It's easy to get hyper-focused on your academic studies, especially at Princeton. This is a tough school, with demanding courses taught by demanding professors. We get it: keeping your GPA up here is a full-time job.
Spare a thought for your campus conduct every once in a while, too, though. The thing is, should your grades slip a little, Princeton will give you ample time and opportunity to get back on track. Certain disciplinary misconduct offenses, on the other hand, can lead to immediate dismissal.
Which offense are we talking about? We'll get into that. We'll also go over how the Princeton judicial system works and how to defend yourself any time you're charged with misconduct.
Before we get into any of that, though, you need to know that it's never a good idea to take on a disciplinary misconduct allegation by yourself. Whether you're entirely innocent, you're the victim of a misunderstanding, or you actually did make a mistake, you need help defending yourself. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is made up of attorneys who have chosen to focus specifically on student issues. We're committed to protecting your rights, and we'll fight hard to get you the very best possible resolution to your case.
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.
Princeton University Standards of Conduct
Staying out of trouble at Princeton starts with knowing the rules. Turns out, that's easier said than done. The university doesn't maintain a clear Student Code of Conduct like other schools. There's no list of “prohibited behavior.” The closest substitute is a page containing “Regulations Concerning Specific Aspects of Student Life.” These regulations include policies on
- Hazing
- Alcohol Usage
- Drug Usage
Otherwise, this page focuses primarily on particular spaces in the Princeton community. That is, there are rules governing life in the dorms, rules governing "other buildings" on campus, rules governing campus dining halls, and rules governing fraternity and sorority houses. These seem to amount to a general rule that you must abide by the regulations of whatever space you happen to find yourself in.
To this, Princeton adds a brief statement on “Disorderly and Disrespectful Conduct,” which encourages students to “conduct themselves in accordance with the law and commonly accepted standards of behavior” and avoid “behaviors that clearly disrupt and disrespect the working and/or living conditions of others.”
Fair enough. Princeton views its students as adults capable of governing themselves without a long list of rules. That's a commendable attitude. It can raise issues, though, for students who find themselves accused of misconduct. When rules aren't clearly defined, and students are encouraged to simply behave themselves, universities have free reign to level accusations and issue charges for offenses that may not have been clearly defined. This is one reason why it is so important to have a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side. They can make sure any charges are fair and hold Princeton accountable for vague, unclear policies.
The other reason it's so important you have a Lento Law Firm attorney has to do with the punishments for misconduct offenses. The past ten years have seen a steady inflation in the severity of sanctions. Even minor offenses can be subject to suspension and dismissal. You can't afford to take risks with your academic and professional futures. You need the best help you can get. You need a Lento Law Firm attorney.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
If you should find yourself accused of disciplinary misconduct, all is not lost. For one thing, you are “innocent until proven guilty,” or as it's referred to on campus, “Not Responsible until proven Responsible.” Princeton must have evidence before it can sanction you, and it must demonstrate that you “more likely than not” committed the offense.
Here's how the judicial process generally works.
- Someone—anyone from the campus community, really—lodges a complaint against you with the Faculty-Student Committee on Discipline.
- If the university decides the allegations are credible, it issues a Notice of the Charges. This notice explains the allegations and apprises you of your due process rights.
- Princeton appoints an investigator to uncover the facts of the case. Usually, they begin by interviewing the Respondent (you, the accused) and any Complainants (accusers, alleged victims). In addition, they gather any physical evidence and talk with potential witnesses.
- Investigators then submit a written report summarizing their findings to the Committee on Discipline. This report serves as the foundation for the hearing that follows.
- The hearing provides you a chance to argue for your innocence or offer explanations for your behavior. You may introduce evidence, including witness testimony. You may also refute prosecution evidence and raise questions for any witnesses against you.
- The Committee bases its decisions on a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” The central question is whether it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- Princeton also offers students an appeals process. However, you must have some grounds for this appeal, some evidence that you were treated unfairly by the process, such as a procedural error or new evidence that was not uncovered until after your hearing.
You should know that Princeton does not allow students to bring attorneys with them to investigative meetings and hearings. Do not let this dissuade you from consulting with a Lento Law Firm attorney. Our job involves far more than simply sitting beside you during proceedings. You can count on your attorney to design your entire defense. They'll help you uncover evidence, suggest the strongest lines of argument, and pose questions for witnesses. In addition, they can draft documents on your behalf, prep you for investigative interviews, and coach you on how to present your case. Finally, your Lento Law Firm attorney will monitor your case from start to finish to make sure you are treated fairly and that Princeton respects your due process rights.
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.
