You're focused on your academic career at Lehigh University—getting to class on time, studying for exams, and writing papers. We get it: a Lehigh degree with a high GPA can open a lot of doors.
Spare a thought, though, for the things that happen outside the classroom. Lehigh takes disciplinary misconduct very seriously—in some ways more seriously than it takes academic success. It doesn't matter how well you're doing in calculus; if you wind up accused of stalking, disorderly conduct, or some other rule violation, your GPA may be the very least of your problems.
If you should find yourself accused of some disciplinary misconduct offense, know that there's help available. The LLF Law Firm's Student Defense Team is always on your side, no matter what the situation. We know colleges and universities accuse innocent students all the time. We know they use sanctions that are far more severe than most offenses deserve. We'll use every resource at our disposal to protect your rights and ensure you get the best possible resolution to your case.
What can we do to help you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at Lehigh University
Lehigh's Student Code of Conduct is lengthy and complex. There are dozens of rules and regulations, large and small, and you should take the time to familiarize yourself with all of them. For our purposes, though, let's focus on the most serious kinds of offenses, the ones that are most likely to result in severe sanctions.
- Physical Violence: No one would fault Lehigh for doing everything it can to protect its students from harm. It is worth remembering, though, that in addition to “actual” harm, you can also be charged for threatening to do harm. Even a joke or an offhand remark can get you into hot water.
- Hazing: Lehigh defines hazing in such broad terms that almost any initiation rite qualifies. In recent years, students have been charged for simple harassment and even for preventing initiates from concentrating on their studies. In addition, hazing cases often become public, and there is tremendous pressure on schools to throw the book at offenders.
- Sexual Misconduct: Lehigh is required by federal law (Title IX) to bar all forms of sexual misconduct. Simple verbal harassment can lead to a charge. Stalking, dating violence, and sexual assault can get you dismissed.
- Drug Use and Possession: Drug use and underage alcohol consumption are no longer considered minor offenses on campus. In fact, Lehigh's policy is so strict that even possession of drug paraphernalia can result in a charge.
As you might expect, misconduct sanctions at Lehigh vary depending on the exact nature and context of an offense. The university maintains five basic punishments—disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, disciplinary deferred suspension, disciplinary suspension, expulsion.
Keep in mind, however, that any sanction, no matter how minor, can have long-term impacts on your academic and professional careers if it should show up on your transcript. A warning for trespassing can make a potential employer think twice about hiring you, and your transcript follows you around for the rest of your life. You must fight all allegations and proposed sanctions. The LLF Law Firm attorney is here to help you do that.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
The good news is that you can fight misconduct charges, and you can win. Lehigh University provides every student with important due process rights (see the Student Code of Conduct). You're guilty until proven innocent, for example, and the school must have a “preponderance of evidence” before it can find you guilty.
Here's what you can expect from judicial processes and procedures.
- Disciplinary matters at Lehigh are in the hands of the Dean of Students. When allegations of misconduct arise, the Dean appoints a Conduct Officer to supervise individual cases.
- Any time you are facing charges, you are entitled to notice of those charges. The university cannot investigate you in secret. Notice should include an explanation of the allegations and a list of your due process rights.
- Investigators usually begin by talking separately with the respondent (the accused, you) and the complainant (your accuser or alleged victim). In addition, they speak with potential witnesses and gather any physical evidence.
- Once an investigation is complete, investigators turn their findings over to the Conduct Officer. This officer then sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Minor offenses are typically adjudicated before a single Hearing Officer. More serious allegations are heard by a full panel of decision-makers. In either case, both sides have the opportunity to make their full cases. You have the right to introduce evidence and to call witnesses to testify. You also have the right to raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- Decision-makers decide the case by applying a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence. In simple terms, you are responsible for (guilty of) an offense if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed that offense.
- Lehigh maintains an appeals process. However, you must have very specific grounds for an appeal, such as an allegation of a procedural error, new evidence to present, or a complaint about the severity of your sanction.
Note that Lehigh University does not allow you to bring an attorney with you to meetings and other proceedings. The LLF Law Firm regards this as a clear violation of your due process rights and a threat to justice generally.
That said, you always have the right to consult with someone from the LLF Law Firm. The truth is, most of our job happens behind the scenes. We'll help you to uncover evidence, for instance, and to develop your strongest arguments. We'll draft documents for you, suggest questions for witnesses, and create evidentiary exhibits. We'll work with you to organize your defense and even coach you in your delivery. Most importantly, we'll pay close attention to everything that happens to ensure the university doesn't deny you any other 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 LLF 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 LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online questionnaire.
