The University of Nebraska Medical Centre (UNMC) College of Dentistry was established 124 years ago, in 1899, and has been accredited continuously since 1913. It takes a humanistic approach to education and provides world-class dental education to graduate and post-graduate students. Having high standards of integrity, the UNMC takes any violations of its Code of Conduct very seriously and imposes sanctions, including suspension, dismissal, and expulsion, on students who violate the guidelines.
Being dismissed from dental school can be a very scary and traumatic experience – in addition to completely derailing your career. A dismissal or expulsion can have a long-lasting impact on your career and academic record and be hard to come back from. If you are facing dismissal, do not attempt to deal with the charges without an attorney or attorney-advisor to help you. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help put up a defense against any allegations and charges that could be detrimental to your career and help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Common Reasons For Dismissal
An institution like the UNMC has high standards of behavioral and academic integrity and, understandably, wants to maintain these standards. Students who violate the Code of Conduct or indulge in unsavory behavior or academic dishonesty could face dismissal.
The reasons for dismissal can include academic dishonesty and cheating, harmful academic action towards others, using or possessing drugs, engaging in behavior that causes harm to others, professional violations, and more.
Adjudication Process at UNMC
The Student Code of Conduct at UNMC outlines the expected behavioral standards students need to follow, what behaviors are prohibited, the procedure followed in case of a violation of the code, and the adjudication process for dismissals and other sanctions. The first step after receiving information of a possible violation is for the Conduct Officer to conduct an investigation to find out if there is reason to believe a student has acted in violation of the conduct code.
The conduct officer may contact the student involved, or other students/staff members to discuss the matter. Before discussing the alleged violation, the Conduct Officer must state in writing that an investigation is being carried out, and also state the alleged violation.
When meeting the Conduct Officer, the student in question may be accompanied by an advisor. The student may choose anyone, including an attorney, as their advisor.
The Conduct Officer must conclude the investigation within 30 days of receiving notice of an alleged violation. Once the Officer has determined that a violation of the code has taken place, they may decide to:
- Take no further action
- Seek administrative resolution, or
- Schedule a hearing
Once a hearing has been set, the procedure to be followed per the handbook is:
- Instituting Proceedings: The Conduct Officer will request an informal meeting, administrative resolution, or formal hearing through a written notice sent to the respondent by email.
- Informal Meeting: At the informal meeting, the student in question or ‘respondent' may discuss their conduct with the Conduct Officer and provide an explanation. At this stage, the Conduct Officer may decide to proceed with administrative resolution or set a date for a formal hearing.
- Administrative Resolution: This is an agreement between the university and the student in question, where the student admits to the violation and the response proposed by the Conduct Officer.
- Hearing: If an administrative resolution isn't reached, the Conduct Officer will set a hearing, at which the student will have the opportunity to be heard by a Hearing Officer. The Conduct Officer may also request a University Conduct Board to preside at the hearing instead of a single Hearing Officer. The Conduct Officer, who has the burden of proving the violation, presents evidence first. The respondent may consult with their advisor during the hearing, but the advisor may not speak on behalf of the respondent.
- Decision: The hearings are conducted in two stages – the first to determine whether the student is responsible for the violation they have been charged with, and the second to determine the appropriate response or sanction. At the end of each hearing, the Conduct Board will go into closed session to deliberate and make their decisions by majority vote.
- Notice of Decision: The respondent will be notified of the decision no later than seven days after the hearing.
Even though the advisor may not advocate on behalf of the student, having an advisor can be a huge source of support and strength, in addition to solid legal advice. The advisor can help you prepare questions and answers and assist you with preparing for the hearing. The Lento Law Firm has an experienced group of attorneys available in the Student Defense Team who can help you present evidence in the best way and counter any false or inaccurate allegations. Even in case of true allegations, they can help you present your case in a way that results in less severe sanctions.
Appeals Process
Even after the University Conduct Board or Hearing Officer has made a decision, the student can appeal it. To appeal a decision, the student must email the person identified in the letter of decision and send a letter explaining why the decision should be overturned. A decision must be made on the appeal within 20 days of receiving it. The decision made by the Appeals Officer or Appeals Board is final.
If you are considering appealing a dismissal, do not try to deal with it alone. Given the gravity and criticality of the situation, it is best to speak to an attorney before doing anything.
Contacting a Student Defense Attorney
If you're facing dismissal and do not understand what to do, consider consulting with the Lento Law Firm. The skilled Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you decide on a plan of action and put together a strong defense. With the Lento Law Firm, you have a much better chance of getting a less severe sanction and protecting your academic career.
You may not know the best way to gather and present evidence or contest the charges against you – but with a professional, you have access to solid legal advice. The Lento Law Firm can help you put up the strongest evidence and prepare questions and answers in a way that results in the least severe sanction possible.
Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 for a consultation, or tell us about your case online.
