Academic Misconduct: University and Beyond

Complete the below form to be emailed the Lento Law Firm's complimentary guide to Academic Misconduct Allegations for College and Beyond.

You'll find an overview of academic misconduct, and information about the investigative process and hearing process. We'll also dive into possible sanctions, possible long-term consequences, and how you can best mitigate these.

Whether you or a loved one is facing these allegations, you don't have to do it alone—and this guide will help you understand the big picture and the small details.   There is no obligation, and we will promptly follow up with you as we are here to help.

Learn more about:

  • Possible Sanctions and Penalties for Academic Dishonesty
  • The Disciplinary Process and Hearing Procedures
  • What Happens During The Appeals Process
  • Long-Term and Collateral Consequences of Findings of Academic Dishonesty

The following is a sample of the downloadable guide:

6. LONG-TERM AND COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES OF FINDINGS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating, can have long-lasting and severe consequences for students. While the immediate consequences of academic misconduct may seem minor, such as receiving a reduced grade or facing disciplinary action, the long- term and collateral consequences can impact a student's academic and professional career for years to come. This section will explore the consequences of academic misconduct as it relates to academics, time, finances, degree revocation, future career, and emotional impact.

ACADEMIC CONSEQUENCES

Academic misconduct can have serious academic consequences, including a reduced grade, expulsion, or even revocation of a degree, which we've mentioned in the sanctions section above. These can impact the student's GPA and make it more difficult for them to graduate with honors, gain admission to graduate programs, or secure scholarships.

In cases that result in expulsion from the school, a permanent stain is left on a student's academic record, making it difficult for them to transfer to another school or apply for graduate programs.

However, there are other possible implications for your academic career.

Academic misconduct can lead to an incomplete or failure to progress grade during studies which could mean the student needs to repeat a course. This would extend their time at university, delay their graduation, and likely cost them more money. Such a delay before starting your professional career can have exponential financial and professional effects over the course of your lifetime.

In addition to impacting your time at your current institution, academic misconduct can also make it more difficult for students to gain acceptance to professional schools, such as law or medical schools.

Many of these programs have strict academic integrity policies and may require applicants to disclose any prior incidents of academic misconduct. As a result, a student who has been found responsible for academic dishonesty may have a harder time getting into these programs, to say nothing of their scholarship eligibility changes or the competitiveness of their application.

TIME CONSEQUENCES

As we hinted above, findings of responsibility for academic misconduct can also lead to wasted time. In the instance above, where the student has to repeat a course and delay their graduation, the result is not only wasted time and money but also wasted effort.

Additionally, if a student is accused of academic misconduct, they may be required to attend a hearing or meeting to address the allegations. While seemingly benign, in the grand scheme of things, this can actually be very time-consuming and stressful.

FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES

One of the most significant collateral consequences of academic misconduct is the financial impact it can have on students. Academic misconduct can result in the loss of financial aid, scholarships, and grants, making it difficult for students and their families to pay for their education.

How does this happen?

Many scholarships and grants often have provisions that require students to maintain a certain GPA or credit hour threshold. If a student is found responsible for academic misconduct, they may not be able to meet these requirements, which can result in the loss of their scholarship or grant.

If a student loses their financial aid due to academic misconduct, they may not have enough funds to cover the cost of their education. This can delay graduation or even keep them from completing their degree.

This can have long-term financial implications, as it may make it more difficult for the student to afford the cost of their education if tuition rises year over year, as it usually does.

Other financial consequences of academic misconduct can include the cost of additional coursework or tuition that may be required to make up for lost credits or GPA requirements. These costs can create a significant extra financial burden for students. The financial burden can also limit their ability to pursue other opportunities or activities, such as studying abroad or participating in an internship that offers no or very little pay.

If a student needs to take on multiple jobs to support their increased cost of living, that can, in turn, keep them from having the necessary time to dedicate to their studies. It's easy to see how this can quickly become a vicious...(read more in the full downloadable guide.)

Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to fight for your student's rights, and request the free downloadable guide to Academic Misconduct using the form above.

Click here to request our complimentary guide to high school code of conduct

Contact Us Today!

If you, or your student, are facing any kind of disciplinary action, or other negative academic sanction, and are having feelings of uncertainty and anxiety for what the future may hold, contact the Lento Law Firm today, and let us help secure your academic career.

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