You came to Iowa State University to study, and that's where your focus lies. You spend all your time studying, writing papers, thinking about your academic and professional futures. You're not just a student, though; you're part of a community. And as a part of that community, you're expected to follow the rules. Every once in a while, it's important you spare a thought for ISU's Student Code of Conduct.
The thing is, anyone can wind up accused of disciplinary misconduct. We all make mistakes, but you could also simply be a victim of a misunderstanding or a false allegation. It doesn't matter how smart you are or how high your GPA might be; if you wind up accused of violating the rules, you can't be sure where an investigation might lead.
Whatever your particular situation, the Lento Law Firm is on your side and ready to help you defend yourself. Our Student Defense Team has helped hundreds of students just like you fight every conceivable type of charge. We know how Iowa State University works and how to use the judicial system to your advantage.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at Iowa State University
You're responsible for following all the rules contained in ISU's Student Code of Conduct, and any allegation can lead to serious consequences. Some offenses, though, almost always lead to harsh sanctions.
- Endangerment: Like all communities, ISU bars all types of physical violence, whether intentional or reckless. Notice, however, that the keyword in the Code is “endangerment.” You don't actually have to cause violence to wind up accused of an offense. Creating circumstances where violence could occur is enough to warrant a charge. Note as well that the Code also contains important regulations regarding threatening behavior and general harassment.
- Weapons Possession: The unauthorized possession or use of a weapon is explicitly forbidden at ISU. In fact, the university is so serious about protecting students from this type of violence that even “wrapping a hand in a towel to create the appearance of a gun” is an offense.
- Hazing: Likewise, violence related to initiation into an organization is also forbidden. Any action that threatens another person's physical or mental health qualifies as hazing.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct is a matter of federal law. Title IX requires all schools to maintain strict policies against sexually-based offenses and encourages the use of severe penalties.
- Drug Possession: ISU prohibits the possession, use, distribution, and sale of all controlled substances. In addition, you can be charged simply for possessing drug-related paraphernalia.
Again, any Code violation can result in a serious sanction, but these five offenses are most often punished with suspension or outright dismissal. Keep in mind that both of these punishments include transcript notations about the nature of your offense. A notation like that can have long-term effects on your future. A record of disciplinary misconduct can cost you scholarships, graduate school opportunities, and even jobs. This is one reason why it's so important to consult a Lento Law Firm attorney any time you find yourself accused of misconduct. There's simply too much at stake to try and handle the situation on your own.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
The other reason you need the Lento Law Firm attorney in your corner is that, while ISU provides you with important due process protections, it's not always easy to navigate campus judicial procedures. The Lento Law Firm attorneys are familiar with how the ISU system operates, and we can make sure you're prepared for whatever you have to face.
- Anyone at the university can lodge a complaint about you with the Office of Student Conduct. However, this office must believe the complaint is credible before proceeding to a formal investigation.
- Any time you're under investigation, the Office of Student Conduct must issue you notice of those charges. This notice should explain the allegations and provide you with a complete list of your due process rights.
- You are not allowed to be “represented” by legal counsel. However, you do have the right to an advisor. The Lento Law Firm attorney can accompany you to all meetings and proceedings and help you respond to questions and present your arguments.
- Investigators usually start by separately interviewing the complainant (your accuser or alleged victim) and the respondent (the accused, you). In addition, they speak with witnesses and collect physical evidence connected to the case.
- Once investigators have completed their work, the case moves into its next phase—a hearing. Again, you should receive advanced notice of this hearing so you have time to prepare.
- Minor offenses are usually heard by a single Office of Student Conduct administrator. More serious offenses are heard by a full Student Conduct Hearing Board. In either case, you have the right to present evidence and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- Decision-makers utilize a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to decide the case. In simple terms, you are responsible (guilty) if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- If you're found not responsible, the case is over. If you're found responsible, you can appeal if you can show that you were treated unfairly in some way. Grounds for appeal typically include procedural errors, the discovery of new evidence, and disproportionate sanctions.
You do have to speak for yourself through the investigation and at the hearing, but the Lento Law Firm attorney can make sure you're ready to do that. We'll work with you to find evidence of your innocence, coach you in responding to investigators' questions, and outline your strongest arguments. We'll help draft your hearing presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and prepare evidentiary exhibits. We'll even give you practice in making your points.
Most importantly, we'll keep a close eye on everything that happens, ensuring you're treated fairly and that ISU respects all of your due process rights.
Fighting for Your Future
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 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.
