Let’s face it: we all make mistakes, even aspiring physicians. Medical school is tough. Tulane University’s School of Medicine is harder than most. So maybe you felt intimidated. Maybe you got anxious about an exam, and you took a shortcut. It happens. Or maybe you didn’t do anything wrong at all. Maybe you’re the victim of an honest misunderstanding. That happens, too.

Whatever the situation, the LLF National Law Firm is here to help. Our Student Defense Team is always ready to stand up for your rights. We understand what you face day in and day out. We know the stakes and how much you have riding on your time at Tulane. We know some other things as well, like how TUSOM disciplinary polices and procedures work and how to use them to your benefit. We’re on your side, and we’ll use every resource at our disposal to get you the best possible resolution to your case.

You cannot wait to contact us, though. Medical schools often move quickly, and you can be sure the School of Medicine is already building its case. You should be building your defense. To find out how we can help, call 888-535-3686 today, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

Academic Misconduct at TUSOM

Academic dishonesty is always a serious offense. It’s especially serious at a medical school. We expect doctors to adhere to the highest standards of ethics and morality, and those expectations begin during physician education and training. It should come as no surprise, then, that TUSOM’s Honor Code focuses on these standards. Among its several prohibitions, the Code specifically mentions

  • Cheating
  • The attempt to circumvent any course requirement
  • The attempt to “impair another student’s educational opportunity.”

More broadly, any action that could provide you with an unfair advantage in completing your coursework can get you into trouble.

How much trouble? Most colleges and universities, including Tulane, assign classroom sanctions to academic misconduct offenses. These might include lower grades on assignments, lower course grades, or outright failure in a course. First offenses, though, rarely garner suspension or dismissal. However, if the School of Medicine finds you responsible for an offense, the most likely punishment is dismissal. Once you’re dismissed from TUSOM, you should assume your career in medicine is over.

This is one reason why it is so important you contact the LLF National Law Firm the moment you’re facing an accusation. You’ve spent your entire life getting to this point. You’ve sacrificed time and money to get her. All of that will have been for nothing if you should wind up dismissed. LLF National Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to student defense. No one gives you a better chance of mounting a successful defense.

Defending Yourself at TUSOM

The expectations are high. The stakes are high. There is some good news, though: any time you’re accused of misconduct, you’re entitled to due process. The School of Medicine must treat you as “not responsible” (innocent) until such time as you are proven “responsible” (guilty). You have other important rights as well, such as the right to a fair investigation and a hearing before unbiased decision-makers.

  • The TUSOM Honor Board handles all allegations of academic misconduct. Such allegations may only be lodged by medical students, faculty, and School staff, and the Board must believe they are credible before it issues a formal charge.
  • If the Board decides to charge you, it must provide you with notice of those charges. Notice must include a complete explanation of the accusations and a list of your due process rights.
  • The Board then assigns two Board representatives to investigate the matter. Note that you have the right to supply these investigators with your version of events. In addition, you are entitled to review any evidence they should uncover.
  • These investigators have the power to dismiss the case if they cannot find evidence to substantiate the allegations. However, if they believe it is warranted, they can also forward the case to the Honor Board for a full hearing.
  • The hearing provides both sides in the case with the chance to present evidence, including witness testimony. In addition, you have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
  • Honor Board members are instructed to decide the case using the “clear and convincing” legal standard. In simple terms, they can only find you responsible (guilty) if they believe the evidence against you is substantially stronger than the evidence in your favor.
  • If you are found not responsible, your case is over. If you are found responsible, you can appeal. However, all appeals must be based on issues of procedural fairness. Grounds for an appeal might include a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.

TUSOM allows you the right to an advisor, but this advisor must be another TUSOM student. The TUSOM cannot bar you from consulting with an LLF National Law Firm attorney.

Even if we never set foot on campus, the LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team can play an enormous role in organizing your defense. You can expect the team to help you gather evidence of your innocence and coach you in responding to investigative questions. Team members will work with you to identify your strongest arguments and draft your hearing presentation. You’ll even have a chance to practice presenting your defense. The team’s most important job, though, is to make sure you’re treated fairly. You have rights, and we’ll make sure TUSOM respects those rights.

LLF National Law Firm Is Always on Your Side

LLF National 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 we 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 LLF National Law Firm can do by calling 888-535-3686, or take time right now to fill out our online questionnaire.

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