It doesn't matter how smart you are or how accomplished. You're subject to the same rules and regulations as any other Walden University.
Of course, anyone can make a mistake. Even if you did nothing wrong, though, you can still wind up facing allegations. Misunderstandings happen all the time. False allegations sometimes happen as well. And even if you're 100 percent innocent, you can't be sure where an investigation might lead. When the university believes you've committed an offense, it'll put the worst possible interpretation on any evidence it uncovers.
How do you protect yourself? You make sure you're familiar with all the university's misconduct policies so you won't accidentally wind up making some mistake. You find out everything you can about campus judicial procedures so you can protect yourself in case you should wind up accused. And you will find out how to get help.
It's no easy task navigating a university's judicial procedures, and you don't want to take on Walden all on your own. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is committed to protecting your rights. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of charges. We know exactly what you're up against.
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 Walden University
Let's start simple. What qualifies as disciplinary misconduct at WU? It turns out that's a pretty long list. The university's Code of Conduct includes strictures against everything from underage drinking to misuse of technology resources. Let's focus, then, on the most serious offenses, the ones that tend to result in the most serious sanctions.
- Physical Harm: Rather than enumerate each and every potential violation a student might commit, WU includes broad offense categories meant to cover any sort of disorderly conduct. For instance, the university requires “professional conduct” from all students. Make no mistake, though: should you harm another student physically, whether intentionally or recklessly, you can expect the university to take your actions seriously. Threats of violence can also get you into trouble, as can simple harassment.
- Weapons Possession: Weapons can, of course, exacerbate a violent act. As a result, Walden University also prohibits the possession and use of firearms, explosives, and dangerous chemicals.
- Hazing: Hazing has gained national attention in recent years, and colleges and universities have begun taking a zero-tolerance policy towards all types of hazing activities. Any action you take that might harm another student physically, psychologically, or emotionally can result in a charge.
- Sexual Misconduct: Walden University is required by law (Title IX) to maintain a strict policy barring all types of sexual misconduct. In addition, the government encourages schools to institute harsh penalties for those students found responsible for (guilty of) offenses.
- Drug Possession: WU prohibits the use of all illegal drugs. In addition, it bars the misuse of legal prescription drugs and alcohol.
What kinds of sanctions are we talking about when we focus on these five offenses? Suspension is usually the minimum punishment. Dismissal is also very likely. Any time you're facing a sanction that could mean the end of your academic career, you have to take the situation seriously. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to protecting your rights as a student. The moment you're accused of an offense, you need to call us to find out how we can help.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
You don't have quite as many due process protections as a WU student as you'd have if you were dealing with the criminal justice system. You do have some important rights, though. You are innocent until proven guilty, for instance (“not responsible until proven responsible), and you are entitled to respond to any evidence being used against you.
- By and large, policing at Walden University is performed by individual faculty, staff, and administrators. Anyone who feels a student has violated policy is expected to intervene and take measures themselves to resolve issues.
- If the university decides to file formal charges against you, it will issue written notice of those charges. This notice should explain what you've been accused of doing and contain a list of your due process rights.
- University policy doesn't outline a specific set of investigative procedures, but the school needs some evidence to substantiate any charges against you. As a result, you can expect some type of investigation. As part of this investigation, you have the right to provide investigators with your version of events. You should also be allowed to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- Walden University doesn't conduct formal hearings into misconduct offenses. Instead, the "appropriate academic leader, designee, or committee" determines whether or not you are responsible for the offense. Keep in mind, however, that whatever the process, you should always have the right to submit evidence and to suggest witnesses for decision-makers to consider.
- In addition, decision-makers are required by university policy to employ the "preponderance of the evidence" legal standard in your case. This is not as strict as "beyond a reasonable doubt," but it does require decision-makers to be more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt before finding you responsible for an offense.
- Finally, should you be found responsible, you also have the right to appeal that outcome. Appeals must be based on issues of fairness, though, such as the discovery of new evidence, procedural irregularities, a determination not based on evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
WU's Code of Conduct makes no mention of student access to advisors during judicial procedures. The suggestion is that you must conduct your defense entirely on your own.
However, no school can keep you from consulting with the Lento Law Firm attorney. And whether or not we can accompany you to investigative meetings and other proceedings, we can play a crucial role in developing your defense. We can help you collect evidence, for example, and identify your strongest arguments. We can coach you in giving your side of the story and responding to questions. We can file documents on your behalf and suggest questions to ask witnesses.
When due process is not clearly defined, our most important job is to monitor what happens in your case. We want to make sure you're treated fairly and that you get the very best possible resolution to your case.
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.
