You have worked hard as a premed student at Macalester College and look forward to your years in medical school with the goal of becoming a physician. Unfortunately, you have been accused of disciplinary misconduct at Macalester, and you are concerned about the possible effects on your chances of being accepted at medical school
You are right to be concerned about these issues since misconduct charges can seriously affect your chances of being accepted at medical school. Serious violations such as assault can get you dismissed from college and ruin your academic career. Even less serious allegations, such as an academic misconduct violation for cheating, can show up on your academic record even if your only sanction was a stern warning. This can result in medical schools being reluctant to admit you. Even hazing and drinking violations can seriously affect your future dreams of acceptance into medical school.
It is important to remember that you do have rights and remedies in these situations of disciplinary misconduct. The trained legal professionals at the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team stand ready to assist you in these difficult situations. We are experienced in handling student defense cases at colleges nationwide.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team will evaluate your case and will be there to guide you through every step of the process of fighting for your rights in misconduct cases. Do not give up on your goals of medical school and get help today by calling 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out our online form.
Types of Misconduct and Misconduct Procedures at Macalester
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct concerns any issues involving your coursework or classroom conduct. Cheating and plagiarism are examples of academic misconduct. The conditions for academic misconduct are set out in the handbook at Macalester.
When a faculty member perceives there is a clear violation of academic integrity, the incident is reported by the faculty member to the Director of Academic Programs. If the student does not dispute the violation, then the Director will administer an appropriate sanction based on whether it is a first or repeated violation. A sanction for a first violation can be a grade of zero on an exam or, in some cases, a failing course grade. A sanction for a third violation can be as severe as dismissal from college.
If the student disputes the violation, then the student has an option of a hearing before the subcommittee of the Academic Standing Committee. If a hearing is requested, the student has the right to bring an advocate who does not actively participate in the hearing, but who can advise and support the student. Both the student and faculty member will be advised of the hearing decision in a timely manner.
If the student wants to appeal the decision by the subcommittee on Academic Standing, then the appeal is made within ten days of the notification in writing to the Office of the Provost. The Provost can designate two staff members to consider an appeal.
All records of violations of academic integrity are kept in a confidential file in order to identify repeat violations and must be kept for a minimum of three years after the student has left Macalester. If the student has been dismissed, those records are kept in the student's confidential file for eight years.
Disciplinary Misconduct
Disciplinary misconduct involves any behavior beyond the academic classroom. An excerpt from the Student Handbook outlines these offenses. They can range from issues like excessive drinking to violent assault.
In the case of drinking and drug use, a student will meet with a Hearing Officer who is often the residence hall director. A minor first offense can result in the sanction of a letter of warning. A serious first offense could result in residence hall probation or expulsion. A third minor offense can result in residence hall probation or expulsion, or a serious third offense can result in expulsion from the residence and referral to a community agency for help.
Macalester College has described student rights during a disciplinary conduct investigation in a frequently asked questions sections under Student Conduct. Each student has the stated right :
- To have prior knowledge of the charges and have the charges explained clearly and fully at every level of the conduct process.
- To be present throughout the hearing but not during the deliberation process of the conduct hearing.
- To hear testimony and/or see all written statements concerning the charges.
- To refute oral and/or written statements.
- To remain silent and not testify against themselves, understanding that if silence is maintained, the case will be determined on the information presented.
- To be advised of the appropriate appeal process.
A student can also request that a hearing be conducted before the Conduct Hearing Board rather than just a hearing officer. The Board is made up of two students and two staff/faculty. All hearings are based on a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that it is more likely that not that you did what was alleged. During the hearing you can ask questions and be aware of all evidence used to make a decision in a case.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct cases are generally treated by Macalester College separately under a judicial provision known as Title IX. Macalester College defines these offenses as Title IX Sexual Harassment, Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment, Sex Discrimination, Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.
The procedures for hearing and appeal are formal and set out specifically in the Macalester Sexual Misconduct Policy. One important point is that an attorney can be retained to represent a student at these hearings. The sanctions for sexual misconduct are often severe and can result in expulsion from college.
Get Help Today From The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team
It is important that you get help with any allegations of misconduct as soon as you have been informed of an investigation. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team will guide you through the complexities of your misconduct charge and defend all of your legal rights. Let us help you preserve your dream of going to medical school. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
