You're premed, and that marks you as special in a number of ways. It suggests that you are more empathetic than the average undergraduate that you care a little more about others and taking care of them, and that you want to make the world a better place. It definitely means you're bright and disciplined.
Special or not, though, you're subject to the same disciplinary policies as every other student at Stanford. If you've been accused of some form of misconduct, you can't afford to take it lightly. Even minor offenses can ruin your chances of getting into medical school if they show up on your permanent record.
We all make mistakes, even premed students. It could also be, though, that you're simply the victim of a misunderstanding or that someone, for some reason, has decided to level a false accusation at you. Whatever the situation, the Lento Law Firm can help. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights and make sure you get the very best possible chance at a successful career.
What can we do for you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686 or take a few minutes right now to tell us a little about your situation.
Misconduct at Stanford University
It's not always easy to stay out of trouble at Stanford. Part of the problem is that there are dozens of rules and regulations to worry about. It can be hard keeping them all straight. It helps, though, to group them into categories. It turns out, there are really only three kinds of offense. Know these, and you can avoid most problems.
- Academic Misconduct: Academic misconduct has to do with you course behaviors. Stanford's Honor Code specifically prohibits things like cheating, plagiarism, and “unpermitted collaboration,” but any action that could potentially give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework qualifies as misconduct. And while first offenses don't usually result in major sanctions, medical schools take academic integrity very seriously. Even a warning can be enough to hurt your chances of getting in.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: This category of offense has to do with your behavior outside the classroom. Stanford doesn't publish a list of specific offenses. Instead, it talks in general terms about “respect for others” and “compliance with laws.” However, the Code of Conduct covers things like underage drinking, drug usage, hazing, weapons possession, trespassing, and theft. Sexual Misconduct: This type of offense won't just hurt your chances at medical school. It could very well get you expelled. Sexual misconduct is governed by federal policy—Title IX. Schools are required to investigate all credible reports and are encouraged to use harsh penalties.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have experience defending students from every possible type of charge. No matter what your specific situation is, you can count on us to come up with a defense strategy and work side-by-side with you to implement it.
Misconduct Procedures
A misconduct charge is serious, but it doesn't have to damage your chances at medical school. Stanford provides students with some important due process rights, and the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can help you use these rights to your best advantage.
Here's how the process usually works.
- Cases typically begin with an allegation. If the offense is academic misconduct, that allegation will likely come from your instructor. If it concerns disciplinary misconduct, the Office of Community Standards (OCS) has jurisdiction. If you're facing an accusation of sexual misconduct, you'll probably be dealing with the university's Title IX Coordinator.
- If you've been charged with misconduct, you should be notified of the charges. This notification should include an explanation of the allegations and a list of your due process rights.
- You can expect the university to undertake some type of investigation, whether formal or informal. As part of this investigation, you should be asked for your side of the story. In addition, investigators interview witnesses and collect any physical evidence.
- As the Respondent (accused), you have several rights, such as the right to a presumption of “Not Responsible” (innocence). One of the most important of these rights is the right to an advisor, someone to accompany you to meetings and other proceedings. This advisor can be an attorney, so someone from the Lento Law Firm can be at your side from the moment you are charged.
- Following the investigation, you'll have an opportunity to defend yourself at a full hearing before a panel of decision-makers. You're allowed to make opening and closing statements, introduce evidence, and call witnesses to testify. You may also cross-examine witnesses against you.
- If you've been accused of a major offense, something that could result in suspension or dismissal, the standard of evidence at Stanford is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” If the offense is something less serious, the standard is less as well: “Clear and Convincing.”
- Should you lose your hearing, you still have the option to appeal your case under certain conditions. These include procedural error, bias on the part of an official, the violation of any of your rights, and the discovery of new evidence.
This general outline applies to all cases. Keep in mind, though, that procedures can differ depending on the specific nature of the charges against you. Allegations of cheating and plagiarism, for instance, usually originate with instructors, and they have the power to determine your guilt or innocence and to assign course sanctions. However, you always have the right to challenge those sanctions and the right to defend yourself at a full hearing.
No matter what the process, attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are well-versed in rules and procedures. We know what to expect from the Stanford judicial system, and we know how to use the system to your benefit.
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 Stanford 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, call the firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.
