Emory University operates one of the premier medical schools in the country, and if you're an undergraduate in the premed program, it gives you an inside track to admission. Or maybe you're considering parlaying your degree from Emory into a spot at an even more prestigious medical school.
For now, though, you're still an undergraduate, which means you're still subject to Emory's disciplinary policies. You probably realize just how high the academic standards are to get into a top medical school like Emory. You may not be aware that personal moral and ethical standards are just as important, if not more. One Responsible (guilty) finding for plagiarism or trespassing can be enough to tank your applications.
The good news is that Emory can't simply decide you're guilty of an offense and slap you with a sanction. You have some important due process rights designed to protect you and to help you prove your innocence or explain your situation. The bad news is that these processes can be confusing, and with so much at stake, you can't afford to get lost defending yourself.
What can we do for you? Find out, by calling 888-535-3686 or take a few minutes right now and tell us a little about your situation.
Misconduct at Emory University
First things first: just what is it you have to worry about when it comes to Emory misconduct? What sort of policy violations can get you into trouble? There are basically three types of misconduct, though each type includes a number of specific rules and regulations.
- Academic Misconduct: As you might expect, a university with Emory's reputation takes classroom honesty extremely seriously. The Emory Honor Code specifically mentions cheating and plagiarism, but it also contains numerous general prohibitions against things like “lying” and “violating community standards.” Any sort of classroom dishonesty can put your reputation and your medical future at risk.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Emory's Code of Student Conduct contains rules that govern your behavior outside of class. Here, you'll find rules against things like drug possession, theft, and hazing.
- Sexual Misconduct: There is no more serious misconduct allegation a student can face. Title IX mandates all colleges and universities investigate all credible charges and encourages schools to institute harsh penalties. Suspension is usually the minimum sanction for those found Responsible.
Obviously, some offenses are more serious than others, and sanctions can vary widely between warnings and expulsion. It's important you recognize, though, that any Responsible (guilty) finding can keep you out of medical school, even if the punishment is merely a slap on the wrist. You cannot afford to take any allegations lightly. You always need a Lento Law Firm attorney in your corner.
Misconduct Procedures
Again, you always have the right to defend yourself from a misconduct charge, and given the stakes, you should always exercise that right. Specific procedures can differ in small ways depending on the nature of the charges, but in general, here's what you can expect to face.
- Cases typically begin with an allegation. In instances of academic misconduct, they usually originate with instructors. In disciplinary and sexual misconduct cases, accusations are filed with either the Office of Student Conduct or the university's designated Title IX Coordinator.
- The moment the university opens an investigation, you are provided with a Notice of the Charges. This Notice should include details about the accusation and a list of your due process rights, like the right to review all evidence in the case.
- Investigators frequently start by separately interviewing both the Complainant (your accuser or alleged victim) and the Respondent (you, the accused). In addition, they collect any physical evidence and interview any potential witnesses.
- Once Emory has conducted some sort of investigation, you're entitled to defend yourself at a hearing. This could be before one decision-maker or an entire judicial panel, depending on the nature of the case.
- At the hearing, you have the right to make arguments and present evidence. In most situations, you are allowed to call witnesses to testify and to raise questions for any witnesses against you.
- · Should you lose your hearing, you're allowed to appeal that outcome, but only under certain very specific conditions. These include things like procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, and a sanction that is disproportionate to the offense.
No matter what the charges, you are entitled to choose an advisor to accompany you to meetings and proceedings. In some cases, this advisor can be an attorney. In other cases, it must be someone from the university.
Keep in mind, though, that your Lento Law Firm attorney can do far more than just sit next to you in a hearing. Whether they are allowed to attend proceedings or not, they can play a crucial role in building your defense. They can outline the most effective arguments, help you to gather and organize evidence, suggest questions for witnesses, and even coach you in delivering your presentation. Most importantly of all, your attorney will keep a close eye on the process and make sure you're being treated 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 Emory University 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 Lento 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.
