The University of Western States (UWS) is a private university established in 1904. As a private health science institution, UWS claims it is the world's second-oldest chiropractic university. UWS offers a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and multiple graduate certificate programs. As a chiropractic student at this university, you can look forward to numerous career opportunities after graduation. Given UWS's prestigious history, it also imposes strict standards to maintain its reputation and education quality. That means adhering to all rules governing professionalism, conduct, and satisfactory academic progress.
As a chiropractic student, you must conduct yourself professionally and ethically and maintain high academic performance to graduate. Graduating from a reputable institution like UWS offers valuable career advancement opportunities and a solid reputation. However, the high expectations associated with attending such a respected school also come with added pressure to avoid mistakes. Unfortunately, some errors or violations can lead to severe consequences, such as suspension or expulsion, significantly impacting your future and job prospects. If you are facing accusations, it is essential to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney-advisor to help you navigate the situation and work toward a fair outcome.
Professionalism and Conduct Expectations at UWS
According to the Code of Student Conduct, UWS considers professional conduct an integral part of your responsibilities as a chiropractic student. The code encourages students to act professionally and respectfully while taking personal responsibility for their actions. The code also maintains that students must conduct themselves in a manner that aligns with the professional expectations of a healthcare professional. Thus, students must demonstrate the following:
- Intellectual integrity and honesty
- Concern for the well-being of others
- Respect the rights of others
- Maintain professionalism in all settings associated with the university
If you violate these expectations, you face serious consequences that can harm your reputation and affect your future. The severity of the punishment usually depends on the nature of the violation. But even minor infractions can lead to issues later, making administrators more likely to punish future actions severely due to your history.
Academic Progress and Remediation
UWS has an academic standing policy that outlines expectations for student performance and the measures it takes to assist them when they falter. Per the policy, UWS takes academic performance seriously and expects students to maintain a high level of achievement to complete their program. It has also established guidelines for satisfactory academic standing, such as GPA requirements, first-term minimums, and maximum enrollment times for each program. Failure to meet these results in expulsion from the university.
UWS will send you a letter of concern if you are not maintaining academic performance. If you do not improve after receiving the letter, the college or the program director develops an academic performance contract. The contract includes conditions for staying enrolled, such as remediation, reducing your courseload, and other similar measures. An attorney-advisor can help you if you want to appeal a course or assignment grade, and the university permits this. UWS does have a Policy Grade Appeal process. Still, the help of an attorney-advisor increases the likelihood of a successful outcome if you face dismissal due to poor performance.
Dismissal and Expulsion from UWS
Dismissal from chiropractic school has severe consequences for your future. It makes gaining acceptance into another program challenging as admissions officers prefer students with unblemished records. Financial repercussions include paying back financial aid or loans and paying for extra semesters to complete your education, adding thousands of dollars in debt. You may also lose student housing, harm your reputation, and have trouble finding a job. Even if you find another program, it will take longer to graduate and more time to start your career.
If you are facing dismissal from UWS, taking immediate action and knowing your rights and options is essential for a fair outcome. As soon as you learn of the allegations against you, stay calm and take action by contacting a professional. Do not get angry and say something that might lead to more severe sanctions. Moreover, avoid confronting the person who made the allegations, as it may exacerbate the issue further. Additionally, try not to discuss the case with anyone until you speak to an attorney-advisor. Although you may assume that you can take on the case alone, having the guidance of a professional can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Contacting an Attorney-Advisor
Being a chiropractic student is a challenging yet exciting time on your path to starting your career. But with a dismissal, you may not graduate on time or at all. When you face an expulsion, you need the advice of a skilled attorney-advisor who understands what you are going through. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento works with chiropractic students nationwide to decrease the impact of sanctions. With experience, knowledge, and professionalism, attorney-advisor Lento carefully reviews your case and the policies at UWS to find the best solution. Whether it is decreasing the impact of a sanction or crafting a professional appeal, attorney-advisor Lento works hard to help you overcome this challenging situation.
Making mistakes is a normal part of the learning process, and your instructors expect them as you progress. However, your degree is on the line regarding allegations of professional, academic, or behavioral issues at UWS. With so much that can go wrong, it's best to speak to someone who understands what is at stake and has your best interests at heart. Attorney-Advisor Lento has the experience and knowledge to guide you effortlessly through this process. He can identify bias and procedural errors, prepare evidence, and boost your confidence, even if you have to face the hearing panel alone.
If you or someone in your family is facing allegations of professionalism issues, conduct issues, or lack of progress, don't hesitate to take action. Contact the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team today for a discreet consultation at 888-535-3686.
