The University of Chicago is a serious school. It only accepts serious students. If you want to graduate, you have to take courses seriously. It's easy, in that kind of environment, to lose track of anything other than the next paper, the next test, and what kind of impact they might have on your GPA.
It would be a mistake, however, to ignore the fact that your behavior matters as much as your grades, maybe more. Struggle in a few classes, and you might find yourself on academic probation. Commit some serious form of disciplinary misconduct, and you could find yourself dismissed, even for a first offense.
We all make mistakes, especially college students. It's almost necessary when learning is involved. The Lento Law Firm wants to make sure that a simple mistake doesn't cost you your academic future. Or, you may be entirely innocent, the victim of some misunderstanding or a false allegation. Whatever your situation, our Student Defense Team is always on your side, ready to protect your rights, and willing to fight to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
As a starting point, though, you must contact us. Call 888-535-3686 today, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at the University of Chicago
In keeping with its tradition of libertarian principles, the University of Chicago takes a relatively relaxed attitude toward rules and regulations. As the university's “Civil Behavior in a Civil Setting” policy explains, there's a premium on academic freedom, and “we do not attempt to shield people from ideas that they may find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even offensive.”
However, as this policy goes on to suggest, there are behaviors that cross the line at the University of Chicago, and the university reserves the right to "restrict" such behavior. The policy also includes examples of such behaviors, including actions that:
- Violate the law;
- Defame a specific individual;
- Constitutes a genuine threat or harassment;
- Invade privacy;
- Are incompatible with the "ordinary activities of the university."
Fair enough. A policy like this one is meant to give students wide latitude in pursuing their studies. The trouble is, such a laissez-faire attitude towards discipline is a recipe for misunderstandings and false allegations. It isn't always clear whether an act constitutes an invasion of privacy, for instance, or just what counts as defamation. This invests the university itself with enormous authority to level charges of misconduct, even for offenses that may not be explicitly prohibited.
This is just one reason why it is so important you have a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side. We can help keep the University of Chicago honest, make sure that you're not subject to unfair allegations, that you're given due process protections, and that you have every opportunity to defend yourself.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
The University of Chicago gives all accused students (Respondents) due process rights. That means you are "Not Responsible" (innocent) until proven "Responsible." The school must conduct an investigation to uncover evidence, and it must give you the opportunity to answer allegations at a formal hearing.
In general, here's what you can expect:
- Most cases originate with a complaint to the Associate Dean of Students. This official must then determine whether the complaint is credible and actionable.
- If the Associate Dean decides to pursue a case against you, you'll be issued a Notice of the Charges. That notice will provide details of the allegation and apprise you of all your due process rights.
- One of your most essential rights is the right to an advisor, and you are allowed to select an attorney to serve in this role. Your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot "represent you," but they can be on hand at every stage of the process to offer advice and assist you in making your own case.
- Next, the university conducts an investigation. You have the right to give your side of the story. You may also offer up any evidence of your innocence and suggest witnesses to be interviewed.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators submit a written report back to the Associate Dean. This report becomes the foundation of the hearing that follows.
- The hearing is your best chance to present your full defense. You may introduce evidence and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions for any witnesses testifying against you. Of course, the other side gets to do the same.
- All University of Chicago cases are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Instead of “beyond a reasonable doubt,” decisions are based on whether it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- You can appeal a negative outcome, but only under certain conditions. Basically, you must be able to show you were treated unfairly in some way. “Grounds” for a case “review” are limited to
- The discovery of new evidence not available at the time of the hearing;
- A procedural error that might have influenced the outcome;
- A sanction more severe than the offense demands.
Though their role in the actual hearing may be limited, your Lento Law Firm attorney can be the architect of your entire defense. That is, they can work with you to uncover evidence, help you develop lines of argument, suggest questions for witnesses, draft documents, and coach you on how to present your case.
By far, their most important responsibility, though, is making sure you're treated fairly. They know what's at stake, and they'll fight to make sure you have the chance to complete your degree.
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.
