One of Texas’s fastest-growing universities, Lamar University is part of The Texas State University system. It offers more than 120 degree options for its population of more than 17,000 students. Although it’s still a relatively small school, its graduates are in a good position when they enter the job market, and its affordable tuition makes it a top choice, especially for those interested in nursing and criminal justice.

As with many universities, the school’s academic misconduct policy outlines both the reasons for dismissal and the procedures for deciding whether a student’s conduct merits discipline. Dismissal is only one of the disciplinary options campus officials take. It’s important that students familiarize themselves with the rules to begin to understand what constitutes a violation.

For a breakdown of Lamar University’s academic policies, keep reading. In the end, though, if disciplinary action ever comes your way, the LLF National Law Firm Education Law Team can help. Contact us by calling 888-535-3686 or by completing our online form.

Lamar University’s Academic Policies

Lamar University students should check out the school’s policies, which list the reasons a student might face disciplinary action, as well as the school’s procedures for determining if discipline is merited. The school has policies for both academic misconduct and general conduct offenses. Below is a partial list of the actions that can lead to disciplinary action for Lamar University students.

  • Cheating, plagiarizing, or collaborating with others to commit academic misconduct
  • Abusing research materials, such as lab equipment
  • Committing an act that is a violation of local or federal laws
  • Failing to comply with established on-campus rules, including rules that apply to dormitory living
  • Failing to comply with the direction of Lamar University officials performing their duties
  • Possessing or using unauthorized weapons on campus
  • Acting in a way that endangers the lives of fellow students or others on campus
  • Vandalizing or stealing university property
  • Engaging in hazing
  • Possessing alcoholic beverages or drugs on campus or being intoxicated on campus
  • Illegal gambling on campus
  • Selling drugs on campus

Disciplinary Committee

At Lamar University, the student conduct director handles the initial investigation. When a complaint comes in, either the director or someone appointed by the director will conduct an investigation.

If the student disputes the allegations, a hearing will take place. This hearing is in front of an at-large panel appointed by the vice president for the division of student affairs and strategic initiatives at the start of each school year. This panel includes the director of student conduct, one student member, and one faculty member.

Adjudication Process

The investigation kicks off as soon as the director of student conduct is aware of a potential violation. If possible, the director will interview the student. At the end of the investigation, if the director determines a violation occurred, the student will be assessed the appropriate penalty.

The student has two options. The first is to accept the decision, and this acceptance must be put in writing. The student will also need to waive the right to a hearing. If the student disagrees with the decision, a disciplinary hearing will be scheduled, allowing the student to state their case in front of a committee.

Student Hearings at Lamar University

Once a hearing has been scheduled, the director of student conduct must give the student at least five days’ notice of the date, time, and location. At the hearing, the director holds the burden of proof, which means the director will need to prove the charges against the student.

Here’s what you need to know about student hearings at Lamar University:

  • The hearing must take place within 12 class days after disciplinary action unless the student agrees otherwise
  • Before the hearing, the director of student conduct and the student must exchange lists of witnesses and documents, as well as whether they plan to have an attorney present.
  • Both parties have the right to question witnesses at the hearing
  • If the student doesn’t appear, the hearing will still proceed as planned

After the hearing, the committee will deliberate and make a decision by a majority vote. If the committee decides a violation occurred, the committee will assess a penalty. The hearing officer will record the committee’s decision, and a copy of that decision will be sent to the student.

Appeals Process

Lamar University allows you to appeal the decision of the committee with one exception. If the committee finds you in violation but only issues a verbal or written warning, you can’t appeal. In any other circumstance, either the hearing committee or the student can appeal.

Where that appeal goes depends on whether the director of student conduct was involved in the hearing. If the director was on the committee, the appeal would go to the vice president in charge of student affairs or another vice president who hasn’t been involved in the case up to that point.

To appeal, you’ll need to be able to state one of the following:

  • The hearing was unfair
  • Inappropriate sanctions were levied
  • The evidence didn’t support the finding
  • New evidence has been introduced since the hearing

Alternatives to Dismissal

Dismissal is only one disciplinary measure Lamar University officials take. Students may be issued one of the following punishments after being found in violation of school policies:

  • Verbal warning
  • Written warning
  • Assignment of a special project like an essay or attending a special class
  • Cancellation of residency contracts
  • Probation
  • Ineligibility for student office
  • Removal from student organizations
  • Withholding of transcripts or degrees
  • Financial restitution
  • Loss of loans or grants
  • Suspension for a specified time period
  • Expulsion
  • Dismissal

Legal Help with Lamar University Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary action is never a pleasant experience, but with the LLF National Law Firm Education Law Team on your side, you’ll know exactly what to expect. We’ll help you gather evidence and witnesses and state your case in front of the committee. If an appeal becomes necessary, we’ll help with that, as well.

If you’re facing disciplinary action at Lamar University, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Give us a call at 888-535-3686 or complete our confidential online form, and we’ll be in touch.

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