The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (UMN) is dedicated to the advancement of learning and sharing their knowledge in a way that will benefit their communities. They encourage their students to generate and preserve knowledge, maintain patient confidentiality, and create atmospheres free of discrimination. With such high expectations for their students, many fall victim to overwhelm, which leads to students portraying several abnormal behaviors – like cheating or plagiarizing their work.
If you or someone you love is struggling in dental school, an attorney-advisor can help. Call Lento Law Firm today.
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Code of Conduct
At most schools in the country, students are given a code of conduct they must abide by whether they are on campus or off. In dental school, these codes of conduct cover a student's academic and professional behavior, including:
- Show respect to faculty, staff, fellow students, and patients
- Refrain from engaging in offensive behavior, harassment, or discrimination
- Provide patients with ethical and professional conduct
- Maintain a positive and respectful academic, work, and patient care environment
- Uphold minimum grade standards
Additionally, students at UMN School of Dentistry must maintain their academic integrity by not committing acts of academic misconduct. These acts can include:
- Cheating: using or attempting to use materials during an exam, clinical, or other assignment without the instructor's permission
- Submitting work for multiple courses without the instructor's permission
- Plagiarizing: passing off someone else's words or ideas as if they were your own. This includes incorrectly citing references on a paper
If a UMN School of Dentistry student is accused of violating the code of conduct, one of the program's sub-committees will be notified. This sub-committee will determine if the student should be dismissed, brought in for a disciplinary hearing, or requires a remediation plan to help them get back on track.
Remediation at University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
It's no secret that all students do not learn the same. For instance, one student may perform better in their clinical rotation or hands-on lab work than they will in a multiple-choice exam, and vice versa. As such, dental schools have implemented remediation plans to ensure that all students have a chance to excel.
At UMN Dental School, a progression sub-committee will decide if re-examination for a failed course is feasible. If a student fails a course and is given the opportunity to remediate, they must receive a C- to move to progress in the program. But if they are unable to successfully remediate the exam, the Preclinical Progression Sub-Committee or the Didactic Progression Sub-Committee will determine whether the student should be referred for dismissal.
Additionally, there are certain cases where a dental school has not offered a struggling student a remediation plan. When this happens, a student's due process rights are in violation. An attorney-advisor is your best bet to ensure you do not fall through the cracks and are given every opportunity necessary to continue to pursue your dream of becoming a dentist.
Dismissal Proceedings at University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
There are several reasons a student might be dismissed from UMN School of Dentistry, including violating the code of conduct. At the end of each year, the progression sub-committees are responsible for evaluating each student's progress in the program. If they notice a student has failed a course, or has an incomplete in one or more courses, they will determine if probation or a dismissal hearing is necessary.
During this hearing, you will have the opportunity to present witnesses and evidence on your behalf. The progression sub-committee in charge of hearing your case will review the information you've presented and make their determination. Once they have made their decision, they will notify you of it in writing quickly. It is important to remember that you have the right to appeal this decision.
Appeals must be made in writing within ten business days to the Student Affairs Executive Sub-Committee. The Registrar will arrange an appeal hearing with the Student Affairs Executive Sub-Committee as soon as possible, but at least within the next 30 days. For this hearing, students must submit a written, detailed alternative solution to the sub-committee decision.
The original sub-committee's decision will either be upheld by the Student Affairs Executive Sub-Committee, amended in some way, or stricken from the record completely. Whatever their decision, though, it is final and can only be appealed further through an academic grievance filed under the Conflict Resolution Process for Student Academic Complaints.
How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Being accused of a code of conduct violation, whether it is a disciplinary action, a dismissal hearing, or a remediation plan meeting, can feel extremely jarring. And unfortunately, some students do not sufficiently prepare for these meetings and end up facing unnecessary consequences. Additionally, these consequences can have long-lasting and far-reaching effects on your life. For instance, if you are expelled or suspended from your program and hope to continue your education elsewhere, you will have to explain the issue in every admissions interview. Expulsions and suspensions can have seriously negative effects on your ability to gain admission to that new school.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm have spent years helping students across the country navigate similar proceedings. They have the unmatched experience of being successful attorneys and have the unique understanding of the nuances surrounding disciplinary committees, dismissal hearings, and remediation plan conferences. You need someone to advocate on your behalf. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation or visit us online.
