Physician is a noble profession. It can also be a lucrative one. They don't give those degrees away, though. Before you get your M.D., you've got to satisfy the faculty and administration at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, and that's no mean feat.
Plenty of things can trip you up along the way. Some of them might surprise you. For instance, you can probably survive a failed exam or even a failed class or two. On the other hand, one incident of academic misconduct could put an end to your career before it even begins. The thing is, LKSOM feels like it can train you to be a doctor, even if it takes a little longer than expected. If you have a habit of dishonesty, though—well, that can't be fixed.
The thing is—nobody's perfect, not even doctors. We all make mistakes. Or maybe you didn't make a mistake. Maybe you're the victim of an honest misunderstanding or a false allegation. Whatever your situation, the attorneys at the LLF Law Firm want to help keep you on track. Our Student Defense Team is dedicated to protecting student rights. We know the LKSOM judicial system, and we can show you how to use it to our advantage.
We can't do any of those things, though, until you contact us. To find out how we can help with your case, call 888-535-3686 today, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
The Rules at Lewis Katz
You know how the academic system works by now. Teachers and administrators have been explaining integrity and honesty to you for at least sixteen years. In general, you're expected to avoid any action that could potentially give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework and earning your degree.
In addition, the LKSOM Honor Code identifies several specific types of offenses.
- The use of any unauthorized resource to complete work, from crib notes to other students;
- The interference with any other student's coursework, including creating a disturbance during exams and sabotaging research;
- Falsification of any records, including signing in for another student or leaving a required activity before it is over;
- Assistance of any kind in committing breaches of the Honor Code.
More important than the specific offenses are the sanctions for those offenses. Most colleges and universities impose classroom sanctions for academic misconduct, at least for first offenses. You might wind up with a lower grade on an assignment or you might receive a lower grade in the course. Medical schools, on the other hand, maintain zero-tolerance policies when it comes to academic dishonesty. LKSOM views cheating not just as an attempt to circumvent the learning process but as evidence that you lack the moral and ethical values necessary to the medical profession. The minimum sanction in such cases is suspension. The more likely result is dismissal.
You cannot take a chance when your career is on the line. You've worked too hard to get to this point. The moment someone mentions the possibility of an academic misconduct accusation, it's important you get in touch with the LLF Law Firm to find out how we can help.
LKSOM Judicial Procedures
The same policy that specifies the academic integrity rules and the potential consequences for breaking those rules also contains a list of judicial protections should you find yourself accused. If you know how to properly employ these protections, you have a far better chance of surviving an allegation.
- When the Honor Board receives a written complaint, the Honor Board Chairperson forms an Investigating Committee to gather the facts of the case.
- Any time you are under investigation, you are entitled to notice of the charges against you. This notice should provide details about the allegation and a list of your due process rights.
- As part of the investigation, you are entitled to give your side of the case. In addition, you may offer evidence and suggest witnesses for the Investigating Committee to interview.
- Once the investigation is complete, the Investigating Committee makes a decision as to whether the case should be dismissed or forwarded to a Hearing Board.
- You always have the right to review any evidence uncovered by the Investigating Committee prior to any hearing.
- The hearing affords both sides the opportunity to make their cases. As part of the process, you may introduce physical evidence and call witnesses to testify. You also have the right to raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- While the Hearing Board does not have to find you responsible “beyond a reasonable doubt,” it must believe that there is a preponderance of evidence against you before issuing a responsible (guilty) verdict.
- Should the Board find you responsible, you can appeal, though you must have sufficient grounds in order to do so. Grounds include issues of fairness related to the process. For example, you can file an appeal if a procedural error occurred, if you should uncover new evidence after the hearing, or if you believe the sanction imposed is disproportionate to the nature of the offense.
Unfortunately, LKSOM rules do not allow for you to bring the LLF Law Firm attorney with you to investigative meetings and hearings. Note, however, that your attorney can do far more than merely accompany you to proceedings. It's their job to prepare you to represent yourself. They'll work with you to gather evidence and coach you in responding to investigative questions. They'll draft your hearing presentation and suggest questions for witnesses. And, if necessary, they'll help you to come up with grounds for an appeal. Through it all, they'll keep a close eye on the process to ensure that you're treated fairly and that the school respects all of your due process rights.
The LLF Law Firm is Always On Your Side
The LLF Law Firm knows what's at stake in a way other firms just don't. The attorneys who make up our Student Defense Team have dedicated their lives to ensuring schools treat students fairly, and they care about your future. No one else has the knowledge of campus justice that they do. No one else can show you how to use the system to your advantage.
If you're being forced to fight for your educational future, don't try to handle the situation yourself, and don't trust your case to a local attorney. Find out more about what the LLF Law Firm can do by calling 888-535-3686, or take time right now to fill out our online questionnaire.
