Drexel University is a private research university established in 1891 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is among the top 40 highest-ranked comprehensive research universities in the United States, with a rigorous admissions process and a solid reputation. However, to remain enrolled and benefit from what the university offers, you must maintain good grades and high ethical standards and avoid misconduct and behaviors that can lead to problems. Although making mistakes is part of the learning process, some violations lead to repercussions that can ruin your plans and reputation.
Being a university student is still an accomplishment that you should be proud of. You worked hard to reach where you are today, going through admissions and choosing the school that is the best fit for you. But when you are accused of misconduct, your dreams, aspirations, and future goals can come crashing down, leaving you at square one and making it more challenging to start over. With so much that can go wrong, you need the advice and support of the Student Defense Team at LLF Law Firm. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or message the team through this link to learn more.
Behavioral Misconduct
The student handbook at Drexel University includes a comprehensive segment on its standards of student conduct. Per the handbook, students are expected to take responsibility when their actions negatively impact themselves and others. Behavioral misconduct is outlined in section nine of the handbook, giving multiple examples of what constitutes a violation and the repercussions for engaging in these actions. They include:
- When a student leaves and enters a classroom excessively without a professor's authorization
- Making loud or distracting noises while in the classroom or on campus that are excessive
- Sharing or making an inappropriate comment or image while in a classroom setting
- Persistently interrupting or speaking without authorization in the classroom to the point where it interferes or disrupts the learning environment.
- Using profanity and making personal insults against others
- Throwing, dropping, or projecting substances that include bodily fluids in a manner that causes damage to university property or disruption
- Interfering with any person's ability to enter or exit the university, its facilities, or activities
- Intentionally and inappropriately interfering with people's right to freedom of speech, expression, or movement
- Interfering with a university activity during recreational or public events
- Participating in disorderly conduct within and outside of the university
- Failure to comply with reasonable requests from university officials for appropriate behavior
- Dishonesty and falsification of information
- Destruction of university property
- Being under the influence of drugs or going against the university's alcohol policy
- Hazing
- Sexual assault
- Interfering with the student conduct process
- Engaging in intimidating conduct or making threats toward others
- Violating the university's privacy and electronic media policy, such as by posting audio, photo, or pictures of others without their consent
- Theft of university property
- Unauthorized access and entry into university spaces that require approval
- The unauthorized use of university property or documents
- Violating the university's Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) policy
- Possessing weapons and the use of violence or threatened physical violence
Although these behaviors are not the only violations that a Drexel University student may commit that get them in trouble, similar actions may also lead to sanctions and reputational damage. Even if you unintentionally committed one or more of these actions, you must speak to the LLF Law Firm if you receive word that you are being investigated for a violation. Every action you take once the adjudication process starts may lead to repercussions that can ruin your chances of graduating.
Adjudication Process
Once there is a suspected code violation, any Drexel University member may send a report or official complaint to Student Conduct & Care (SCC). The SCC reviews every misconduct complaint to determine whether it should proceed with formal notification of allegations and investigate the matter.
The SCC will conduct a preliminary investigation to collect information about the incident. This initial process aims to determine whether a violation may have occurred and to check on the student's well-being. During this time, the SCC will also review any previous reports concerning the student. If the SCC determines that there is enough evidence to proceed with a formal process, they email a Notification of Conference to the student.
The next step is scheduling a Pre-Hearing Conference to explain the Student Conduct Process, including addressing the allegations of the code violation. If the student accepts responsibility, the case is resolved by a Student Conduct Administrator, who determines the sanctions.
If the accused student does not agree with the allegations, the issue goes through either an Administrative Process or a University Hearing. The latter depends on whether the matter may lead to suspension or expulsion.
A university hearing is conducted by members of the university conduct board, and a hearing advisor is presented in front of the board. During the hearing, students may present their case and any information that helps them defend themselves. Once the hearing ends, the board votes on a sanction depending on the severity of the violation.
Sanctions include:
- Expulsion
- Withdrawal of a degree
- Revocation of admission
- Suspension
- Deferred Suspension
- Disciplinary probation
- Loss of housing
- Deferred loss of housing
- Ban from university housing
- Deferred campus ban
- Disciplinary reprimand
- Assignment of an educational task
- A wellness intervention
- Notifying parents or legal guardians
- Fines
- Restitution
It's essential to call the LLF Law Firm if you are accused of a code violation to decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome.
Contacting the LLF Law Firm
You worked hard to become a student at Drexel University – don't let a violation end your graduation prospects and delay your career by months or even years. The sooner you contact the LLF Law Firm, the higher your chances of receiving a lesser sanction.
The LLF Law Firm has years of experience working with students accused of behavioral misconduct at their school or university. With dedication and compassion, the Student Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm works tirelessly in your best interests when sanctions threaten your reputation and future.
If you or a loved one faces allegations of behavioral misconduct at Drexel University, take action immediately. Call the LLF Law Firm now at 888-535-3686 for a no-nonsense consultation, or send a message through the online portal for more information.
