Let's face it: Bryn Mawr is tough no matter what you're studying: chemistry, English, drama, or sociology. You're a pre-med student, though, and that's a special kind of challenge. You take tougher courses than the average student. You've got more extra-curriculars going on. And you've got more expectations on your shoulders.
Here's what's not different: your obligation to meet all of Bryn Mawr's many rules and regulations. If you're found Responsible for (guilty of) a misconduct offense, it will have a far larger impact on you than on most other students. It could cost you your shot at medical school. Nevertheless, you're subject to exactly the same policies and procedures as everyone else.
Frankly, there's too much at risk to try and handle a situation like that all on your own. No matter what the charge, you need the very best help you can get to protect your future. The LLF Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to handle misconduct charges, and we're the best in the country at it. We know education law, and we know how Bryn Mawr's administrative and judicial systems work. We'll make sure the college protects your rights and that you get the very best possible resolution to your case.
To find out more, call 888-535-3686 today, or take a few minutes right now and tell us a little about your situation.
Misconduct at Bryn Mawr
One of the toughest parts of staying out of trouble at Bryn Mawr, especially if you're a pre-med student and you can't risk even a slight blemish on your record, is that there are just so many rules. Dozens. Too many to list them all here.
One way to keep them all straight is to think of them in terms of general categories. There are really only three categories of offense.
- Academic Misconduct: Bryn Mawr maintains a strict Honor Code. Offenses under that Code are divided into two types. Academic misconduct relates to how you complete your coursework. Obviously, cheating and plagiarism are off-limits. So, too, though, are there any other actions that might give you an unfair advantage in earning your degree?
- Disciplinary Misconduct: The other type of offense covered by the Honor Code is called social misconduct. This refers to non-academic activities, such as underage drinking, disorderly conduct, theft, trespassing, and hazing.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, all colleges and universities are required under federal law (Title IX) to prevent sexual discrimination and harassment. Bryn Mawr must investigate all credible allegations of sexual misconduct, and it is encouraged to institute harsh penalties.
We deal with it all the time: students who were accused of misconduct tried to defend themselves and wound up with a sanction—a warning, maybe, or probation. No big deal until it comes time to apply to med school. Then, suddenly, they're dialing our number asking for help getting a misconduct offense removed from their record.
We do that, and if that's the situation you find yourself in, we can help.
The fact is, though, that it's far better to keep offenses off your record in the first place. If you're facing a misconduct charge, even a minor charge, it's in your best interest to take it seriously now. Taking it seriously means contacting the attorneys at the LLF Law Firm.
Misconduct Procedures
One of the reasons you don't want to handle your case alone is that processes and procedures can be complicated. Here's what a defense typically looks like.
- At Bryn Mawr, academic misconduct allegations can be made by instructors or other students. Social misconduct allegations are generally lodged by students.
- As a first step in the resolution process, both parties are asked to provide a written statement giving their side of the story. In some cases, officials may also conduct investigations, gathering physical evidence and witness testimony.
- The heart of each case is a hearing before the Honor Board, a committee made up of both faculty and students.
- At the hearing, both party's statements are read aloud. Both are also entitled to be present during testimony. In some cases, the Board may ask experts to give testimony as well.
- Honor Board policy at Bryn Mawr does not reveal how decisions are reached. Most colleges and universities, though, employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, decision-makers must find you Responsible if they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- You have the right to appeal a Board decision, but only if you can show that some procedural error occurred.
It is worth noting that unless you're involved in a Title IX case, Bryn Mawr's policy does not allow you to submit evidence or to call witnesses. You also do not have the right to cross-examine witnesses against you. Policies make no mention of your right to a presumption of innocence or to a right to review evidence in the case against you. Maybe, most importantly, you're not allowed to bring an advisor with you to your hearing.
You must always be cautious about protecting your rights when you're faced with a judicial system that doesn't fully define the process, or that seems to limit some of your rights. This is another important reason to have an attorney on your side, whatever the charges.
Keep in mind, as well, that even though they can't attend your hearing, the LLF Law Firm attorney can play a crucial role in your case. They'll work with you to develop your overall defensive strategy, they'll help you gather evidence, and they'll even coach you on how to answer questions so your side comes across clearly. Most important of all, though, they'll keep an eye on the process and make sure Bryn Mawr respects all of your due process rights and treats you fairly.
Fighting for Your Future
Fighting a misconduct charge is never an easy proposition for anyone. As a pre-med student, though, you face special challenges. Beyond the complexities of the Bryn Mawr judicial system, you have to worry about whether sanctions are recorded in your record. You have to worry about who might find out about the allegations and whether those allegations might interfere with recommendation letters, even if they're proven false. You have to keep a close watch on social media and make sure your reputation doesn't suffer online. It's an enormous amount of work to have to deal with on your own.
That's why the minute you suspect you might be in trouble, it's vital that you contact the LLF Law Firm's Student Defense Team. We can negotiate with faculty and administrators if that's what's called for, but we can also be fierce in defending our clients.
Let us help you fight for your academic future. To find out more, contact the firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.
