Life at the University of Texas at Arlington is about going to class, studying, writing papers, and doing research. This is an academic institution, and if you want to survive, you need to keep your GPA up.
Life at the University of Texas at Arlington is also about following the rules. You're part of a community of scholars, and the university is committed to protecting that community. A disciplinary misconduct violation can actually get you sent home far faster than a low grade or two.
Any time you find yourself accused of a misconduct offense, you must respond. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was created to help you do just that. We know what you're up against. We know UT-Arlington's rules, and we know how the university's judicial system operates. Whatever your situation, we're on your side and ready to fight for your rights.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today 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 Texas at Arlington
Part of the problem of staying out of trouble at UT-Arlington is that there are dozens of rules and regulations governing everything from smoking to what websites you can visit. As a general rule, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the entire Conduct and Discipline Policy. Here, though, we want to focus on the most serious offenses, the ones that tend to result in the most serious punishments.
- Violent Conduct: UT-Arlington's policy mentions "harmful behavior" generally. Harmful behavior includes any sort of conduct that "endangers the health or safety or welfare" of any member of the campus community. In addition, though, the policy singles out "violent conduct" for special mention as "physical abuse" or the threat of physical abuse.
- Weapons Possession: This has become a contentious issue in Texas politics in recent years. UT-Arlington does allow for exceptions to its ban on weapons based on federal, state, and local laws. However, in general, the university bars students from possessing any type of firearms and other weapons, including sticks, poles, shields, body armor, and "sporting protective gear."
- Hazing: UT-Arlington's policy against violence is clear enough, but the hazing policy further bars students from engaging in behavior as part of an initiation activity that could endanger anyone's physical or mental well-being.
- Sexual Misconduct: Again, this offense would be covered under “violence” as well, but sexually-based offenses are actually prohibited by Title IX, a federal law. Colleges and universities are required to investigate all credible complaints and encouraged to issue harsh punishments.
- Drug Possession: Here again, the law is in a state of flux, particularly with regard to Cannabis. However, Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and, like all other illegal drugs, is explicitly prohibited on the UT-Arlington campus.
When we say these offenses are the ones most likely to result in “serious” sanctions, what do we mean? In most cases, the minimum penalty is suspension. Dismissal is always a possibility. Either punishment includes a transcript notation about the nature of your offense, and that can do permanent damage to your graduate school prospects and even diminish your career outlook. When these kinds of sanctions are on the line, you need someone to help you defend yourself, someone who knows how campus judicial procedures work. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
Whether you're facing a major or minor offense, you are always entitled to due process protections. That is, UT-Arlington must provide you the presumption of innocence (“not responsible”). The university must have proof in order to substantiate any charges, and it must give you the opportunity to challenge that proof at a hearing.
- Anyone may lodge a complaint against you with the Office of Student Conduct. Only this Office can issue formal charges, though.
- If you are formally charged, you'll receive notice of those charges. This notice should explain the allegations and describe your various due process rights.
- The Office of Student Conduct then undertakes an investigation. Typically, investigators start by interviewing complainants (accusers, alleged victims) and respondents (accused, you). In addition, they collect physical evidence and talk with any witnesses.
- When they have completed their work, investigators submit their findings to an appointed Conduct Officer. You also have the right to review these findings.
- Conduct Officers hold administrative conferences into minor allegations. If you've been charged with a more serious offense, they will hand the case off to a Hearing Officer for a full hearing. In either case, you should be allowed to present evidence and to present witness testimony. In addition, you're entitled to raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
- The decision-maker in your case then employs a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to determine whether or not you are responsible for (guilty of) the offense. According to this standard, you are guilty if they are more than fifty percent convinced you are guilty.
- Should you lose your case, you may still appeal. However, appeals must be based on specific grounds, such as procedural errors, new evidence, and disproportionate sanctions.
UT-Arlington's disciplinary procedures don't specify whether or not you are allowed to bring an advisor with you to meetings and proceedings or whether you can select an attorney as your advisor.
Keep in mind, however, that the Lento Law Firm attorney's role extends far beyond merely accompanying you to interviews and hearings. It is our job to fully prepare you for your case. That means working with you to uncover evidence, coaching you in how to respond to interview questions, determining your strongest arguments, outlining your hearing presentation, suggesting questions for witnesses, and giving you practice in making your arguments in front of an audience. Most importantly, you can count on us to keep a close watch on everything that happens and ensure you're treated fairly throughout the process.
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.
