You came to Fordham University to earn a degree, so it makes sense that’s where your focus lies. Beyond passing classes, you’re trying to keep your GPA as high as you can, so you can impress potential employers.
It’s worth remembering, though, that a black mark on your disciplinary record can have far more impact on your job prospects than your grade point. Most employers understand that we all struggle in some classes. We all have those semesters when we lose focus and don’t keep up with assignments the way we should. That’s not a deal-breaker when it comes to getting a job. A misconduct incident, on the other hand, could absolutely undo all your academic work. Companies just aren’t looking to hire graduates who seem “troubled.”
If you’re a Fordham University student and you’re facing a Code of Conduct charge, you can’t afford to take the situation lightly. You need the very best help you can get defending yourself. At the LLF National Law Firm, we’re committed to protecting your academic and professional futures. Our Student Defense Team knows exactly what’s at stake. We’re familiar with all Fordham policies, and we have the experience of having helped hundreds of students just like you.
How can we help with your case? Find out by calling 888-535-3686. Or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
The Fordham Code of Conduct
Knowing the rules at Fordham can help keep you out of trouble. And if you’re already in trouble? You need to have a thorough understanding of exactly what it is you’re supposed to have done. This is especially true if you’re entirely innocent of the charges.
One way or another, then, it pays to know the Fordham Code of Conduct. We don’t have time to go over the entire Code here. There are simply too many offenses. What we can do, though, is talk a little about the most serious offenses at the university, the ones that tend to result in the most serious sanctions.
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Physical Abuse: Every school has an obligation to protect students from harm, so it’s no surprise that one of Fordham’s most important Code regulations is a prohibition on violence. Note, however, that you don’t have to harm someone to wind up charged with this offense. “Endangering” others is enough to trigger an investigation.
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Weapons Possession: Fordham also bars all use and possession of weapons. This applies to firearms, ammunition, knives, swords, pellet guns, explosives, dangerous chemicals, and even tasers.
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Hazing: This has become a hot-button offense in the media, so schools are becoming stricter every year about anti-hazing enforcement. You can be charged for any harm you do to a person as part of an initiation exercise, whether that harm is physical, psychological, or emotional.
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Sexual Misconduct: Here again, beyond the fact that this type of misconduct is serious, schools have built-in motivation to act in response to sexual misconduct allegations. Federal law (Title IX) requires schools to investigate all credible complaints, and the government encourages the use of harsh sanctions in these cases.
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Illegal Drugs: Fordham’s anti-drug policy applies to the use, possession, distribution, sale, purchase, and production of all illegal drugs. You can be charged for misusing prescription medication and for possession of drug-related paraphernalia.
Any one of these five offenses can lead to suspension or dismissal. Both sanctions include a notation about your offense on your transcript. That means you can’t just transfer your way out of the problem.
You can defend yourself, though, and the LLF National Law Firm is here to help you do that.
Navigating the Disciplinary Misconduct System
How do you defend yourself from a misconduct charge? The Code of Conduct doesn’t just include a list of offenses and sanctions. It also provides a detailed description of the student conduct process. It turns out, you have some pretty important rights if you know how to use them effectively. For instance, the university must treat you as innocent (“not responsible”) until you are proven guilty (“responsible”) with a “preponderance of evidence.”
Here’s a basic outline of what you can expect.
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A case begins when someone lodges a complaint with the Dean of Students’ Office. Keep in mind, however, that only the Dean has the power to issue formal charges.
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When you are charged with an offense, you are entitled to notice of those charges. This notice should explain the nature of the complaint and describe your several due process rights.
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Next, you can expect an investigation. The university needs evidence to substantiate any charges against you. As part of this investigation, you have the right to give your version of events. In addition, the Dean of Students must allow you to examine the evidence they uncover in your case.
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Once the investigation is complete, the Dean will determine whether there is enough evidence to justify a full hearing. If so, they will set a time and date for this hearing and appoint a trained, unbiased Hearing Officer to oversee proceedings.
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At the hearing, both sides present arguments and support those arguments with physical evidence and witness testimony. You also have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
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At the conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Officer determines whether there is a “preponderance of evidence” against you. Basically, you’re responsible for (guilty of) an offense if it seems more likely than not that you committed that offense.
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The Code also grants you the right to appeal the hearing outcome. To do so, you must have evidence that you were denied a fair opportunity to defend yourself.
You’re used to thinking of Fordham as your home. You live there, you take classes, you use the gym to stay fit. Once you’re accused of a misconduct offense, though, you need to begin thinking of the university as your adversary. It’s the school’s job to investigate you and, if necessary, punish you.
You need someone else in your corner. You need the LLF National Law Firm. We’ll protect your rights and watch out for your interests.
How Can We Help?
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.