We don't need to tell you that Cornell is a tough school. You know how hard it was to get in. You know how difficult courses are. It makes sense, then, that you spend the bulk of your time going to class, studying, and whatever else it takes to keep your GPA up.
You probably don't think about Cornell's disciplinary policies much. After all, you're dedicated and hardworking, not the sort of student who would wind up subject to a misconduct investigation. You might be surprised, though. Sometimes, trouble comes looking for you when you least expect it. Maybe it comes in the form of a misunderstanding. Maybe it comes in the form of a false allegation. Maybe you genuinely do make a mistake.
Whatever your situation, you need to know how to defend yourself. Below, you'll find information on the most serious offenses at Cornell, as well as information on judicial processes and procedures. Before you get to that, though, you also need to know that you're going to need help. There is too much at stake, and Cornell's judicial system is too complex to undertake a case on your own. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team on your side. We know what you're facing, and we've helped hundreds of other students respond to all types of misconduct charges. We'll make sure Cornell respects your rights and that you get the very best possible resolution to your case.
To find out more, contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Cornell University Standards of Conduct
Your first job if you're going to stay out of disciplinary trouble at Cornell? Know the rules. You'll find these listed and explained in the university's Student Code of Conduct.
As you might expect, there are a wide range of prohibitions, everything from underage drinking to “loud and belligerent behavior” to possession of firecrackers. There are some offenses, though, that carry more weight than others.
- Hazing: This offense looms large in the public consciousness. It's also prohibited under New York state law. Given those circumstances, you can expect Cornell to take all allegations seriously.
- Weapons Possession: Likewise, incidents of campus violence have led schools such as Cornell to enact zero-tolerance policies when it comes to weapons possession.
- Harassment: Many forms of harassment are explicitly barred under federal law, such as sexual harassment, racial harassment, and harassment of persons with disabilities. Beyond laws like Title IX, though, Cornell promotes tolerance towards others, whatever their backgrounds might be, and sets strict penalties for all forms of harassment.
- Drug Possession: While some states, including New York, have legalized marijuana usage in recent years, the drug remains illegal under federal law. Cornell takes an even more hard-line stance against more serious drugs such as meth, cocaine, and heroin.
These offenses often result in severe penalties at Cornell, penalties such as loss of privileges, suspension, and dismissal. Keep in mind, though, that even a warning can result in serious long-term consequences if it should wind up in your permanent record. Potential employers are usually willing to overlook a low grade or two. After all, who doesn't struggle in chemistry? Any sort of misconduct offense, though, can make them think twice about hiring you.
The bottom line is that you cannot afford to take any allegation or any proposed sanction lightly. You must fight for your future. The Lento Law Firm can help.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
For all its many rules and sometimes frightening sanctions, Cornell cannot simply charge you with an offense and issue a punishment. You are entitled to due process, just as you would be in a criminal court. Cornell must presume you are “Not Responsible” (innocent), it must conduct an investigation, and it must give you the opportunity to defend yourself at the hearing.
- Cases typically begin with a complaint lodged against you with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS).
- If you are under investigation, the OSCCS will furnish you with a Notice of the Charges. This notice should explain the allegations against you and your various due process rights.
- Among your rights, you are allowed to select an advisor. The Lento Law Firm attorney cannot “represent” you, but they can be on hand to help you answer questions and present your defense.
- The OSCCS conducts a full investigation. Only compelling evidence can lead to a “Responsible” (guilty) verdict. Investigators will speak with you and give you a chance to explain your side of the story. They'll also interview any Complainants (accusers, alleged victims) and potential witnesses, and they'll collect any physical evidence.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators submit a written report of their findings to the OSCCS. This office then sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Hearings take place before a five-member Hearing Panel made up of three students and two faculty. Both sides have the right to introduce evidence and call witnesses to testify. You may also cross-examine any witnesses against you.
- Hearing Panels employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to decide the case. This standard designates you guilty if panelists are more than fifty percent convinced you committed the offense.
- Finally, Cornell also affords accused students the right to an appeal. However, grounds for appeal are strictly limited to issues of fairness, such as the discovery of a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
The Lento Law Firm attorney will be with you every step of the way throughout your investigation and hearing. Much of their work, though, will take place away from campus. They'll construct your entire defense, for instance, helping you to uncover evidence and develop lines of argument. They'll prepare you for investigative interviews, and they'll coach you in presenting your case to the Hearing Panel. Most importantly, they'll monitor the entire process to ensure you are treated fairly and that you get a just resolution to your case.
Fighting for Your Future
Don't risk your academic future by trying to handle a disciplinary misconduct charge yourself. Processes and procedures are complex and difficult to navigate. 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 university charges. The Lento 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 to 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 Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online questionnaire.
