Securing admission to Washington University in St. Louis is a major milestone, as many refer to WashU as a "hidden ivy" college. After fighting through an arduous admissions process, you deserve to finish your studies and enter the workforce on solid ground. Unfortunately, whether true or unfounded, allegations of behavioral misconduct can threaten everything you've worked for.
At the Lento Law Firm, we are committed to defending students facing behavioral misconduct accusations, and our Student Defense Team is ready to help you maintain enrollment at WashU and avoid serious disciplinary punishment. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form to begin the process of fighting back against misconduct allegations.
Types of Behavioral Misconduct at WashU
WashU provides students with a fairly detailed overview of their expectations regarding behavior and integrity during enrollment. Specifically, WashU's Student Conduct and Community Standards outline the violations that can result in disciplinary proceedings, including:
- Academic Integrity: Acts like plagiarism, cheating, fabrication of data, credential and résumé falsification, and violations of established test-taking conditions. Basically, any student who attempts to take shortcuts or pass off another's work as their own violates the school's academic integrity policies.
- Disruptive Conduct: Behaviors that unreasonably interfere with the rights of others or disturb the peace, including lewd and indecent conduct.
- Harassment, Bullying, and Assault: WashU disallows discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. This also includes acts that threaten or endanger the safety of another, such as physical assault or threats of physical assault.
- Weapons Violations: Possessing, using, or implying the use of weapons on campus or at university events is strictly forbidden.
- Substance Violations: Many substances run afoul of WashU's community standards, including controlled substances, prescriptions when misused, and even alcohol consumption in violation of state law, i.e., underage drinking.
Taking a look at the complete list of potential offenses will quickly highlight just how many risks students at WashU face. For example, you may not know that simply failing to comply with certain requests from university officials can lead to disciplinary punishment. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is well-informed regarding WashU's disciplinary offenses, sanctions, and proceedings, and we can help if you are dealing with accusations of misconduct.
The Disciplinary Process at WashU
Complaints made against you initiate WashU's formal disciplinary process. For most offenses, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) oversees, reviews, and investigates claims to see if they have merit. Though this process is designed to be fair, it is less formal and structured than criminal or civil court procedures you may be familiar with. Here are the steps involved in the general process at WashU:
- Initial Report: When a report is made, it is reviewed and sent to the relevant panel or office. If the OSCCS is not in charge, it means that the alleged offense falls into a specific category with its own unique processes. For example, WashU's Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office receives and investigates reports alleging sexual assault, harassment, and domestic violence.
- Investigation and Administrative Hearing: Once the complaint arrives at the relevant office, they will investigate the facts of the case and hold an administrative hearing. During this hearing, the Student Conduct Administrator will determine whether the student more than likely committed the offense. Instead of a 'guilty beyond a reasonable doubt' standard, a slight lean in one direction can result in disciplinary punishment.
- Sanctions: Many sanctions can be handed down after a finding of responsibility against the student. These include warnings, reprimands, restrictions on housing and club access, mandatory education and programs, suspension, and expulsion. Only certain offices overseeing serious violations can impose suspension and expulsion as punishment, as those sanctions can irrevocably alter a student's future.
Washington University in St. Louis has the authority to act whenever it believes safety risks to the WashU community exist, even beyond the exact wording found in the Code of Conduct. Different violations will result in slightly different processes and rights, and the Lento Law Firm should be your first call to prepare for your future defense. Our Student Defense Team understands how WashU handles all misconduct violations and what you need to do to achieve success.
Can WashU Students Appeal Disciplinary Findings and Punishments?
Yes, students found in violation of existing WashU policies have the right to appeal a decision, but only in certain circumstances. Specifically, a student determined to have committed a violation has grounds for appeal if:
- Procedural irregularities materially affected the determination in their case
- New evidence that was not reasonably available or discoverable before the determination was made
- The decision-making office or panel has conflicts of interest or bias when making a determination
- The sanctions are excessive, given the details of the violation
If you currently face disciplinary punishment at WashU, appeals are a great option to clear your name. Appeals can lead to modifications of sanctions and, in some situations, a complete dismissal of the previous case. However, appeals are time-sensitive; call the Lento Law Firm as soon as possible to prepare an appeal and maintain enrollment at WashU.
The Lento Law Firm Can Protect WashU Students in St. Louis From Misconduct Allegations
Washington University in St. Louis is a fantastic school; don't let accusations of misconduct jeopardize your academic future and enrollment. WashU takes all forms of misconduct extremely seriously, with hazing, sexual misconduct, and academic misconduct violations being particularly risky for students facing accusations. If you are under investigation for any form of misconduct, you need experienced legal representation to help you through WashU's unique disciplinary processes.
The Lento Law Firm has direct experience representing WashU students, and we understand what it takes to defend against serious misconduct allegations. The sooner you contact our team, the better your defense will be and the greater your chance of avoiding punishment with long-term ramifications.
Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to begin defending yourself against misconduct accusations as a WashU student.
