After working hard to secure entrance to the University of Washington, there is more work to be done. Students who put in tremendous academic effort can find success in their field, but only if outside factors like behavioral misconduct do not derail their educational journey. Misconduct takes many forms, and if the University of Washington is accusing you of any violation, you must take action to protect your future from further harm.
The Lento Law Firm is dedicated to helping University of Washington students defend against unfair or completely unfounded behavioral misconduct allegations. Contact our Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form to begin safeguarding your future at UW.
Misconduct Violations at the University of Washington
Students who violate the University of Washington's Student Code of Conduct can very quickly face a wide range of punishments depending on the type and severity of their violations. Like most universities, the University of Washington disallows:
- Violence and Harassment: The abuse of others, directed harassment and bullying, intimate partner violence, and other forms of sexual assault or misconduct.
- Substance Violations: Alcohol, drug, and substance violations, including underage drinking, the use or distribution of illegal substances, and irresponsible consumption of legal substances.
- Academic Integrity: Academic misconduct, dishonesty, plagiarism, falsification, and research misconduct.
- Disruptive or Dangerous Conduct: Acts that prevent learning on campus or introduce harm, such as hazing, possession and use of dangerous weapons, vandalism, indecent exposure, and public nuisance violations.
- Property and Privacy Violations: Theft, various computer abuse and stalking, unauthorized recordings, and entry into locked locations on campus and college housing.
The University of Washington's Student Code of Conduct describes in great detail each violation and when a student runs afoul of these policies. Depending on the specific violation and student's history, sanctions and consequences include:
- Disciplinary reprimands
- Loss of privileges
- Restitution
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Educational conditions
- Specific hazing sanctions mandating the forfeiture of state-funded grants, scholarships, and awards
The Lento Law Firm can defend the rights of Huskies facing accusations of behavior misconduct in whatever form they take. Our Student Defense Team understands the risks to your academic future, and we are here to help.
The Disciplinary Process at the University of Washington
The academic future of University of Washington students is at risk when the school begins looking into behavioral misconduct violations. Having school officials levy accusations against you can be stressful and overwhelming, but the Lento Law Firm can guide you through the structured disciplinary process provided by the university's Office of Community Standards & Student Conduct (CSCC).
The steps of the UW Student Conduct Process include:
- Report Intake: When the CSCC receives a report alleging behavioral misconduct, a Conduct Officer will soon begin investigating its validity. Depending on the type of report, teachers, staff, and fellow students may be the ones to file a report.
- Investigative Interview: The Conduct Officer will meet with the respondent and review the alleged violations. The student under investigation can provide evidence and statements at this time, meaning Student Defense Attorneys can assist at this early stage to protect students' rights and future.
- Investigation: The Conduct Officer will continue the investigation, keeping in mind the student's statements and evidence from their interview. They will gather evidence and talk to witnesses and involved parties that have not yet provided their side of the story. Some violations rely on witness statements, while others, like academic dishonesty, may require video or photographic evidence of a student cheating on an exam or test.
- Decision: Based on a "preponderance of evidence" standard, the Conduct Officer will determine if a violation occurred and issue an Initial Order that includes appropriate sanctions for the behavioral violations.
A Conduct Officer's decision isn't final, and University of Washington students still have the ability to appeal or request a review hearing within three weeks. The Lento Law Firm can assist throughout this disciplinary process to facilitate smooth and clear communication with the school's Conduct Officer to explain your side of the story.
Full Hearings and Appeals at the University of Washington
If a conduct officer determines that the facts of the case are severe enough to potentially warrant a suspension or dismissal from the University of Washington, they can initiate a full hearing. A hearing officer will now oversee the case, determine the evidence and witnesses eligible to be included, and determine if a behavioral violation exists.
After this determination, students can still appeal to avoid or limit punishment. There are three main grounds for appeal available to University of Washington students:
- Determining whether there is a substantial material error affecting the outcome
- Considering newly discovered evidence that was not available previously
- Determining whether the sanctions were appropriate
Regardless of whether your disciplinary process involves a full hearing or not, you can eventually request an administrative review of your Initial Order. If a full hearing has been held, you can request a review for any grounds that may modify, withdraw, or reverse the order. If a full hearing has not been held, a review request can determine whether a full hearing is warranted.
Student Rights During Student Conduct Proceedings at UW
University of Washington disciplinary proceedings related to behavioral misconduct allegations are stressful, and students don't always know what to do to find success. Luckily, the university guarantees students certain rights during the student conduct process, and the Lento Law Firm can help protect these rights to increase the chances of a successful defense.
Students at the University of Washington have the right to:
- Have attorneys accompany them to all proceedings and hearings
- Provide statements, evidence, and witnesses to bolster their case
- Avoid self-incrimination
- Be informed of all orders and initiations of full hearings
- Attend all applicable conduct proceedings
- Receive notice of pending sanctions and respond prior to their imposition
- Request settlements and administrative reviews
Students should not forfeit these rights, especially considering how helpful they can be in defending their future. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team understands the University of Washington's disciplinary processes, and we can protect your rights if you are facing allegations of behavioral misconduct.
It's never too late to secure assistance from experienced attorneys to protect your academic future. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to get started.
