It takes a special sort of student to take the premed route at the University of Michigan. You have to know that you're going to be tried and tested. You're taking a tougher schedule than most, and even one low grade can put your medical school aspirations in jeopardy.
You may not have realized that your conduct can play just as important a role in your med school applications as your GPA. The thing is, we don't just expect doctors to be smart. We also expect them to be ethically and morally above reproach. Any lapse in judgment, while you're an undergrad, can put an end to your healthcare career before it even gets started.
Should you find yourself accused of misconduct at the UM, you can't afford to take chances. You need help defending yourself—the best help you can find. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to protecting student rights. Our Student Defense Team has defended hundreds of students from all types of charges. We'll make sure you're treated fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
To find out how we can safeguard your academic future, call us at 888-535-3686 or take a few minutes right now and tell us a little about your situation.
Misconduct at the University of Michigan
Here's the good news: you're accountable for exactly the same rules as any other undergraduate at UM. For now, no one expects more of you. It's just that the consequences of breaking them are more serious. Here's what you need to worry about.
- Academic Misconduct: As you can imagine, med schools aren't anxious to admit students with a history of cheating or plagiarism. Staying out of trouble at UM begins with following the Academic Code of Conduct to the letter.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Outside of class, you're subject to UM's Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. These rules have to do with your general campus behavior, things like violence, disorderly conduct, and drug possession.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, like all US students, you are required to abide by Title IX restrictions on sexual discrimination and harassment. In addition to simple harassment, UM's policy bars all types of sexual misconduct, from stalking to dating violence and rape.
Keep in mind that there are no “minor offenses” if you're a premed student. And whatever sanction the university might be trying to apply in your case, the real sanction is the record of your offense. Even a warning for plagiarism can cost you your chance at medical school. You must take every misconduct accusation seriously, and it's crucial that you have the Lento Law Firm attorney on your side to defend you.
Misconduct Procedures
A misconduct allegation is just that—an allegation. The University of Michigan is obligated under its own policies to treat you as “Not Responsible” (innocent) until you're proven “Responsible.” Not only will you have the opportunity to defend yourself, but UM gives you some important due process protections to help you.
- Anyone can accuse you of misconduct—another student, an instructor, an administrator, or any other member of the campus community. Before moving forward, though, the university must decide that the allegations are both credible and actionable.
- UM must provide you with a Notice of the Charges any time you're under investigation. This notice should provide details of the allegations and contain a list of all your rights as the accused.
- Perhaps your most important right is the right to a counselor. Further, you can select an attorney to serve in this role. That means the Lento Law Firm attorney can not only help you prepare your defense but can accompany you to investigative meetings and to the hearing.
- Investigators typically begin by offering you a chance to give your side of the story. Of course, they will also speak with any witnesses, and they'll collect all the physical evidence associated with the case.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators turn over their findings to the university. These findings become the foundation of the hearing that follows. Before that happens, though, you should have a chance to review all these findings.
- Hearings take place before one or more trained decision-makers. Both sides have the opportunity to introduce evidence and call witnesses. You may also cross-examine any witnesses against you.
- Ultimately, cases are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Decision-makers must believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense before finding you Responsible.
- You also have the right to appeal the hearing outcome should you lose your case. However, grounds for appeal are strictly limited to issues of fairness, such as a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Defending yourself from misconduct can be a stressful undertaking, no matter what the situation. It's never easy navigating the judicial system. That process is made even more difficult, though, by the fact that different allegations at UM are handled using slightly different procedures. For example, if you're facing a Title IX sexual misconduct charge, you'll have the chance to cross-examine your accuser. They'll also have the chance to cross-examine you, though, and that can play an enormous role in how you prepare for your case.
You can expect, though, that the Lento Law Firm attorney will be familiar with all of UM's processes and procedures. No matter what the charge against you, they'll guide you through these processes, make sure you're completely prepared, and show you how to use the system to your best benefit.
Fighting for Your Future
Fighting a misconduct charge is never an easy proposition for anyone. As a premed student, though, you face special challenges. Beyond the complexities of the University of Michigan judicial system, you have to worry about whether sanctions appear on your permanent record. Even if you are eventually cleared of wrongdoing, you have to worry about who might find out about the allegations and whether those allegations might interfere with med school recommendation letters. 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.
