Colleges and universities take disciplinary conduct very seriously these days. How seriously? One disciplinary misconduct allegation has the potential to derail your entire academic and professional careers. Just one.

What that means is that you must take every allegation seriously. You must find out everything you can about the charges you’re facing. You must have a firm grasp of the disciplinary misconduct system. And you must make sure you have the right help on your side.

The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to protect students, and no one in the country does it better. We know how CUNY Bernard M Baruch College operates, and we know how to use processes and procedures to your advantage. We also have the experience of having defended hundreds of students just like you from all types of charges.

How can we help 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.

Defining the Rules and Regulations

One of the major stumbling blocks Baruch College students face in defending themselves is that the rules are so poorly organized, with regulations spread out over a whole host of different policies. Of course, the college maintains its own Code of Student Conduct. The Code doesn’t address issues like hazing, but that’s dealt with in the so-called Henderson Rules, which govern all CUNY schools. Sexual misconduct is handled under yet another policy.

To help get past some of this confusion, let’s focus on the most serious offenses at Baruch College, the ones that tend to result in the most serious sanctions.

  • Physical Abuse: Like all colleges and universities, Baruch College prohibits all forms of physical abuse. However, it’s worth noting that the school categorizes physical abuse together with “verbal abuse” and “harassment.” This suggests that even what you say can be treated as a major disciplinary violation.

  • Weapons Possession: The Baruch College Code doesn’t mention firearms, but they are covered under the Henderson Rules. In addition, you are barred from use and possession of “any instrument or material” which is intended to inflict bodily harm on others.

  • Hazing: The Henderson Rules is also where you’ll find restrictions on hazing. These apply to any action you take as part of organizational initiation that could potentially cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm to others.

  • Sexual Misconduct: Again, these offenses are handled under a separate college policy. This policy follows federal Title IX guidelines, which require schools to investigate all credible complaints and encourage schools to impose harsh penalties.

  • Illegal Drugs: The college’s own Code bars most alcohol consumption on campus. The Henderson Rules ban all manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, and use of illegal drugs.

Any one of these violations can lead to suspension or even dismissal. Keep in mind, though, that even a far lesser sanction for a minor offense can have long-term consequences. A warning for trespassing that shows up on your transcript can cost you scholarships, graduate school opportunities, and job offers.

This is one reason why it’s so important you contact the LLF National Law Firm the moment you’re charged with an offense. There’s simply too much on the line to try to handle the situation on your own.

The Disciplinary Misconduct System

The good news is that, no matter what charges you’re facing, you’re entitled to due process protections. That is, the college can’t simply accuse you of an offense and impose a penalty. As a starting point, you’re “innocent until proven guilty” (not responsible until proven responsible). The school must conduct a thorough investigation, it must hold a formal hearing, and you have numerous opportunities to challenge any evidence being used against you.

  • Anyone can lodge a complaint against you with the college: faculty, other students, staff, administration, or security personnel. The school cannot issue formal charges in a case, though, unless it believes the complaint is both credible and actionable. 

  • The college must supply you with notice of any charges you’re facing. It cannot investigate you in secret. Notice should include a description of the allegations and a list of your due process rights.

  • You can expect a thorough investigation. As part of that investigation, you’ll be asked to give your side of the story and to submit any evidence you may have related to the case. In addition, the college must allow you to examine any evidence it uncovers in your case.

  • Investigators have the authority to dismiss charges if they fail to find substantiating evidence of the complaint. However, they can also refer the case for a full disciplinary hearing.

  • At the hearing, both sides have the opportunity to present their cases, including physical evidence and witness testimony. You are also entitled to raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.

  • Any decision-makers in the case are tasked with determining whether it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense. This is known as the “preponderance of the evidence.”

  • If you’re found responsible for an offense, you then have the right to appeal this outcome. However, appeals must be based on very specific grounds, such as a procedural error in the case, a new piece of evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.

Under normal circumstances, Baruch College can be a valuable ally. The college educates you, it feeds you, and it houses you. When you’ve been charged with an offense, though, it becomes your adversary. You need someone in your corner, protecting your rights and working towards your interests. You need someone from the LLF National Law Firm.

The LLF National Law Firm is on Your Side

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 university 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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