If you're a USF student studying at the university's main Tampa campus and you're facing consequences for violating the Student Code of Conduct, hopefully you're considering appealing the decision to protect your academic reputation and future.
If you've received written notice of sanctions against you, you know that the shot clock is running, and you're almost out of timeouts. You have one last chance to turn things around, and that time is now, with just 5 days to submit an appeal.
While it's natural to feel like hiding under the covers or jumping in the car for an impromptu road trip to escape reality, do this instead: Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 now, being certain to underscore that your case is extremely urgent. If you'd prefer to contact us online, don't neglect to tell us the date that USF's University Conduct Board or Administrative Hearing Officer notified you of their decision or when your deadline to appeal is.
The opportunity to get your studies back on track is too important to take on alone. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is experienced in helping students and parents across the country successfully appeal sanctions, and we are ready for the ball to be in our court. Let's go!
So You've Violated the USF Student Code of Conduct
The USF Student Code of Conduct lists a variety of violations that could land you in rocky territory and prompt a disciplinary consequence. They include:
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing alcohol, where prohibited
- Bribery
- Being complicit in an incident
- Property damage
- Dating violence
- Disruptive conduct
- Domestic violence
- Distributing commercial materials or soliciting
- Possessing, using, distributing, or selling illegal drugs or controlled substances
- Making false statements, forgery, or providing false information
- Tampering with fire or other safety equipment
- Gambling
- Harassment
- Hazing
- Physical violence
- Retaliating through action or words
- Sexual assault, harassment, or exploitation
- Stalking
- Using technology inappropriately
- Theft
- Making threats
- Unauthorized use of University facilities or property
- Possessing weapons, firearms, or explosive devices
Whatever you've been found culpable for, not all is lost. But it may be if you don't act fast. If you've been notified of the university's decision, you need immediate help from the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. Act fast and call 888-535-3686 now or contact us online, being sure to include significant dates and deadlines.
What Sanctions Are You Facing at Your USF Tampa Campus?
If you've received official written notice of your infraction, you are likely facing one or more of the following sanctions from the university:
- Written Reprimand
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Restitution
- Restrictions (loss of privileges)
- No Contact Order (like a restraining order)
- Housing Restriction
- Deferred Suspension
- Conduct Probation
- Assignments, seminars, or workshops
- Alcohol or other substance use education
Clearly, no one would want any of these to happen to them. Especially at this stage of life, with your entire future on the horizon. This is not the time to bury your head in the sand or seek solace or distraction in social media scrolling. You need a strong defender. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has your back. We know these consequences and the misconduct charges that bring them on more closely and in more detail than most attorneys. And we know how to make them go away.
How to Appeal a USF Misconduct Decision
If you have been involved in a formal hearing process at USF, and the University Conduct Board (USB) or Administrative Hearing Officer Director has notified you of your formal hearing's decision, you have the right to appeal, but you need to act right away.
You'll need to draft a letter of appeal to the Dean of Students making a clear-cut argument for the basis of your appeal. Again, you have only 5 days to file an appeal in writing once you receive the Formal Hearing outcome letter. If you fail to do so within this timeframe, the outcome from the formal hearing will be considered final.
Your letter must adequately demonstrate one of the following:
- That USF violated your due process rights or failed to follow the Student Conduct Process and that by doing so, the outcome was seriously affected.
- That new information or evidence has surfaced that wasn't available at the time of your Formal Hearing and that would significantly alter the outcome.
- That the severity of the sanctions does not match the conduct violation.
You must be detailed and thorough in your written appeal. It pays to entrust the experienced Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm to write this for you. If your appeal doesn't sufficiently specify and elaborate on the above three points, it will likely be denied. Going it alone is not recommended. Even the most talented students can throw away their future by overestimating their amateur legal abilities.
Possible Outcomes of Your Appeal to the Dean
If the appellate officer agrees that you have provided satisfactory grounds for appeal, they may request that your case be remanded for a new hearing or modify the sanctions.
Cases involving Title IX sex-based misconduct may require additional considerations or involve additional outcomes, such as a new investigation.
You will be notified of the outcome of your appeal within 10 days of receipt. This outcome is final.
The Lento Law Firm is Bullish When Defending You
The trust and relationships our attorneys have built with college and university Offices of General Councils (OGCs) across the country are invaluable. Our Student Defense Team negotiates with university legal offices routinely, and our history and experience with these offices can make all the difference when it comes to your future. Put us on your case today by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
