If you’re going to succeed at Wichita State University, you’re going to need to get to class every day. Academics are serious here. You need to study for exams. You need to start papers well before they’re due. It’s also important, though, that you keep yourself out of trouble.

The thing is, a couple of low grades aren’t going to devastate your GPA. At worst, you might have to spend a semester on probation. One disciplinary misstep, though, can lead to dismissal. And even if the sanction isn’t that severe, having it on your record could cost you graduate school opportunities and job openings.

At the first sign of trouble, it’s important you call the LLF National Law Firm. More than any other firm in the country, we understand the stakes. We also have the advantage of knowing how Wichita State’s processes and procedures work. Whatever your situation, you can count on our Student Defense Team to use every resource at our disposal to protect your future.

To find out more about how we can help, call 888-535-3686. Or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

The Wichita State Code of Conduct

Staying out of trouble at WSU starts with knowing the rules. You’ll find a complete list of those rules in the Student Code of Conduct. It’s a long list—one that includes everything from underage drinking to misuse of computer resources. So let’s concentrate on the handful of offenses that can lead to suspension or dismissal. These are the ones you want to avoid at all costs.

  • Harm and Endangerment: It won’t surprise you to learn that WSU bars all forms of violence against others. That’s only common sense. The code also prohibits threats, though, and you can also be charged for putting others in danger. In other words, even if you don’t wind up hurting anyone, you can still wind up with a serious sanction.

  • Weapons Possession: Kansas law allows anyone to carry a concealed handgun, even on campus, so long as you are legally authorized to do so. However, all other weapons use and possession is explicitly forbidden under the Code. 

  • Hazing: WSU’s anti-hazing policy applies specifically to organizational activities and prohibits any action that could potentially do physical, psychological, or emotional harm to a person.

  • Sexual Misconduct: Title IX, a federal law, bars sexual discrimination and harassment on college campuses. This applies to a wide range of misconduct, from simple verbal harassment to stalking, dating violence, and rape.

  • Illegal Drugs: WSU also bars all use, possession, manufacture, and sale of illegal drugs, misuse of prescription drugs, and possession of drug-related paraphernalia.

Dismissal, of course, means dismissal. Suspension can amount to the same thing in many cases. Once you’re convicted of a serious offense at WSU, you’re likely to lose your financial aid package, and that can make it difficult to graduate. Keep in mind, though, that even a warning for something relatively minor, like trespassing, can hurt your chances at a good job out of college if it appears on your transcript. 

The LLF National Law Firm has helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of charges. Major offense or minor offense, we’re on your side and ready to fight for your rights.

The Misconduct System

The fact is, you have some pretty important rights if you know how to assert them correctly. For example, you’re entitled to a presumption of innocence. That’s crucial, since it means the university must have a preponderance of evidence to overcome that presumption. And at every step in the process, you have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.

  • Cases begin when someone makes a complaint to the office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS). An allegation can come from anyone, but only SCCS has the authority to issue formal charges against you.

  • Any time you are under investigation, you are entitled to notice of the charges in the case. This document should include an explanation of the allegations and a complete description of your due process rights.

  • Because you are presumed innocent, the university must conduct some type of investigation. Only a preponderance of evidence can determine that you are responsible for (guilty of) an offense. As part of any investigation, you have the right to give your version of events. In addition, SCCS must keep you apprised of any evidence it uncovers during the investigation. No one is allowed to spring evidence on you.

  • Once the investigation is complete, the case moves into its next phase: a hearing. Here, you have a formal opportunity to argue for your innocence and present evidence to help back up those arguments. You may also call witnesses to testify, and you always have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.

  • Decision-makers in the case must believe there is a “preponderance of evidence” against you before finding you responsible for an offense. This means they must be more than fifty percent convinced by the evidence presented against you.

  • If you’re found “not responsible,” your case is over. You can appeal a “responsible” outcome, but you must have grounds to do so. Typically, that means the university failed to provide you with a fair opportunity to defend yourself or inhibited the presentation of your case in some way.

It’s important to recognize that any time you’re facing a misconduct allegation, the university is acting against your interests. Normally, WSU educates you, houses you, and feeds you. But in a disciplinary case, it’s doing its best to uncover evidence of your guilt and ensure you’re properly punished.

In these instances, it’s the LLF National Law Firm that’s looking out for you, protecting your rights and working towards a just resolution. Make sure you have us in your corner.

How Can We Help?

Handling your own disciplinary misconduct case puts your entire future at risk. Make sure you have a professional on your side, someone who not only knows how to construct a strong defense but who has experience helping student clients defend themselves from university charges. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team will make sure you’re fully prepared to defend yourself. They’ll protect your rights. They’ll help you get the very best possible resolution to your case.

Sometimes, you have to fight for your educational future. We can help. To find out more, contact the LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.

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