In Nevada, colleges and universities vigorously enforce their codes of academic conduct. Unfortunately, they do not well define what constitutes academic misconduct, leading to numerous instances where innocent students are accused of serious violations.
If you have been charged with committing an act of academic misconduct at your school, appointing a lawyer as your advisor can be the best move you can make.
Academic Misconduct in Nevada
Colleges in Nevada usually have codes of academic conduct hosted on their website. While each school has its own set of rules, all schools prohibit the following types of conduct:
- Cheating on tests. All schools prohibit students from utilizing notes or other materials during an exam that a professor has explicitly banned from the testing room. This includes hiring another student to take a test in your place.
- Plagiarizing an assignment. Schools are intent on ensuring that each student gets credit for their own work, and no one else's. Students who take credit for someone else's idea or effort – whether on purpose or by accident – can commit academic misconduct.
- Being complicit in misconduct. Just because you did not directly benefit from an act of academic misconduct does not mean that you cannot be punished for it. Being complicit in someone else's misconduct by failing to report the incident or by actively covering it up can lead to serious repercussions.
- Destroying academic resources. Schools prohibit students from destroying academic resources, like library books, in an attempt to gain an advantage over others.
- Distributing academic materials. Many schools also explicitly list the stealing and distribution of academic materials, like upcoming tests or answer keys, as academic misconduct.
- Altering official school documents. One of the most egregious forms of academic misconduct in many Nevada schools is to alter or fabricate official school documents, like a transcript.
Unfortunately, many of these rules and regulations are deliberately written in a vague manner so schools can prosecute students who come up with novel ways of gaining an unfair advantage over others. This practice of writing broad rules, though, can implicate innocent students in serious trouble.
Consequences of Committing Academic Misconduct
If you are accused of committing academic misconduct and are eventually found in violation of your school's code of conduct, you can face harsh penalties ranging all the way to expulsion from school. Even if you are not expelled, though, the penalties of academic misconduct can put a severe blemish on your academic record. Potential employers can frown on this mark, making it a significant obstacle as you leave school and enter the working world.
Academic Misconduct Advisor Joseph D. Lento
Joseph D. Lento is a student discipline defense attorney who can act as your advisor if you have been accused of academic misconduct in Nevada. By helping you gather evidence and present your case, he can make a huge difference in the outcome and have a lasting impact on your life as you begin your career. Contact him online to get the help and legal advice you need to protect your rights and future.
Nevada colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's academic misconduct advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- College of Southern Nevada
- DeVry University Nevada
- Everest College Henderson
- Great Basin College
- International Academy of Design and Technology Henderson
- ITT Technical Institute Henderson
- ITT Technical Institute Las Vegas
- Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas
- Morrison University
- Nevada State College
- Sierra Nevada College
- The Art Institute of Las Vegas
- Truckee Meadows Community College
- University of Nevada Las Vegas
- University of Nevada Reno
- University of Phoenix Las Vegas Campus
- University of Phoenix Northern Nevada Campus
- Western Nevada College
It is an unfortunate reality that academic misconduct charges can upend an accused student's life if not properly addressed, and Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at colleges and universities in Nevada 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 for students facing disciplinary cases in Nevada and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Academic Misconduct Advisor Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
