You spend most of your time worrying about your coursework. That’s fair. After all, you came to the University of Wyoming to earn a degree, and you’re going to do that unless you worry about your coursework.
It might surprise you to learn, though, that it takes quite a lot to get dismissed over low grades. Fail a class or two, and you’re far more likely to wind up on academic probation than dismissed. On the other hand, a single instance of disciplinary misconduct can be enough to end your academic career.
What this means is that you cannot afford to take any misconduct allegation lightly. You must respond quickly, and you must respond forcefully. The LLF National Law Firm can help you do that. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We understand the stakes, and we know how to use the UW system to your advantage.
We’re always ready to help, but before we can do that, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out how we can help with your case, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
UW Rules and Regulations
Every college and university maintains a Student Code of Conduct listing all the rules and regulations you’re expected to follow while you’re a student. These are long lists—schools get more paranoid every year, and they want to make absolutely sure no one causes a problem. At UW, there are rules against everything from misusing the fire sprinkling system to “interfering with an active bystander,” which apparently means preventing a bystander from helping others.
Let’s simplify things here. What are the violations that can get you into the most trouble, the ones that tend to result in suspension or dismissal?
- Physical Violence: There is no more significant offense than doing physical harm to others. In fact, almost all the items in this list relate to physical violence in some way. Note that UW doesn’t just prohibit actual violence. You can also be charged with threats or with “endangering” others, even if you don’t do any real harm.
- Weapons Possession: Because weapons have the capacity to exacerbate physical violence, they are also prohibited. Under Wyoming state law, you are entitled to carry and store firearms and ammunition if you have a valid “conceal carry” permit. Otherwise, however, any weapon, from paintball guns to tasers to nunchucks, can result in a serious charge.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexually-based offenses are subject to federal law under Title IX. In fact, colleges and universities are required to investigate all credible complaints or risk federal funding. In addition, the government encourages schools to impose harsh sanctions for these offenses.
- Hazing: UW’s anti-hazing policy applies not only to potential physical harm but also to the psychological or emotional harm you might cause others. It’s worth remembering that convincing pledges to sign waivers will not protect you from a charge.
- Drug Use and Possession: UW prohibits all illegal drug use and possession, misuse of prescription medications, and even possession of drug-related paraphernalia.
There is simply too much at risk to try handling a disciplinary misconduct charge on your own. Even if you don’t wind up suspended or dismissed, an offense can ruin your chances at graduate school and interfere with job opportunities. Even a warning can damage your future if it shows up on your transcript. The moment you’re charged—the moment you think charges might be coming—contact the LLF National Law Firm. We can begin building your defense immediately and make sure you’re treated fairly right from the beginning of your case.
UW’s Disciplinary Misconduct System
The Code doesn’t just provide a list of offenses and sanctions. It also describes the misconduct process. UW can’t just accuse you and impose a sanction. It must follow carefully prescribed rules for investigating and adjudicating charges. As part of this process, you have a number of rights that, when used effectively, give you a significant advantage in defending yourself.
For example,
- The Dean of Students has authority over all misconduct matters. Anyone can accuse you of an offense, but only this official can issue formal charges.
- The Dean must provide you with notice of any charges you’re facing. This notice must include a list of all your due process rights and an explanation of the allegations against you.
- You are presumed innocent (“not responsible”). It is the university’s “burden” to provide enough evidence to overcome that presumption.
- As part of any investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story.
- Further, you are entitled to review any evidence that investigators uncover and use it to defend yourself.
- Following an investigation, the Dean can dismiss the charges against you. Alternatively, they can schedule a Student Conduct Hearing. A hearing is an opportunity to offer physical evidence and witness testimony in defense of your innocence. You are also allowed to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- The standard of responsibility (guilt) at UW is “preponderance of the evidence.” Decision-makers must believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense before they can find you responsible for that offense.
- Even if you’re found “responsible,” you can still avoid a sanction by filing an appeal. Appeals are meant to correct any mistakes made during your case, and they can be a powerful tool for getting justice.
You have a number of powerful rights during the misconduct process, but it’s not always easy to know how to use these rights effectively. This is the other reason it’s so vital that you have the LLF National Law Firm on your side before you face off with the university. We can help you with all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to drafting appeals. Beyond this kind of practical help, though, we can ensure that UW treats you fairly and respects all of your due process rights.
Contact the LLF National Law Firm Today
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.