Your most important job as a student. It’s right there in the word: study. You came to Eastern Michigan University to earn a degree, and you’re focused on getting to class, writing papers, and passing exams. Spare a thought every once in a while, though, for your conduct.

The fact is that you don’t have to be a perfect student. A low grade or two, even failures, won’t necessarily put your academic career in jeopardy. Commit the wrong misconduct offense, though, and you could be looking for another school to attend, even for a first offense.

Don’t let that happen. At the very first sign of trouble, contact the LLF National Law Firm. Why us? Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We understand the stakes better than any other firm out there. We also know the EMU system and how to use it to your benefit.

What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

Understanding the Student Code of Conduct

All colleges and universities maintain something known as a Student Conduct Code. These are the rules and regulations you’re expected to follow when you’re on campus. As you might expect, this list is pretty long. Protecting a college campus and ensuring things run smoothly can be a complicated endeavor. We don’t have time here to go over the entire EMU Code. What we can do, though, is draw your attention to the most serious offenses, the ones that can lead to suspension or dismissal.

  • Physical Abuse and Endangerment: Note that this Code violation isn’t just about actual physical violence and harm. “Endangerment” means you can be charged simply for creating the conditions for harm, whether or not harm actually occurs. In addition, the policy mentions “health” and “welfare” in addition to physical harm.
  • Weapons Possession: EMU prohibits the use and possession of all firearms, even non-lethal firearms such as paintball and pellet guns. In addition, you are barred from using or possessing explosives, including firecrackers, gunpowder, ammunition, and any other “articles or substances” that could endanger others.
  • Hazing: Schools have become increasingly strict about incidents of hazing. Any action you take as part of an organization that could potentially cause anyone physical, psychological, or emotional harm can get you into trouble. Even keeping a pledge not to study has been treated as an offense in recent years.
  • Sexual Misconduct: These offenses aren’t just a matter of EMU policy. Title IX, a federal law, requires schools to investigate all credible complaints, and the government encourages schools to impose harsh penalties on anyone found responsible for such an offense.
  • Illegal Drugs: Note that under federal law, marijuana remains illegal. Here again, though, the EMU Code goes further than the law. You are also prohibited from misusing prescription medication and from possessing drug-related paraphernalia.

While violation of any one of these Code offenses can result in suspension or dismissal, any offense of any type can cause you long-term problems. A warning for misuse of computer resources, for example, can cost you job opportunities if it shows up on your transcript.

Remember, too, that while EMU is normally an ally, when you’ve been charged with an offense, the university becomes your adversary. You need someone in your corner, fighting for your rights and your best interests. The LLF National Law Firm is always on your side and dedicated to protecting you, even if that means protecting you from your university.

Navigating the Disciplinary Process

The Code of Conduct doesn’t just provide a list of rules and regulations. It also contains some important due process protections designed to ensure you’re treated fairly any time you’re accused of misconduct. As a starting point, you are innocent until proven guilty, just as you would be in the criminal justice system, though at EMU it’s referred to as “not responsible until proven responsible.”

Here’s what else you need to know about the EMU disciplinary process.

  • The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards handles all complaints of disciplinary misconduct.
  • If this office decides to issue formal charges against you, you’ll receive notice of those charges. That notice should describe the nature of the allegations and include a complete list of your due process rights.
  • In most cases, the Office of Student Conduct will conduct an investigation. It needs evidence to substantiate any charges. As part of any investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story. Furthermore, the university must allow you to review any evidence it uncovers in your case.
  • You are also entitled to defend yourself at a formal hearing before a trained, unbiased Judicial Officer.
  • At the hearing, you may offer up arguments, introduce evidence, and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
  • The standard of responsibility (guilt) at EMU is “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, you are responsible if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
  • The Code also grants you the right to appeal a “responsible” (guilty) outcome. However, you need grounds to do so, such as a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.

Remember: you’re not in this alone. The LLF National Law Firm can help you with all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to filing appeals. More importantly, we’ll make sure you’re treated fairly throughout the process and hold EMU accountable for respecting all of your due process rights.

Trust the LLF National Law Firm

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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