While for-profit colleges and universities might charge higher tuition than state-run schools, they often provide specialized, high-quality training. Take, for example, Chamberlain University, a for-profit university with multiple campuses across the country. Chamberlain University focuses its curriculum on training people for careers in nursing and has one of the highest-enrolled BSN programs nationwide. Chamberlain University's New Jersey campus is located in North Brunswick, just off U.S.-1, a commuter corridor between New York City and Philadelphia.
Quality education aside, some for-profit institutions may unfortunately prioritize financial gains over student welfare, leading to decisions that could adversely affect their students. This could manifest in the form of biased disciplinary proceedings that result in the unjust expulsion of students while retaining their tuition fees.
If you are a nursing student at Chamberlain University in North Brunswick, New Jersey, and find yourself embroiled in allegations of misconduct, seeking the advice of an education law attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and help you find a resolution that minimizes the damage to your educational journey. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has nationwide experience in assisting students through complex disciplinary processes, and we can improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. To schedule a consultation, reach out to the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.
Types of Misconduct at Chamberlain University
The New Jersey campus of Chamberlain University strictly follows a standardized set of guidelines and rules that are applicable across all its campuses. These guidelines are outlined in the university's Student Handbook, which categorizes student misconduct into three primary categories, as explained below.
Academic Misconduct
Chamberlain's Student Handbook lists numerous acts of academic dishonesty that may warrant disciplinary measures, including:
- Plagiarism: The intentional or unintentional act of presenting someone else's work as your own.
- Copying: Illicitly obtaining and duplicating information from a fellow student or permitting another student to duplicate your work.
- Collusion: Unauthorized collaboration between students on assignments, and/or impersonating another student during exams, papers, or other student tasks.
- Usage of Unauthorized Aids for assignments or examinations.
- Record Falsification: For instance, forging signatures or altering completed exams/assignments to distort the original work.
- Unauthorized Exploitation of Proprietary Materials.
- Bribery: Offering inducements to secure an unfair academic advantage.
- Fraudulent Practices: Examples include fabricating statements or documents for academic gain or providing false information related to assignments.
Professional Misconduct
Chamberlain University's Professional Conduct Policy highlights further types of misconduct that may lead to disciplinary action. These include:
- Disruption of school functions: This could involve creating disturbances in the classroom or interfering with research, administrative duties, or other university operations.
- Failure to comply with instructions during examinations.
- Bullying and/or cyberbullying.
- Hazing.
- Violent Behavior: Examples include physical or verbal assault, threats, or intimidation toward any university student, faculty, or staff member.
- Theft or damage to university property or belongings of university students, faculty, or staff.
- Incendiary conduct: Examples include making racial slurs, inflammatory comments about personal, political, or religious beliefs, or using offensive language.
- Gambling at university events or using university resources.
- Drug and alcohol violations: This includes illegal possession, distribution, or sale of drugs, or selling/distributing alcohol contrary to school regulations.
Title IX Violations
Like other federally funded institutions, Chamberlain University is mandated to adhere to the current Title IX federal rules. These rules address various forms of sexual misconduct, which are strictly prohibited under the university's Title IX policy. Prohibited conduct includes:
- Sexual Misconduct: This encompasses sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
- Quid-Pro-Quo Harassment: This involves offering benefits in return for sexual favors.
- Creation of a Hostile Environment: This involves participating in unwelcome conduct that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive to the extent that it obstructs equal access to education based on sex.
Navigating Disciplinary Proceedings at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University follows specific protocols for handling the different forms of misconduct as detailed in the Student Handbook. These processes are as follows:
- Academic Misconduct: Faculty members have the authority to handle academic misconduct by implementing sanctions, up to and including failing the student. In more severe cases of cheating or other academic misconduct, the matter may be brought before a Hearing Panel. Accused students have the right to present their defense at these hearings and, if found guilty, can apply for an administrative review.
- Professional Misconduct: In situations involving professional misconduct allegations, a designated conduct administrator investigates the claims and attempts to resolve the issue. If this approach does not yield a solution, the matter is escalated to a Professional Review Committee, which operates in a similar manner to the Hearing Panels in academic misconduct cases. The accused student retains the right to cross-examine witnesses and challenge any decision they consider unjust.
- Title IX Violations: When a Title IX sexual misconduct complaint is filed, the university is bound by law to follow federal regulations to investigate and address the alleged misconduct. A three-member Decision-Maker panel, selected by the Title IX coordinator, conducts the hearing using a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Students can appeal unfavorable decisions.
Sanctions for Misconduct at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University treats student misconduct seriously and may invoke significant penalties. If you are found in breach of their rules, the university may impose one or more of the following sanctions:
- Revocation or denial of admission;
- Issuance of a warning or reprimand;
- Probationary status;
- Withdrawal of certain privileges;
- Imposition of fines or restitution requirements;
- Mandatory additional training or education;
- Orders limiting contact with alleged victims;
- Suspension from the university;
- Expulsion; and/or
- Revocation of any degrees previously conferred.
The Role of Lento Law Firm in Your Defense
Facing allegations of misconduct at Chamberlain University in North Brunswick, New Jersey, can leave you feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable, and disadvantaged due to time constraints, unfamiliarity with the disciplinary process, or lack of resources to defend yourself. Without the guidance of a seasoned education attorney, you run the risk of your rights being violated. The disciplinary actions taken against you could have long-lasting adverse effects on your academic journey and future nursing career.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team has vast levels of experience in resolving student disciplinary issues. We will evaluate the accusations leveled against you, gather pertinent evidence, guide you in constructing a solid defense strategy, assist in negotiations, and, if necessary, support you in filing an appeal. Throughout this process, we will work to safeguard your rights as a student and ensure that the university adheres to its own standards of due process.
Avoid jeopardizing your academic progress and future career by attempting to handle misconduct allegations alone. The Lento Law Firm Team can significantly improve your chances of securing a favorable resolution. Contact us at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation or complete our online form.
