College is never easy. If you're an MIT student, though, you face some special challenges. Whatever your major, you've got calculus to deal with, and typically, that's just for starters.
Don't get so caught up in worrying about your courses and your GPA, though, that you forget to worry about MIT's disciplinary misconduct policies. The truth is that you can probably survive a low grade or two. A serious misconduct infraction can lead to suspension and even dismissal. Even if the penalty is less severe, a record of misconduct can interfere with scholarships, prevent you from getting into graduate school, and even cause problems with job applications.
Any time you're accused of misconduct, you must take it seriously. That means getting the best help you can possibly find. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was created specifically to protect student rights. No matter what the charges against you, we're on your side. We know MIT rules and regulations, we know how the school's judicial processes operate, and we've helped hundreds of students just like you salvage their academic careers.
What can we do for you? Contact the Lento Law Firm today to find out. Call 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
MIT's Standards of Conduct
MIT makes a very big deal about its academic expectations, as well as it should. This is among the premier institutions of higher education in the world. It makes just as big a deal about student behavior, though:
“MIT expects that all students come to the Institute for a serious academic purpose and expects them to be responsible individuals who conduct themselves with high standards of honesty, fairness, respect, integrity, and accountability in both their academic and non-academic lives.”
Beyond this general encomium, the institute's Expectations of Student Behavior and Integrity contains 27 separate violations, and most of these include multiple individual offenses. The list includes all the rules you might expect, including policies about
- Theft
- Dangerous Weapons
- Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Hazing
- Assault
- Property Damage
Not all regulations are so obvious, though. For example, there are also rules dealing with
- Gambling and Raffles
- Copyright Infringement
- Hacking
Of course, penalties vary widely depending on the nature and seriousness of an offense. Minor sanctions include things like warnings and probation. Major sanctions include loss of privileges, suspension, and dismissal.
It's important you recognize, though, that the real penalty is the record of your offense. If your transcript should include a description of your misconduct, that can follow you through school and on into your professional life, even if all you received was a warning. The bottom line is that you can't afford to take any accusation or any proposed sanction lightly. You must defend yourself.
We can help. The Lento Law Firm attorneys know MIT rules and how to defend you from allegations. They also understand what's at stake, and you can count on them to fight for your rights and safeguard your future.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
It's one thing to talk about defending yourself from misconduct charges. What does that actually mean, though?
- Cases usually begin with a complaint lodged against you with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS).
- The OSCCS then issues you a Notice of the Charges. This written document should identify the Complainant (your accuser, if any), explain the allegations, and include a complete list of your due process rights.
- Investigators work to uncover evidence in the case. Typically, they begin by interviewing both the Respondent (you, the accused) and the Complainant. In addition, they talk with witnesses and collect any physical evidence.
- Investigators submit their findings to the OSCCS, which then sets a time and date for a hearing. MIT offers several types of conflict resolution models, but if you're facing a serious sanction, you are entitled to a full hearing before the Committee on Discipline (COD).
- The hearing provides you with the opportunity to make the case for your innocence or to explain your actions. You can introduce evidence and call witnesses. You can also cross-examine witnesses against you and raise questions about any of the prosecution's evidence.
- The standard of evidence at MIT isn't "beyond a reasonable doubt" but rather "preponderance of the evidence." What this means is that if COD members are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt, they must find you Responsible (guilty).
- Should you lose your hearing, you can appeal, but not simply because you disagree with the outcome. You must have grounds, such as new evidence or an accusation that the COD committed some procedural error.
As this outline suggests, a campus defense can be a complicated matter. It's not one you want to take on alone. Unfortunately, MIT does not allow attorneys at investigative meetings and hearings. You should know, though, that no one can prevent you from consulting with the Lento Law Firm. Doing so is going to give you your very best chance of success.
Your attorney will go over all aspects of your case. They'll help you develop a strong defense strategy with compelling arguments. They'll work with you to uncover evidence. They'll suggest questions for witnesses and help you work on your answers to any questions you may be asked. They'll draft documents. They'll coach you on how to deliver your presentation.
They'll also monitor your case from beginning to end. Why is that so important? A school that won't allow you access to an attorney during your hearing might try to deny you other important due process rights. The Lento Law Firm attorney can hold MIT responsible if it does.
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.
