You just thought that your undergraduate institution took cheating seriously. Medical school academic integrity policies are absolutely zero tolerance. Even a hint of misconduct means an investigation and the minimum penalty in these cases is usually suspension.
Fair enough. There are no unimportant subjects in medical school, and no one wants to worry that their doctor took shortcuts when it came to learning subjects like anatomy.
We all make mistakes, though, even medical students. And you don't actually have to have made a mistake to find yourself accused of an offense. Instructors get things wrong sometimes. Occasionally, other students make false allegations. Once you've been accused, it's impossible to tell where an investigation might lead, even if you're entirely innocent.
The moment you find yourself charged with an offense, it's important you contact the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team knows what you're up against, and we understand the stakes. More importantly, we're familiar with MCW judicial processes and procedures, and we can show you how to use them to protect yourself. Whatever your particular situation, we're always on your side, and we'll use every resource at our disposal to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
We've helped hundreds of students fight charges their schools have leveled against them. We can help you to do the same. Call 888-535-3686 to find what we can do, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
The Rules of Academic Misconduct at the Medical College of Wisconsin
If you haven't mastered every subject in medical school by the time you graduate, you're ultimately a threat to the health of your patients. As a result, MCW would rather you fail a class or two than cheat. In fact, you can probably survive a failed class. Academic misconduct can mean dismissal.
The College doesn't even provide a list of violations. You're expected to know the rules by this point in your academic career. Essentially, any conduct that could potentially give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework could get you into trouble. As a reminder, though, common violations include
- Cheating: The unauthorized use of any source material, from a crib sheet to another student.
- Plagiarism: The attempt to pass another person's work off as your own. This includes the unauthorized use of AI.
Again, you cannot afford to take any allegation lightly. The minimum penalty in academic misconduct cases is usually suspension, but many students find themselves dismissed entirely. That means finding an entirely new career. Keep in mind as well that even if you should survive a misconduct investigation and hearing, you'll still face questions from the MCW promotion committee. Professionalism is one of the hallmarks of the medical field, and faculty and administration take a very dim view of students who don't uphold ethical values.
Don't risk your future by trying to handle a case yourself or hiring a local attorney. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to student defense. No one else gives you a better chance of surviving an allegation.
Defending Yourself From an Academic Misconduct Accusation
The first thing you should know if you're facing a misconduct charge is that you have several important due process rights. MCW is required under its own policies to give you the presumption of innocence. That means you cannot be found responsible (guilty) unless the school uncovers a “preponderance of evidence” proving your guilt. And you always have the right to challenge that evidence at a hearing.
Here's what you can expect.
- The Associate Dean of Students is responsible for all issues related to “dishonest, unethical, or irresponsible” behavior, including academic misconduct. If you are under investigation, you'll receive an official notification from this administrator outlining the complaint against you and apprising you of your due process rights.
- The Associate Dean is also responsible for conducting the investigation. As part of the process, you'll be offered an opportunity to give your side of the story. In addition, the Associate Dean will collect any physical evidence and interview any witnesses.
- The Associate Dean then determines whether or not they think you are responsible for the offense and sets any penalties as necessary. Their decision is based on the legal standard “preponderance of the evidence.” You are guilty if they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- If the sanction is dismissal, the Associate Dean refers the case to an Ad-Hoc Hearing Committee.
- At the hearing, the Associate Dean makes the case against you. You have the right to challenge any evidence presented. In addition, you may present your own evidence, including witness testimony. Again, the outcome of the case is determined based on the “preponderance of the evidence” standard.
- In all cases, you have the right to appeal the outcome. However, you must have sufficient grounds to do so. This includes issues like procedural errors, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Throughout the case, you are entitled to an advisor who may be an attorney. MCW requires you to speak for yourself at all investigative meetings and hearings, but your Lento Law Firm attorney can be on hand to offer advice and help you deliver your arguments.
In addition, your attorney will work with you to prepare all aspects of your defense. They'll help you put together evidence, for instance, and coach you on how to respond to investigators. They'll draft your hearing presentation and give you practice in making it. They'll suggest questions for witnesses and work with you to file any necessary appeals. Throughout it all, they'll make sure MCW treats you fairly and affords you every due process right to which you are entitled.
The Lento Law Firm Is on Your Side
The Lento 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 that they care about your future. No one else has the knowledge of campus justice 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 Lento Law Firm can do by calling 888-535-3686, or take time right now to fill out our online questionnaire.
