Illinois is currently home to over 120 colleges, universities, and other postsecondary educational institutions. There are a total of over 430,000 students attending on a full-time basis. One fundamental commonality that these institutions share is a commitment to academic integrity and honor. Administrators have established processes and procedures for disciplinary action that are used when students violate rules of conduct such as by cheating. Those found to be in violation may face difficult penalties and sanctions. The majority of schools will investigate the facts and evidence and ultimately the accused student will answer these allegations at a disciplinary hearing. When the findings are unfavorable for a student they may consider appealing the decision. The Lento Law Firm is experienced in representing students in the many aspects of student disciplinary defense.
What is Academic Misconduct?
Acts of academic misconduct may occur in a variety of ways. Students might be accused of plagiarism for using someone else's work or ideas without properly referencing the source. Others may face allegations that they have participated in cheating on an assignment or on an examination. In some instances, more than one student may be involved in acts of “collaborative” cheating.
Commonly Imposed Sanctions
- A failing grade for the exam, assignment, or for the entire course
- Removal (dismissal) from a particular honors, professional or graduate program
- A disciplinary probation period may be required
- A suspension from the school may be imposed
- Expulsion from the school may be imposed
The Process of Appeal
At the University of Illinois, a student may appeal decisions to the Executive Officer of their college or department. This must be submitted in writing within a five-day period after the ruling. The student must prove the existence one of the following conditions:
- The disciplinary process was not conducted in accordance with a written procedure
- That the ruling is unreasonable based on the evidence
- The sanctions imposed are not proportionate to the violation
- Previously unavailable evidence has been uncovered
Appeals are heard by a committee in a less formal hearing. Students may be accompanied by an advisor or consultant; however, this individual may not directly present testimony, evidence or respond to questions.
How Records of Misconduct Can Be Problematic
Many students may be adversely impacted by the evidence of disciplinary misconduct contained in records and transcripts. This may hinder their ability to transfer to another school or be admitted to a graduate school program. Those with these concerns are strongly encouraged to consider discussing a potential appeal with an experienced attorney.
Having an Attorney as the Advisor in the Appeals Process
Many students underestimate the potentially damaging consequences of violations when they first are informed of the allegations. It is in this crucial first stage that legal representation is recommended. Those who have already had a ruling and sanctions handed down have a very limited amount of time to appeal. Your attorney will be instrumental in drafting an effective document that justifies your appeal. A lawyer will likely reexamine the information and process that led to the initial ruling. Often an independent third-party is better able to recognize where there was noncompliance in procedure or that the accused's rights were violated. An attorney may conduct negotiations throughout the disciplinary process that could resolve the matter in a way that is mutually acceptable to all parties.
Lawyer Represents Students as an Academic Appeal Advisor in Illinois
Attorney Joseph D. Lento will aggressively defend students at colleges and universities who are facing sanctions for misconduct in Illinois. You will have a limited time to appeal a disciplinary action, so contact the office today at (888) 535-3686.
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Regrettably, an academic misconduct finding of responsibility can derail an accused student's academic and professional goals and some students and parents do not recognize this concern until it may be too late. If a student is found responsible for academic misconduct charges, in addition to the short-term consequences such academic and disciplinary sanctions, there will be long-term consequences. Internships, graduate school opportunities, and employment opportunities can all be adversely impacted by a finding of responsibility.
For these reasons and more, it is critical to properly address such concerns as early as possible in the disciplinary process. There are times, however, that it necessary to appeal an adverse outcome, and Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients at universities and colleges in Illinois and throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in New Jersey and New York, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as an academic misconduct advisor to students facing disciplinary cases in Illinois and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected at all stages of the academic misconduct disciplinary process, including the appeal stage - Contact National Academic Misconduct Advisor Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.