Colleges and universities take disciplinary misconduct very seriously—some might say too seriously. The University of Maryland-Global Campus has dozens of rules and regulations governing everything from where you can smoke to what websites you're allowed to visit. Any time you're accused, you can expect the university to undertake a serious investigation and subject you to a hearing. And sanctions, even for minor offenses, can be severe.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was established to help students push back against that kind of treatment. We know your rights, and we can show you how to use them effectively to protect yourself from allegations. Maybe you're entirely innocent, the victim of a misunderstanding. Maybe you did make a mistake. It doesn't matter. We want to make sure you're well-treated throughout the process and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
What can we do to help you? Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at the University of Maryland-Global Campus
Again, any violation of the University of Maryland-Global Campus's Code of Student Conduct can result in a serious sanction. However, some offenses are almost always subject to serious sanctions. Let's focus on those.
- Assault: All communities prohibit physical assault. A community has a responsibility to protect its members. In addition to “assault,” UMGC further uses the general term “harm”—as in, students are supposed to avoid “harming” one another. Note that this term can apply both to physical harm and mental harm. In fact, elsewhere, the Code also prohibits all forms of “harassment.”
- Weapons Possession: Weapons have the power to exacerbate violence. As a result, UMGC bars all unauthorized possession and use of weapons. Here again, the term “weapon” is broadly defined and not limited to firearms.
- Hazing: Hazing has become a matter of public concern over the last several years. As a result, schools tend to take this offense especially seriously. You can be charged with hazing not just for physically harming another student but for creating a situation in which any type of harm—physical or mental—could occur. Recently, students have even been charged for keeping pledges from studying.
- Sexual Misconduct: This particular offense is governed by federal law under Title IX. UMGC is required to investigate all credible sexual misconduct complaints and is encouraged to impose harsh penalties on anyone found responsible (guilty).
- Drug Possession: UMGC prohibits the possession and use of all illegal drugs. In addition, the university bars the illegal use of alcohol.
When we talk about harsh punishments and serious sanctions, what exactly do we mean? If you're found responsible for one of the above offenses, suspension is likely the minimum penalty. Dismissal is also possible. In addition, both suspension and dismissal include a transcript notation describing your offense. That can keep you from transferring anywhere else. In fact, even if you manage to graduate from UMGC after one of these serious offenses, you'll find it difficult to begin your career with a disciplinary misconduct record.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
UMGC does understand what's at stake, and it maintains a set of due process protections designed to ensure accused student get fair and just resolutions to their cases. As a starting point, you are entitled to a presumption of "not responsible" (innocence). The university needs clear evidence to substantiate any charges against you, and it must provide you with an opportunity to respond to any evidence it uncovers.
- All disciplinary misconduct cases are under the jurisdiction of the Administrator for the Student Code of Conduct. Anyone may be accused of an offense, but only this official may issue official charges.
- You are entitled to notice of any charges pending against you. This notice must explain any allegations, and it must provide you with a complete list of your due process rights.
- You have the right to an advisor and to choose an attorney to serve in this capacity. Your Lento Law Firm can accompany you to all meetings and proceedings from the moment you're charged until your last appeal is exhausted.
- In order to substantiate any charges against you, the UMGC must conduct an investigation. As part of that investigation, you should be invited to give your version of events. In addition, you have the right to review any evidence investigators find.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators submit a full report of their findings to the Administrators. The university then sets a time and date for a hearing before a three-member ad hoc Hearing Committee.
- The hearing is your opportunity to present the case for your innocence. You may introduce physical evidence and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- The Hearing Committee decides the case based on the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. According to this standard, you are responsible (guilty) if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- If you're found not responsible, the case is at an end. If you are found responsible, you still have the option of challenging that outcome through appeal. However, appeals require "grounds." Most often, that means some evidence that you were treated unfairly by the process.
Note that your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot "represent" you the way they would at a criminal trial. UMGC requires you to speak for yourself. However, you can count on us to prepare you for what you have to face during the investigative and adjudicative processes. We'll work to find evidence of your innocence, we'll outline your strongest arguments, and we'll coach you in responding to investigators' questions. We'll also draft your hearing presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and create evidentiary exhibits. From start to finish, we're on your side, and we'll use every resource at our disposal to protect your 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.
