Title IX law is in constant flux, with new rules and legal challenges continuing to shape how schools, colleges, and other institutions handle sex-based misconduct and discrimination.  Our firm closely monitors these developments and is committed to providing the most current information available. Click here to learn about the current state of Title IX and how we can help if you are facing accusations or other Title IX issues.

Are you a UTA student facing disciplinary consequences as a result of an academic or conduct infraction, or are you a parent or guardian of a student dealing with this issue? The University of Texas at Arlington has a long tradition of academic integrity and hard work, and these values are reflected in the University Honor Code and its Handbook of Operating Policies (HOP) and procedures.

If you’ve received a written decision about a disciplinary consequence, you likely are aware that you have only 5 days to submit an appeal. Don’t panic, but do take this seriously. With your academic future on the line, focus on addressing this immediately.

The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team works with students nationwide to successfully appeal disciplinary action of all kinds. Our relationships and history of negotiating with college and university Offices of General Councils (OGCs) can mean the difference between earning your degree and having it revoked. Put our experience and network to work for you by calling 888.535.3686 or contacting us online. Be sure to let us know the date you received the university’s decision and any other important dates. There’s no time to waste, so let’s get right to work.

UTA Student Conduct and Discipline Policy Violations

The UTA Student Conduct and Discipline Policy outlines a wide variety of infractions that could result in a disciplinary consequence, starting with violating local, Texas, or federal laws.

As a student, you are also likely aware that UTA does not tolerate academic misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, or collusion.

Have you been found guilty of a non-academic conduct violation? UTA, these include:

  • Property damage
  • Unauthorized use of University of Texas System (UT System) equipment, technology, or property
  • Providing false or misleading information
  • Failing to comply with instructions
  • Hazing
  • Possessing or using illegal drugs
  • Unauthorized use or possession of alcohol
  • Possessing or using firearms and other dangerous items such as explosives, facsimile firearms, ammunition, and hazardous chemicals
  • Possessing or using items that could be construed as body armor or weapons, such as poles, clubs, swords, shields, masks, or helmets (other than for athletic or academic purposes)
  • Disruptive conduct, such as noise violations, damaging UT System resources, or behavior intended to interfere with instruction, research, or program
  • Physical abuse and threats
  • Violating a suspension
  • Behavior that endangers anyone’s health or safety
  • Sex discrimination and sexual misconduct, including Title IX
  • Harassment
  • Violating someone’s privacy (such as secretly recording someone)
  • Retaliation

Whatever you have found responsible for, you have a chance to interrupt this process, but a very small window of time to act. Help from the Student Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm – right now – is key. We’re ready to hit the ground running and build a strong appeal for you. Call 888.535.3686 now or contact us online.

What Sanctions Are You Facing at UTA?

There are two types of disciplinary actions at UTA – outcomes and sanctions. You may be facing a combination of them. Disciplinary outcomes include:

  • An official warning
  • Disciplinary probation
  • Being barred from being readmitted
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion
  • Withholding of grades, your transcript, or your degree

Disciplinary sanctions, which can be levied in addition to the above outcomes, include:

  • Required education
  • Community service
  • Parental notification
  • Restitution or reimbursement for loss or damage
  • A grading penalty
  • Suspension of rights and privileges (such as not being allowed to participate in a student organization or to live in a residence hall)

How to Appeal a UTA Disciplinary Decision

You must submit a written appeal within 5 days of being notified by your Hearing or Conduct Officer of their decision or of the sanction. Your letter must specifically state your reasons as well as any supporting arguments to the Assistant Dean of Students. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team will work closely with you on developing this.

Grounds for appeal include:

  • A procedural error by the Hearing Officer, Conduct Officer, or of the investigation
  • Alleged bias by the Hearing or Conduct Officer
  • New evidence that wasn’t available at the time of the investigation
  • Disciplinary actions or sanctions that are too severe

The Assistant Dean of Students will review your appeal to see if your stated grounds qualify. If you are appealing a specific sanction, an employee appointed as your Appeal Official will review your written argument. In some cases, you may have the opportunity to support your letter with an oral argument.

What If Your Appeal Official is Biased?

If you believe that the UTA employee assigned to review your appeal is biased, you have a right to challenge their impartiality. To do so, you must submit a letter to the Appeal Official via the Office of Community Standards that clearly states the reasons for your challenge. The Appeal Official and the Director of Student Conduct will decide if a substitute needs to be chosen.

The Appeal Official has 21 days after you submit your appeal to deliver a letter to you with the decision. This decision is final.

Sexual Misconduct

If your case is related to the Sexual Misconduct Policy, you will need to follow a separate appeals procedure. These cases are overseen by the Office of Legal Affairs and its Title IX Officer. In this case, you must submit your written appeal to the Title IX Coordinator within 5 days of being notified of a decision. Grounds include procedural irregularities, newly found evidence, or investigator bias or conflict of interest. The Title IX Coordinator will receive a written decision within 21 days, and they will send a copy to you. Possible outcomes include:

  • Affirming the original decision and sanctions
  • Affirming the original decision but amend sanctions
  • Affirming UTA’s dismissal of a Formal Complaint
  • Sending the case back to be re-heard, if procedural irregularities were found
  • Reversing the Hearing Officer’s determination and amend sanctions, if applicable

Your Permanent Record is at Stake

No student wants to have negative marks on their student record, period, so we advise at least attempting an appeal, even if you’re not sure of your chances of succeeding. If you don’t appeal, or your appeal fails, and you have been suspended, expelled, denied your degree, or had your diploma withdrawn, these sanctions will go on your permanent disciplinary record. If your infraction relates to academic dishonesty, this will stay on your record for seven years.

Let’s get down to work. Right now, you need a skilled legal team in your corner who will fight for you and your rights. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team is that team. Contact us today for you today by calling 888.535.3686 or contacting us online.

University of Texas, Arlington

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