Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is renowned for its academic intensity and high-quality research. So is its School of Dental Medicine, which educates classes of future dentists with innovative techniques, primary research, and strict adherence to professionalism codes.
These high standards are necessary for medical and dental schools. However, with the intense pressure placed upon dental students and the wildly high expectations of the school administration, it's not surprising that sometimes, students fail to measure up — or start to act outside of the school's behavioral codes.
Whether these events actually happen or CWRU's students are facing exaggerated, untrue, or unfair allegations, dental students at CWRU who experience dismissal will go on to have a much harder professional future than is necessary. With a dismissal on their records, dental students may have a very tough time completing their education or getting their first job.
You need to make sure that doesn't happen to you! With Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team, you can pull together a strong argument in your defense, negotiate with your school for a lesser sanction, and protect your future.
Why Does CWRU School of Dental Medicine Dismiss Students?
The CWRU School of Dental Medicine Student Handbook states the following:
“In a small number of cases, academic performance may be so poor that it is not feasible for a student to move forward in the curriculum.”
In other words: One of the reasons a student may merit dismissal is because they're not progressing through the program as expected. “Failure to progress” dismissals are complicated because schools often fail to consider student context before recommending harsh sanctions. For example, if the student is going through unprecedented personal struggles or if the school has failed to provide adequate support, the dismissal may not be a just response. Poor academic performance can also be somewhat subjective, or based on improperly-calculated grades.
“Failure to progress” allegations aren't the only reason a student might net a dismissal. The following problematic behaviors could also result in an expulsion:
- Sexual misconduct
- Professionalism concerns
- Plagiarism
- Behavioral concerns (e.g., hazing and bullying)
- Cheating
- Unauthorized collaboration
If the administration at CWRU School of Dental Medicine learns that you are associated with any of these behaviors, it could launch an investigation into your actions.
If you haven't already, once you learn that your school is investigating you, you need to retain the experienced Education Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. Your school may make up its mind about your responsibility for the alleged event as early as your investigation, so it's critical to take the most strategic steps possible from the very beginning of your disciplinary experience.
What Will CWRU School of Dentistry Do After Its Investigation?
Once CWRU School of Dentistry is satisfied that it has enough information to make a decision about your responsibility, the school will invite you to a hearing.
Disciplinary hearings are intimidating. At your disciplinary hearing, you'll stand before a panel of school representatives. They will review the evidence collected during the investigation. You'll also have a chance to tell your side of the story. Knowing exactly what to say can be tricky — but you won't have to worry about that; Attorney-Advisor Lento will prepare you with persuasive arguments to deliver during your hearing.
At the end of the hearing, your school will issue its decision and recommend a commensurate sanction. You will then have the option to accept the sanction or file an appeal. The Student Handbook notes that your appeal must be in writing, and must include “new information not previously presented.” The school will consider this appeal, if it's filed appropriately, and then either open negotiations or re-issue its original recommendations.
What Happens if CWRU School of Dentistry Denies My Appeal?
If CWRU doubles down on its disciplinary recommendations, Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Education Defense Team will help you with your next steps. Depending on the particulars of your situation, you may:
- File an appeal with the Ohio Department of Education. This will make it clear to CWRU that you mean business, and could help with any further actions you need to take.
- Negotiate directly with CWRU's office of general counsel. Attorney-Advisor Lento will take care of this for you. This lawyer-to-lawyer approach is often very successful when other types of appeals have gone awry.
- File a lawsuit. This type of action is both permanent and expensive — and it may not result in your reinstitution as a dental student at CWRU. However, if this is the best move possible to protect your reputation and future, the Education Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm will provide the experience and support you need to make your suit as successful as possible.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento Can Help Your Case. Call Today!
Getting into dental school at a prestigious university in the first place is extremely difficult. You've put years of your life into challenging studies, and your family has invested considerable resources into your future.
If you get dismissed from CWRU School of Dental Medicine now, all of those investments could be for nothing. That's unfair, and something no student should have to bear — especially if the allegations against you don't actually hold water.
You should know that your school's investigation or recommendation for dismissal is far from the end of the road. Throughout your school's disciplinary process, you have opportunities to advocate for yourself and your future. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team have years of experience helping students avoid steep sanctions. Whether you require assistance getting ready for a hearing, negotiating with your school, or managing appeals and legal actions, the Education Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to provide support.
Call today at 888.535.3686 to learn more about your next steps, or contact the Lento Law Firm online.
