You came to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) to earn a degree, so you spend all of your time thinking about course material, studying, and writing papers. You know, when you’re not playing Fortnite. Nothing wrong with academic discipline. The higher your GPA, the better your job prospects once you graduate.

A poor grade or two isn’t going to devastate your future, though. At worst, you might wind up on academic probation, but SIUE will give you a chance to get back on track. And most employers don’t expect students to have perfect transcripts. On the other hand, if you’re found “responsible for” (guilty of) a serious disciplinary misconduct offense, you could lose your spot at SIUE, and that’s certainly not going to do your career any favors.

If you’ve been accused of violating the SIUE Student Code of Conduct, you must take the situation seriously. There’s too much at stake to ignore it. Taking it seriously means making sure you get help—the best help you can find. No one has more experience representing students than the LLF National Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team has helped hundreds of students just like you defend themselves from all types of allegations. We know how SIUE procedures work, and we understand what you’re up against in a way other attorneys don’t.

How can we help you with your case? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

Understanding the Code of Conduct

We mentioned the SIUE Code of Conduct. What is that exactly? Basically, it’s a detailed explanation of the rules and regulations that govern your behavior while you’re a student. It also includes a list of sanctions you can receive if you’re found guilty of an offense. And it provides details of the disciplinary resolution process.

Let’s start with the rules and regulations. What is it you need to do to stay out of trouble at SIUE? What are the most serious offenses, and how can you avoid committing one?

  • Physical Violence: At the heart of the Code is a prohibition on causing others physical injury. You can also be charged for causing a person to fear that you might injure them. There is probably no more serious offense, though, than actually participating in physical violence.
  • Weapons Possession: Weapons can greatly exacerbate any act of physical violence. As a result, using and even possessing a weapon on campus is treated as a serious Code violation. “Weapon” is broadly defined to include all types of firearms, blades longer than four inches, axes, explosives, brass knuckles, and tasers. Note that the Code even prohibits pellet and BB guns.
  • Sexual Misconduct: This offense isn’t just a matter of school policy. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination and harassment on college campuses, and that applies to a wide range of sexual misconduct. In addition, the federal government encourages schools to impose the harshest possible penalties in these cases.
  • Hazing: There are no federal statutes against hazing, but Illinois state law outlaws such activities. Keep in mind that SIUE doesn’t just prohibit “physical harm” related to hazing, but also mental and emotional harm. Even preventing a pledge from studying can earn you a hazing charge.
  • Drug Use and Possession: SIUE’s anti-drug policy prohibits all use, possession, manufacture, distribution, and delivery of illegal drugs. You can also be charged for misuse of prescription medications and for possession of drug-related paraphernalia.

The minimum sanction for these five offenses is usually suspension, and dismissal is always a distinct possibility. Any offense can damage your job prospects, though. Even a warning for misusing computer resources can threaten scholarships, keep you out of graduate school, and limit your job choices if it shows up on your transcript.

The LLF National Law Firm understands just what’s at risk when you’re charged with misconduct. We take every accusation seriously. You can count on us to build the strongest possible defense and to ensure that SIUE treats you fairly every step of the way.

The SIUE Disciplinary Process

The SIUE Code of Conduct doesn’t just include a set of rules. It also explains the university’s disciplinary misconduct process. If you’re going to defend yourself, you need to know everything you can about this process.

Here’s a brief outline of what you can expect.

  • Cases begin when someone lodges a complaint against you with the Office of Student Conduct. Of course, a complaint isn’t the same as a formal charge. To warrant a charge, the Office of Student Conduct must believe a complaint is both credible and actionable.
  • Any time you’re charged with an offense, the university must provide you with official notice of those charges. This notice should identify your accuser, describe the nature of your supposed offense, and explain your due process rights.
  • One of your most important rights is the right to a presumption of innocence. It means the university must have concrete evidence to hold you responsible for an offense. Simply put, the Office of Student Conduct must conduct an investigation. As part of that investigation, you are always invited to give your side of the story. In addition, investigators must let you examine any evidence they uncover related to your case.
  • Further, you are entitled to defend yourself at a hearing. This gives you the opportunity to present all the facts that suggest your innocence. You can introduce physical evidence, and you can solicit witness testimony. In addition, you have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
  • The standard of responsibility (guilt) at SIUE is “preponderance of the evidence. Basically, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
  • Any deviation from these procedures entitles you to a new hearing. If you’re found “responsible,” you can file an appeal if you can show either that you were denied one of your rights, you’ve discovered new evidence since the hearing, or your sanction is clearly unfair.

When you’re fighting a disciplinary misconduct charge, the university is your adversary. Technically, SIUE is supposed to take an objective stance towards your case. You’re presumed innocent, after all. In practice, though, most colleges and universities tend to prejudge students as soon as they’re charged.

You need someone in your corner, someone whose only obligation is to look out for your best interests. The LLF National Law Firm doesn’t have to worry about whether the university “looks good.” We’re not trying to teach you any lessons. All we care about is getting you the best possible 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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