Facing academic integrity charges is no joke. While you're waiting for the officials at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott campus to determine responsibility for academic issues or concerns, you or your student are likely stressed, afraid, and busy trying to figure out what to do.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Arizona Campus in Prescott places a high premium on academic honesty. In a statement accompanying the dean's letter on the ERAU-Prescott website, the school says:
“We strive to create a safe and welcoming campus environment that embraces a diversity of ideas, beliefs and cultures, where ideas can be freely exchanged in an environment guided by fairness, honesty and integrity.”
Inherent in that mission statement is the idea that students must avoid any act of academic dishonesty. ERAU-Prescott will likely mete out harsh punitive measures against any infractions of this honor code.
Academic Integrity and Misconduct at ERAU-Prescott
There are several forms of academic misconduct and other issues or concerns students may face while studying at Embry-Riddle Prescott. The school's student handbook details the following practices for upholding academic integrity standards:
- Staying within the parameters set by the school's instructors for each course
- Avoiding plagiarism, cheating, and fraud
- Pursuing excellence through solo study, written homework, and all other academic actions
ERAU-Prescott also expects that any student who witnesses improper academic conduct reports it to the university.
In addition to traditional forms of misconduct, other issues may arise during your time at Embry-Riddle Prescott. For example, you or your student may feel that the school has not respected your rights, acknowledged a service you have completed for the school, failed to give you the resources you need to succeed, or curtailed campus privileges without rationale.
Whether you need to act due to an allegation of academic misconduct or another school-related issue, you must understand ERAU-Prescott's code of conduct and work with a student defense attorney to ensure that you make no missteps during due process.
Due Process and Disciplinary Recommendations at ERAU-Prescott
ERAU-Prescott's disciplinary process includes the following steps:
- A notification from the school that contains the formal allegations against the student, some details regarding the alleged incident, and an invitation to an initial meeting with a conduct officer
- A meeting with a conduct officer in which the student and the officer will discuss what occurred, give the student a chance to defend themselves, offer a disciplinary recommendation if one is evident, or schedule a formal hearing if necessary
- A formal hearing or follow-up at which the school decides responsibility for the infraction, recommends disciplinary action, and outlines the appeal process
What Are the Consequences of Academic Misconduct at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University?
While the university's student conduct page may list several types of punitive measures, including written warnings, opportunities for re-education, and probation, far and away the most common punishment for serious academic misconduct is suspension. If a student is suspended, they must separate from ERAU-Prescott for the duration of their disciplinary period.
This may not seem like a big deal. However, it's important to consider the far-reaching effects of a suspension. A student's suspension will feature on their transcript, either through a specific note or simply through the gap in their coursework. This can be difficult to explain to prospective employers or schools, making achieving opportunities after college very difficult. This can also harm your reputation, affect your finances, and delay other crucial plans.
How Do I File an Appeal at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Arizona campus?
If you believe that filing an appeal will be the best way to pursue a favorable outcome, you will need to initiate the process within two business days of receiving ERAU-Prescott's disciplinary decision letter. Start by filing a written appeal notice describing your rationale for an appeal with the conduct officer originally responsible for your case. The conduct officer, or CO, will review your updated information and determine whether a change in sanction is necessary.
Whether the CO decides to overturn the original sanction or issue new recommendations, their decision is final. They will send you a letter, after which you will not be able to file any further official appeals.
Clearly, the stakes are quite high when navigating both your initial disciplinary process and your appeal. At every stage, you will need to act with confidence and practical strategy. You will need to be familiar with your code of conduct, the best way to write and speak persuasively, and able to guard your emotions and stress level so they do not affect your chances.
Don't do this alone. Work with a student defense attorney for your best chance of a favorable outcome.
Call the Lento Law Firm to Work Towards a Favorable Outcome at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, AZ Campus
Plagiarism, cheating, fabrication of data, and other academic concerns: These aren't the issues you imagined facing when you enrolled at Embry-Riddle's Arizona campus. Now, as you scramble to find evidence and draft persuasive arguments in your favor, you're likely feeling overwhelmed. Your school's code of conduct is confusing, deadlines are zipping by, and you don't have high hopes for your ability to avoid potentially catastrophic punitive measures.
It's good that you're taking this seriously. We have more good news: You don't have to go through this alone. In fact, you definitely shouldn't. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has the targeted expertise, training, and years of experience you need to be successful. You can protect your reputation, negotiate a lesser disciplinary measure, save your future and even work to preserve your relationship with your school if you choose to work with attorney Joseph D. Lento.
Give Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm a call at 888-535-3686 today or use our online form to send us a message.
