You may struggle to get a job if you come out of the University of North Dakota with a low GPA. You’ll struggle even more, though, if you don’t manage to earn a degree at all because you’ve been found responsible for (guilty of) some disciplinary misconduct offense. A failed class or two might mean academic probation, but the wrong offense can mean dismissal.
The bottom line is that you cannot afford to take any allegation lightly. The moment you’re charged, you must respond, and you must respond forcefully.
We’re here to help you do that. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we’re always on your side, no matter what the situation. More importantly, we know exactly what you’re up against. We understand UND’s processes and procedures, and we can show you how to use those processes and procedures to your best advantage.
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.
UND Regulations
Defending yourself starts with knowing the rules. You can’t hope to convince anyone you’re innocent unless you know exactly what it is you’re supposed to have done. Where do you begin? UND’s Code of Student Life contains all the rules and regulations, as well as a list of what punishments you might face if you’ve violated one of them.
We recommend going over this document carefully. To get you started, here’s a list of the five most serious offenses included in the Code.
- Assault: Obviously, nothing is going to get you into more trouble at UND than committing some act of physical violence against another person. Keep in mind, though, that threatening physical violence is also treated as a serious offense. The Code includes rules against “menacing,” “terrorizing,” and general “endangerment.”
- Weapons Possession: The Code’s prohibition on weapons actually links to a lengthy, complex “weapons policy.” That document bars all use and possession of firearms and other “dangerous weapons.” Concealed weapons permits are invalid on campus, and you can even be charged for knowing someone has a weapon and failing to report it.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexually-based offenses are always serious, but they are made even more so by the fact that the federal government mandates all colleges and universities respond to credible complaints. In addition, Title IX encourages the use of severe penalties.
- Hazing: Hazing garners headlines, so UND takes a zero-tolerance approach to all allegations. You can be charged for endangering anyone’s physical, mental, or emotional health. In recent years, even preventing pledges from studying has been enough to trigger investigations.
- Drug Use and Possession: As with weapons, the Code’s prohibition on drugs links to an extensive document that clarifies exactly what can get you into trouble. That includes the manufacture, distribution, possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs. Remember that cannabis remains illegal under federal law, even if you have a medical marijuana card.
Any one of these five offenses can result in suspension or dismissal, but any sanction, no matter how minor, can have long-term repercussions on your academic and professional futures. A warning on your transcript can be enough to lose scholarships, keep you out of graduate school, and interfere with job applications.
Don’t risk these outcomes. No matter what charge you’re facing—trespassing to dating violence—the LLF National Law Firm can handle it. We’ve worked with hundreds of students on every conceivable type of allegation. We know what makes for a strong defense, and we know what counts as compelling evidence.
Defending Yourself at UND
A misconduct allegation is always a serious matter, but an allegation is only an allegation. UND must follow clearly established procedures in investigating and adjudicating misconduct charges, and you have a number of important due process rights designed to protect you.
Here’s how the system is supposed to work.
- All allegations of misconduct are handled by designated Student Conduct Administrators (SCA). Note that anyone can accuse you of an offense, but only an SCA can determine that official charges are warranted.
- If you’re charged with an offense, you’ll receive notice of those charges. This notice will describe what it is you’re supposed to have done and include a complete list of your due process rights.
- The SCA must also conduct an investigation. You are presumed “not responsible” (innocent), and the university needs concrete evidence to substantiate any charges. As part of the investigation, you have the right to provide evidence and suggest witnesses. Further, the SCA must allow you to review any evidence they uncover related to your case.
- You are additionally entitled to defend yourself at a formal hearing. This provides you with the opportunity to present physical evidence and witness testimony in defense of your innocence. You also have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- Hearing decisions are based on a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Less strict than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” this standard requires decision-makers to find you responsible if they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- A “not responsible” outcome means your case is over. You are “innocent” of the charges. If you’re found responsible, you can still appeal your case. However, appeals must be based on issues of fairness, such as the discovery of new evidence, an indication of a procedural error in your case, or a sanction that is clearly disproportionate to your offense.
Not that we said this is how things are “supposed to” work. Colleges and universities are set up to educate, not to dispense justice. Decisions are in the hands of faculty, administrators, and students, not prosecutors and judges. Mistakes are common.
Just having the LLF National Law Firm on your side serves as a reminder to the university to take your case seriously. You can count on us to hold UND accountable for respecting all of your due process rights. Beyond this, though, we’ll work with you on all aspects of your case, from collecting evidence to filing any necessary appeals. We’re committed to protecting your interests and getting you the best possible resolution to your case.
How Can the LLF National Law Firm Help You?
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.