matter. The matter escalates to a hearing if the parties cannot reach a resolution.
If a hearing occurs, the accused student may have an advisor present. The hearing is a closed-session event that takes place within the university. The accused and accuser have the right to make statements and present evidence that supports their case in front of the hearing panel. Once the hearing ends, the panel members discuss the matter privately and deliberate before making a sanctions recommendation.
Fortunately, students may appeal the decision to the Dean. Still, they must have sufficient grounds for this request, such as a procedural error or the emergence of new evidence. Once the Dean reviews the case, they give a final decision to the student within five business days of receiving their statement of appeal.
Sanctions
Sanctions vary depending on the severity of the violation and the medical student's history. These include:
- A written reprimand
- Restitution and compensation for theft, property damage, or misappropriation of university property
- Placement on probation for a specific timeframe, where if the student commits additional violations during this time, they receive harsher sanctions
- Loss of privileges, such as the denial of use of the university's facilities for a specific timeframe
- Discretionary and educational sanctions, such as participating in specific programs depending on the violation
- Receiving an administrative hold on your transcript or your registration status
- A no-contact directive
- Prohibition from participation in recognized university programs and groups
- A loss of recognition from a club or organization sponsored by the university
- Suspension from the University
- Deferred Suspension
- Expulsion
- Withholding the student's degree
Receiving a dismissal or suspension has severe consequences on your career path. It may make it difficult to find a job after graduation.
Contacting The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
When you are a medical student, there is a lot on your mind, and you have multiple responsibilities. When issues happen and your degree is on the line, acting fast is in your best interests. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is by your side when facing sanctions that will upend your future.
With years of experience working with medical students nationwide, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team works tirelessly in your best interests. Their dedication, compassion, and knowledge help decrease the likelihood of a negative case outcome when you have nowhere left to turn.
If you or someone you care for face allegations of misconduct, academic, or behavioral issues, don't wait. Call the Lento Law Firm Law Education Team at 888-535-3686 or send them a discreet message here to learn more about approaching your case.
