No one gets through college entirely unscathed. No one. We all make mistakes, and college students seem to make more than most. The real question isn’t whether you’ll screw up while you’re a student at the University of the Cumberlands but rather how you’ll handle it. The fact is that a serious offense can ruin your academic career, and even a minor offense can have long-lasting consequences.

The key to surviving a disciplinary misconduct allegation? Having the right help on your side. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and no one does that better than we do. We know what you’re up against, and we’re well-versed in all UC policies and procedures. You can count on us to use every resource at our disposal to ensure you get the best possible resolution to your case.

First, though, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out how we can help with your situation, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

The UC Code of Conduct

You’ll find a complete list of UC’s rules and regulations in the university catalog under the heading “Student Attitude and Standards of Conduct.” It’s a long list, and as the Handbook makes clear, it doesn’t even include all the possible offenses with which you could be charged. At some point, you want to go over the entire list. For now, though, let’s focus on the most serious offenses on the list, the ones that tend to carry the most weight.

  • Physical Harm: Like all communities, CU bars all forms of physical violence. It’s worth noting that the same regulation that prohibits violence also prohibits any verbal aggression likely to lead to violence, as well as threats and harassment. In other words, even if you don’t actually do anyone harm, you may still face a charge.
  • Weapons Possession: CU’s anti-weapons policy is extensive. It bars the use and possession of all firearms, crossbows, hunting knives, explosives, fireworks, and swords. Even facsimile weapons like Nerf guns and water guns can get you into trouble.
  • Sexual Misconduct: All colleges and universities are required by Title IX to prevent sexual misconduct. As part of these preventative measures, the government requires schools to investigate all credible complaints and expects them to impose severe penalties.
  • Hazing: Even something as seemingly innocuous as keeping a pledge up too late can lead to a charge. Note, too, that having pledges sign waivers will not protect you.
  • Drug Use and Possession: The Handbook actually includes several pages of tables describing the dangers of various types of illegal drugs. You should also know that alcohol use is treated just as seriously as drug use.

Any one of these five offenses can result in suspension or dismissal, even for a first-time charge. Any offense can damage your future, though, if it appears on your transcript. Even a warning for “mischievous behavior” can interfere with job opportunities. Most employers take evidence of misconduct extremely seriously.

This means you cannot afford to take any allegation lightly. The moment you find yourself in trouble, it’s important you contact the LLF National Law Firm. We’ll work with you to begin building your defense, and we’ll make sure that right from the beginning, the university treats you fairly.

Defending Yourself From Charges

Any time you’re charged with a misconduct offense, you’re entitled to due process, just as you would be in the criminal justice system. Due process starts with a presumption of innocence (“non-responsibility”). Only a “preponderance of evidence” can overcome that presumption, and you should have multiple opportunities to respond to any evidence being used against you.

  • The Director of Student Development has jurisdiction over all misconduct complaints. Anyone can make such a complaint, but only this officer can decide the complaint is credible enough to warrant a formal charge.
  • You’re entitled to notice of any charges you’re facing. Notice should explain the nature of the complaint and apprise you of all your due process rights.
  • The university must conduct some type of investigation. Again, the school needs concrete evidence to substantiate any charges. You should be given an opportunity to give your side of the story. In addition, the Director must let you examine any evidence they uncover.
  • You should also be allowed a hearing, a formal opportunity to defend yourself. At the hearing, both sides get to present physical evidence and witness testimony. In addition, you have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
  • The standard of “responsibility” (guilt) at CU is “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, you are responsible for an offense only if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed that offense.
  • If you’re found “not responsible,” your case is over. You can appeal a “responsible” outcome, but you must have grounds to do so. Usually, that means evidence that the university violated your rights, the discovery of new material that could alter the hearing outcome, or an argument that the sanction is disproportionate to the offense.

It’s no easy task taking on a university. CU has a whole host of administrative officers whose job is to investigate and adjudicate student offenses. The school even has attorneys who provide it with legal advice. Don’t go up against this kind of bureaucracy alone.

Just having the LLF National Law Firm on your side sends a message that you’re not just going to accept a charge or a sanction. Beyond that, though, the LLF National Law Firm will help you with all aspects of your case, from finding evidence to drafting your hearing presentation. And start to finish, we’ll make sure CU respects all of your due process rights. No matter what your situation, we’re on your side.

How Can the LLF National Law Firm 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 college 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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