Job one at Ferris State University is keeping your GPA up. That means getting to class every day, studying, and starting papers and projects the day they’re assigned. While you’re doing all that, though, keep in mind that a serious misconduct offense can ruin all your hard work.

If you’ve been accused of violating the Ferris State University Code of Conduct, it’s vital that you take the situation seriously. That starts with contacting the LLF National Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. No matter what your situation, we can show you how to build a solid defense and ensure that FSU treats you fairly. You can always count on us to use every resource at our disposal to get you the best possible resolution to your case.

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

Parsing the Code

You can find a complete list of FSU rules and regulations in the Code of Student Conduct. Fair warning: it’s a long list, including everything from “lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct” to “computer system misuse.” As you might imagine, though, there are offenses, and then there are Offenses, with a big “O.” Let’s start by talking about the Code violations that can get you into the most trouble.

  • Endangering Conduct: A school’s first priority has to be protecting students and faculty. That means preventing all forms of physical violence. FSU goes further, though, barring not just actual violence but any action that could endanger another person. That includes threats and “throwing objects.”
  • Weapons Possession: Further, the university bars all use and possession of weapons, including firearms, knives, clubs, brass knuckles, and even BB guns. Any object that can cause physical harm or that could be “mistaken” for an object that causes physical harm is strictly forbidden.
  • Sexual Misconduct: Title IX, a federal law, bars sexual discrimination and harassment on college campuses. As a result, all schools are required to investigate any credible sexual misconduct complaints. In addition, the government encourages the use of harsh sanctions in these cases.
  • Hazing: Hazing regulations have become particularly strict in recent years. Any action you take related to organizational initiation that creates the potential for physical, mental, or emotional harm can trigger an investigation.
  • Drug Use and Possession: Finally, FSU also bars all use and possession of illegal drugs. Note that cannabis remains illegal under federal law, notwithstanding its legality in Michigan. In addition, you can be charged for misuse of prescription medications.

If you’re found responsible for one of these five offenses, suspension and expulsion are real possibilities. Any offense, though, can have long-term consequences if it appears on your transcript. Even a warning for trespassing can cost you scholarships, graduate school opportunities, and job offers.

The LLF National Law Firm understands the stakes, and we know exactly what you’re up against. It’s no easy task taking on a university. That’s why the moment you contact us, we’ll begin building your defense. We’ll help ensure you don’t make any mistakes in the early stages of your case, and we’ll hold FSU accountable for respecting all of your due process rights.

Disciplinary Procedures at FSU

What do we mean by due process rights? Just as in the criminal justice system, you’re entitled to certain protections. FSU can’t just accuse you of an offense and impose a sanction. It must follow clearly defined procedures. For instance, the university must treat you as innocent (“not responsible”) until it can prove through a “preponderance of evidence” that you are guilty (“responsible”).

  • The Director of Student Conduct handles all disciplinary misconduct complaints. This official’s first job is to determine whether formal charges are warranted. Not every allegation is credible, for instance.
  • If you’ve been charged with an offense, you should receive notice of these charges. The university cannot investigate you in secret. Notice should include an explanation of the allegations and a complete list of your due process rights.
  • The university needs a “preponderance of evidence” to find you responsible for an offense. This means it must conduct an investigation. You always have the right to give your side of the story and to submit any evidence you may have. In addition, you are entitled to review any evidence the university uncovers related to your case, no matter where that evidence comes from.
  • Following the investigation, you’ll have a chance to formally defend yourself at a Conduct Conference before a Conduct Case Manager. You may present physical evidence and call witnesses in support of your innocence. In addition, you have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
  • The Conduct Case Manager must then decide whether it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense. This is known as the “preponderance of the evidence.”
  • If you are found “responsible,” you can appeal. Keep in mind, though, that you must have sufficient “grounds” to support an appeal. Typically, this means a procedural error, a new piece of evidence, or a disproportionate sanction. 

One final note: when you’re facing a misconduct charge, the university is not on your side. You’re probably used to thinking of FSU as home. Naturally, you expect the university to treat you fairly, and administrators may even tell you that you don’t need to consult an attorney. Don’t believe them. The university has an inherent conflict of interest. It is supposed to both investigate you and judge you. This conflict makes it difficult to remain objective, even if the university’s own policy is supposed to presume you are innocent.

You need someone in your corner, someone whose only allegiance is to you. The LLF National Law Firm isn’t interested in protecting other students or faculty. We don’t care about FSU’s reputation. Our only responsibility is to ensure you’re treated fairly and that you get a just resolution to your case.

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 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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