You can survive a failed exam at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. You can probably survive a failed class, maybe even two. Typically, academic failure results in a remediation plan–a chance to get back on track–and only repeated struggles lead to more serious sanctions like suspension or dismissal.

On the other hand, CUSOM has absolutely zero tolerance for academic misconduct. In fact, you’re almost certainly better off accepting a low grade than trying to cheat your way to a good one.

We get it, though: sometimes the temptation to cut corners is just too much. Maybe you’re sure you can pull it off. Maybe you’re convinced that the payoff is worth the risk. It’s also possible you didn’t do anything wrong. Misunderstandings happen sometimes.

Whatever your situation, you simply cannot afford to take an allegation of cheating or plagiarism lightly. You need a plan, and you need the best possible help you can find to implement that plan. That’s where we come in. LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We know CUSOM policies and procedures, and we know how to use them to your benefit. We’re always on your side and ready to fight to get you the best possible resolution to your case.

You need to contact us as soon as possible, 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.

CUSOM Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct at CUSOM is under the purview of the school’s Honor Council. The Council’s webpage contains the complete text of the Honor Code as well as a list of specific offenses, including:

  • Cheating and plagiarism
  • Unauthorized collaboration
  • Taking more than the allotted time on exams
  • Signing absent students’ names to attendance sheets
  • Keeping test booklets
  • Using prior years’ tests as study materials
  • Providing a false excuse for missing an exam
  • Providing a false excuse for missing class
  • Destroying study materials available to all students
  • Falsifying results

As exhaustive as this list seems, these are merely “examples of Honor Code violations.” More broadly, any conduct that could potentially result in an unfair advantage can lead to an allegation.

Of course, none of these offenses will be new to you. Your undergraduate institution probably maintained a similar list. The difference is in how offenses are punished. Most colleges and universities assign in-class sanctions for academic misconduct, at least for first offenses. At worst, you might wind up failing a course. Medical schools hold their students to higher standards. Even one mistake can cost you your spot in the program.

Don’t risk it. The moment you’re accused, make sure you have an LLF National Law Firm attorney in your corner. We’ll work with you to build your defense and ensure that CUSOM treats you fairly.

The Disciplinary System at CUSOM

The Honor Council homepage doesn’t just outline academic misconduct offenses. It also details the investigation and adjudication processes for students who have been charged. The good news is that you have some important rights as you go through these processes. The bad news is that the system can be complex and difficult to navigate.

  • Anyone can level an allegation at you by reporting your conduct to an Honor Council member. However, reporters are supposed to talk with you first before submitting such an allegation.
  • The Honor Council Chair is tasked with conducting a preliminary investigation into the matter. As part of this investigation, you have the right to give your version of events. In addition, you should be allowed to review any evidence the Chair uncovers.
  • Once the investigation is complete, the Chair must decide whether to dismiss the charges or proceed to a formal hearing.
  • Hearings appear before the entire Honor Council. You may introduce evidence, call witnesses to testify, and cross-examine any witnesses against you.
  • The Council employs the legal standard “preponderance of the evidence” to determine your “responsibility” (guilt). In simple terms, this standard says you are responsible if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
  • In addition to deciding responsibility, the Honor Council recommends sanctions as necessary.
  • You can appeal an Honor Council finding, but you must have grounds to do so. Grounds have to do with issues of procedural fairness. You cannot appeal simply because you disagree with the outcome.
  • If you’re found responsible, the case is then forwarded to the Student Promotions Committee. The SPC does not consider the issue of your responsibility. However, the committee should offer you the chance to explain your actions and provide any evidence to mitigate your responsibility.

You are allowed to bring an advocate with you to the hearing, but this advocate must be someone from the CUSOM community. Your LLF National Law Firm attorney is barred from attending proceedings.

However, they can play a crucial role in helping you prepare your case. Even before the hearing, they can advise you on how to talk with investigators and work with you to find and review evidence. They’ll draft your hearing presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and give you an opportunity to practice making your case. Your lawyer’s most important job is to make sure you’re treated fairly and that the CUSOM respects all of your due process 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 the 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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