West Coast University is a private university established in Irvine, California, in 1997 that offers healthcare degrees, including the BSN nursing program. WCU boasts technologically advanced simulation labs, individualized support, and a student-centric approach to education to help you become a nurse and advance your future. As part of this institution, you can benefit from learning in a modern and diverse environment that prepares you for the rigors and challenges of your future profession. However, to remain enrolled, finish your program on time, and avoid mishaps, you must demonstrate high professional and ethical values and academic progress. If you commit a severe violation, you face sanctions like suspension and dismissal, adversely impacting your trajectory and future.
Nursing school is an exciting and, often, overwhelming time in your life where you shape your professional personality and work with people from all backgrounds. Although it has many benefits, it is also stressful and comes with pressure to succeed. In some cases, this pressure may reach a breaking point and lead you to commit actions that are entirely unlike you. In other cases, you may have had a lapse in judgment or made a genuine mistake. While mistakes happen and are part of the learning process, they may also get you into trouble you can't get out of. With so much on the line and your educational path at stake, never approach an accusation without support. Send a message to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team through the online contact form or call the team at 888-535-3686 for more information.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Getting dismissed from nursing school is a debilitating issue with long and short-term consequences that aren't easy to put behind you, even if you try to enroll in a new nursing program. Some of the most common reasons for dismissal include a lack of academic performance, a lack of professionalism, and unethical behavior. These three broad categories come with many subcategories and actions that lead to issues with administrators. Dismissal affects your life in multiple ways, especially after you spent so much time, effort, and money to be part of the WCU community. Although no student enters nursing school intending to receive an expulsion, mistakes happen, as do lapses in judgment.
Adjudication Process at WCU
WCU has a Judicial Affairs division that administers the Code of Conduct and ensures compliance with the rules established by the university. According to the Violations and Sanctions policy, the following actions may lead to a dismissal:
- Illegal drug use or possession
- Violations of the law that affect the student's ability to become a licensed nurse
- Falsifying information, forgery, identity theft, and similar fraudulent acts
- Possession of stolen items
- Unauthorized possession of a weapon
- Destroying, damaging, or defacing university property
- Endangering self or others
- Violating the academic honor code or/and the code of conduct
- Improper acquisition of exams exam materials, quizzes, and assignments
- Sharing papers, exams, quizzes, and other materials with students without authorization
- Continuing to work on an exam or project after the allotted time ends
- Cheating and plagiarism
- Hindering the work of others
- The unauthorized use of university resources and facilities
- Unprofessional behavior and misconduct
- Violating terms and conditions of sanctions and appeals
Any person who is part of WCU who believes that a student committed one or more of the above violations must file a Conduct Code Incident Report and send it to the Director of Student Affairs within 30 days of the incident. Once the director receives the report, they investigate the matter to determine whether it holds merit. They may request to meet with the student to discuss the matter further and come to a resolution. The matter escalates to a hearing if they cannot resolve the issue. The hearing process is private and may be on-site or through a Zoom meeting.
The Conduct Committee Chair is the presiding officer of the hearing and reads the alleged violations. After doing so, they hear the statements of all parties involved in the hearing, along with the committee. Once the hearing ends, the panel members deliberate and recommend further investigation or render a sanctions decision. The conduct process does not mention a chance to appeal the decision once the committee issues it.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
When facing a hearing or investigation, you risk losing placement at WCU and starting over if you can find a program that will not consider your dismissal. With so much at risk, don't delay when you receive word of allegations and contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide who are facing dismissal for academic or professional issues.
With their experience, passion, and dedication to justice, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is your shoulder to rely on when you feel like there is nowhere to turn. The team leaves no stone unturned in pursuing justice, building your confidence, going through the adjudication process, and guiding you through every step for a smoother and less stressful experience.
With the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team by your side, you have a higher chance of a more favorable outcome and the experience of a team that works in your best interests.
You worked hard to become a nursing student and sacrificed much to get to where you are. Don't let an accusation or mistake be the end-all of your dreams. With a dismissal on your record, you may have to change your major completely and forgo your dream of becoming a nurse.
If you or someone you love faces allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, or code violations, don't wait until it's too late to make a difference. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or send the team a message through the online portal for more information about approaching your case.
