Your goal as a student at Pennsylvania State University World Campus is to earn a degree. Duh. You can’t earn your degree, though, if you’ve been kicked out for disciplinary misconduct. Duh.
In many ways, a misconduct offense can be more dangerous than a failed course. A low GPA typically means academic probation. Commit the wrong offense, and you could be looking for a new school or, worse, heading out onto the job market without a degree.
The moment someone accuses you, it’s important you contact the LLF National Law Firm. Why us? Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we have the experience of having helped hundreds of students just like you defend themselves from all types of charges. We understand what you’re facing better than other attorneys because we work extensively in the field of student defense. We know the law, but we also know how PSU World Campus processes and procedures operate.
Trust the LLF National Law Firm with your case. Contact us today to find out how we can help. Call 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
The Rules
Like all colleges and universities, PSU World Campus maintains a Student Code of Conduct that explains all the rules and regulations you’re subject to as a student. That document is extensive, with strictures against everything from trespassing to misuse of computer resources. As you might imagine, though, some offenses are more serious than others. Here’s a brief list of the violations that come with the most severe penalties.
- Physical Violence or Abuse: PSU World Campus’s most important responsibility is keeping everyone on campus safe. That starts with a ban on all types of physical violence, whether you deliberately harm someone or harm someone through negligence. Note that the Code also prohibits unwanted physical contact of any kind.
- Weapons Possession: To further protect the campus, the university also prohibits weapons possession. This applies to all firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials. You can be charged for using any object as a weapon. You can even be charged for misusing a firearm off campus.
- Hazing: The university takes a no-tolerance stance towards hazing. Any action you take as part of an organizational activity that could potentially cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm can trigger an investigation of you and your organization.
- Sexual Misconduct: This offense is subject to regulation by federal law. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination and harassment, and PSU World Campus is required to investigate all credible complaints.
- Drug Use and Possession: PSU World Campus also bars the use and possession of all controlled substances. Keep in mind that cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Also, note that you can be charged for misuse of prescription medication.
Any one of these five violations can result in suspension or dismissal. Keep in mind that both of these sanctions come with a transcript notation about the nature of your offense. That means you can’t simply transfer your way out of the problem. Other schools aren’t going to look at your application if you have a record of misconduct.
This is one reason why it’s so important you contact the LLF National Law Firm the moment you’re charged, or before you’re charged if you suspect an allegation is coming. We can begin mapping out your defense and ensure the university respects your due process rights.
Processes and Procedures
Just as in the criminal justice system, you have the right to due process any time you’re accused of misconduct. For example, the university is obligated to treat you as not responsible (innocent) until it can prove your responsibility (guilt). It can only do this with concrete evidence, and it must give you multiple opportunities to refute this evidence.
Here’s a brief outline of what you can expect.
- The Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response handles all allegations of misconduct. Before it issues any formal charges, it must be certain that allegations are both credible and actionable.
- If you’ve been charged with an offense, the university must issue you a notice of those charges. This notice should explain all your due process rights and include a description of the allegations you’re facing.
- Next, the Office of Student Accountability must conduct an investigation. It cannot proceed without concrete evidence to support the charges. As part of this investigation, you’re entitled to give your version of events. In addition, investigators must keep you apprised of all evidence they uncover in your case.
- Assuming the investigators find enough evidence to continue the case, the university will set a time and date for a formal hearing, at which you have the right to defend yourself.
- The hearing provides both sides the chance to make their cases through physical evidence and witness testimony. In addition, you may raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- single conduct administrator presides over the hearing. Once both sides have made their cases, they must determine whether there is a “preponderance of evidence” against you. According to this legal standard, you are responsible for an offense if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed that offense.
- Even if you are found responsible, your case may not be over. If the university denied any of your due process rights, you can appeal the hearing outcome and potentially gain a new hearing.
It’s important to remember that once you’re accused of a disciplinary misconduct offense, the university is not on your side. Its job is to conduct a thorough investigation, to do everything it can to find you responsible at a hearing, and to punish you as severely as it possibly can.
Make sure you have someone on your side. Taking on a university is no joke, but the LLF National Law Firm has the background and experience to ensure you’re treated fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
Fight 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.