If you’ve been accused of a disciplinary misconduct offense at CUNY New York City College of Technology, you can’t afford to take the situation lightly. Sanctions, even for minor offenses, can be severe. And while you have some important due process rights, it’s no easy proposition navigating the school’s disciplinary misconduct system.

So what do you do?

  • First, you find out everything you can about the charges you’re facing. You cannot mount a competent defense if you aren’t absolutely clear on what it is you’re supposed to have done.

  • Next, you master the basics of system processes and procedures. You need to know what to expect at every phase of your case.

  • Finally, and most importantly, you make sure you have the very best help you can find. A misconduct charge is simply too complex to try to handle on your own.

The LLF National Law Firm is always on your side and ready to use every resource at our disposal to assure you the best possible resolution to your case. Our Student Defense Team is up-to-date on all NYCCT procedures, and we’ve helped hundreds of students just like you defend themselves from all types of charges.

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.

The NYCCT Code of Conduct

Like all CUNY institutions, NYCCT follows the Henderson Rules, a set of regulations designed by the CUNY Board of Trustees to maintain public order on campus. We recommend familiarizing yourself with all of these rules. As a starting point to that process, there are five offenses that almost always lead to either suspension or dismissal.

  • Physical Violence: The Henderson Rules don’t actually mention “physical violence.” Instead, they refer generally to actions that “prevent others from exercising their rights.” A school’s most important responsibility, though, is to protect members of campus from harm. You can be sure that NYCCT takes a zero-tolerance approach to violence.

  • Weapons Possession: Further, the college prohibits all weapons possession. This applies not only to firearms but to “any other dangerous instruments or material” that can inflict bodily harm or cause damage to university property.

  • Hazing: The university outlaws all activities related to organizational initiation that have the potential to cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm to others.

  • Sexual Misconduct: These offenses are actually subject to federal law, under Title IX. All schools are required to investigate all credible complaints, and the government encourages the imposition of harsh sanctions.

  • Illegal Drugs: Finally, NYCCT also prohibits all manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, and use of illegal drugs.

Dismissal means the end of your career at NYCCT, and likely the end of your academic career altogether. Schools don’t usually accept students with disciplinary misconduct records. Suspension can be just as bad. You can theoretically return to the college, but you’ll almost certainly lose your financial aid package as a result of your offense. In fact, even a warning can do long-term damage if it should appear on your transcript. Employers aren’t exactly anxious to hire graduates who’ve committed college offenses.

This is one reason why it’s so important you have an LLF National Law Firm attorney in your corner any time you’re defending yourself. There’s simply too much at stake to trust your case to anyone else.

Disciplinary Processes and Procedures

Of course, NYCCT can’t simply accuse you of an offense and impose a sanction, no matter what the charges. As the accused, you always have the right to due process. That starts with a presumption of innocence (“non-responsibility”). The college needs concrete evidence to prove your guilt, and it must give you the opportunity to respond to that evidence.

Here’s what you can expect.

  • All allegations of misconduct are directed to the college’s chief student affairs officer. Anyone can accuse you of an offense, but only this officer has the authority to issue formal charges against you.

  • The university must provide you with notice of the charges any time you are under investigation. This notice should include information about the alleged offense and a complete list of your due process rights.

  • The chief student affairs officer has 30-60 days to complete their investigation. As part of the investigation, you should be asked to provide your version of events and any evidence you may have. You should also be allowed to review any evidence investigators uncover related to your case.

  • If the university finds evidence to substantiate the charges against you, it will set a time and date for a hearing before the Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee.

  • The hearing provides you with your best opportunity to argue for your innocence. You may introduce physical evidence and call witnesses to testify on your behalf. In addition, you have the right to challenge any evidence being used against you.

  • The standard of responsibility (guilt) at NYCCT is “preponderance of the evidence.” This standard requires decision-makers be more than fifty percent convinced that the evidence points to your guilt.

  • You can appeal a responsible outcome. However, you must have sufficient grounds to do so. This usually means a procedural error occurred, some new evidence has come to light, or the sanction is grossly disproportionate to the nature of your offense.

NYCCT is on your side most of the time. It’s the college’s job to educate you, house you, and feed you. You can usually count on the school to do everything in its power to help you get a good job after graduation. When you’ve been accused of an offense, though, NYCCT is your adversary. You need someone who is on your side. Whatever your situation, you can be sure the LLF National Law Firm is always ready to protect your rights and look out for your best interests.

Fighting For Your Future

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.

CUNY New York City College of Technology

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