College and university leadership takes acts of academic misconduct seriously. The Journal of Legal Studies recently referred to acts of academic dishonesty as a form of fraud. Instances where students cheat are somewhat common. The International Center for Academic Integrity suggests that approximately 68% of undergraduate and 43% of graduate students have cheated at some point in their academic career. The disciplinary process can often result in severe penalties that have an adverse impact on a student's educational and professional future. Joseph D. Lento is an attorney who represents clients in matters of student disciplinary defense and can assist with hearings, appeals and more.
Potential Consequences
Data indicates how a college education can truly make a difference. Some of these include:
- On average, college graduates have earnings and benefits that are 50% higher compared to those who do not
- Graduates have a significantly lower rate of unemployment
- They experience much higher levels of job and career satisfaction
Students faced with the realization that they will be suspended or dismissed from a college or university or otherwise disciplined should consult with legal counsel.
What Rights Are Students Afforded?
All students have some basic protections and rights in actions of disciplinary misconduct. The allegations and potential sanctions that may be imposed are to be presented in writing. Students have the opportunity to answer the allegations and generally may have an advisor for support in hearings. The alleged violations must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence—the standard used in civil proceedings.
Appealing a Ruling
The appeals process varies between institutions to some extent and is outlined in their student handbook or conduct provisions. Students who wish to appeal a ruling must move quickly. Most schools require that an appeals form or document be submitted within a period of 14 days. Your written appeal should be well prepared and the basis must be in accordance with the grounds for appeal in the school's provisions. Promptly obtaining legal representation is critical at this point. The attorney will help you with creating a document that effectively explains your reasoning. In addition, your attorney may approach the disciplinary administrators to negotiate a more favorable solution at any point throughout the process.
Why Retain a Lawyer
Having a legal advisor in these matters provides you the best opportunity to minimize long-term consequences. Evidence of disciplinary actions may remain on your records and transcripts that could be a barrier to admission to other top-tier colleges or graduate school programs. It is possible that potential future employers may wish to review your records and academic history. Your attorney will closely review the prior disciplinary process and might identify deviations from procedure or instances where your rights were not protected. These are types of information that would be clearly emphasized in drafting a document for your appeal.
Attorney for Appealing Violations of Student Academic Misconduct in Ohio
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm has the experience that can only be obtained through extensive practice in the unique area of student disciplinary defense. To appeal a ruling involving student academic misconduct in Ohio you must be sure to act quickly; therefore, we encourage you to contact the office at (888) 535-3686 today.
- Allegheny Wesleyan College
- American Institute of Alternative Medicine
- Antonelli College Cincinnati
- Art Academy of Cincinnati
- Ashland University
- ATS Institute of Technology
- Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
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- Belmont Technical College
- Bluffton University
- Bowling Green State University Firelands
- Bowling Green State University Main Campus
- Bradford School
- Brown Mackie College Akron
- Brown Mackie College Cincinnati
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- Brown Mackie College North Canton
- Bryant & Stratton College Cleveland
- Bryant and Stratton College Eastlake
- Bryant and Stratton College Parma
- Capital University
- Case Western Reserve University
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- Central State University
- Chamberlain College of Nursing Ohio
- Chancellor University
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- Cleveland Institute of Music
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- Eastern Gateway Community College
- Edison State Community College
- ETI Technical College
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- Franklin University
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- Herzing University Akron Campus
- Herzing University Toledo
- Hiram College
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- Hondros College
- International College of Broadcasting
- ITT Technical Institute Akron
- ITT Technical Institute Columbus
- ITT Technical Institute Dayton
- ITT Technical Institute Hilliard
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- ITT Technical Institute Norwood
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- ITT Technical Institute Youngstown
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- Kenyon College
- Kettering College of Medical Arts
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- Lakeland Community College
- Lincoln College of Technology Cleveland
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- Lincoln College of Technology Vine Street
- Lorain County Community College
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- Mount Carmel College of Nursing
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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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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.
