Nebraska is a place that many colleges and universities call home. Each of these institutions likely enforces what's known as a “code of conduct - a compilation of rules and regulations. This code is intended to maintain a safe and harmonious campus environment. Every school will have its own version of this code, so be sure to check your school's student handbook to understand your school's expectations.
Students who've been accused of violating the rules in this code must undergo a disciplinary proceeding. Depending on your school, this proceeding may be conducted as a hearing or another process. Regardless, the ultimate goal is the same at every school: to decide whether or not an accused student is “responsible” for breaking the rules.
It's important that you, as an accused student, understand that a responsible determination for even a seemingly minor disciplinary violation can get you in serious trouble. Trouble that can not only derail the progress you've made academically but haunt you down the line in your professional life. With so much to lose, students shouldn't hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced Nebraska student defense attorney. An attorney's presence in your situation will increase your chances of an equitable process and consequently, a fair result.
Common Code of Conduct Violations
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is a prominent violation committed by students on college campuses. This is likely due to the fact that most of the time accused students aren't aware that what they're doing is against school rules. Put in the simplest terms, any action that breaches academic integrity is academic misconduct. This is a vague definition, leaving room for a wide span of actions to potentially constitute this violation. Cheating on a test, plagiarizing portions of an essay, forging a professor's signature, or merely being complicit while others are committing academically dishonest acts are all some diverse examples of academic misconduct.
Alcohol
Most students know that underage drinking is against the law. Because of the law, all colleges have rules that prohibit alcohol possession and consumption by students under the legal drinking age of 21. But some institutions have decided to take this rule a step further by enforcing rules that ban alcohol on campus and in campus housing altogether regardless of age. Check your school's code of conduct for your school's respective alcohol policies.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is defined as a student's engagement in behavior that can be perceived as lewd, disorderly, or indecent. Of course, what can be characterized as “lewd” is subjective, but your school will have wide discretion to determine what constitutes disorderly conduct under its policy. But with such an open-ended definition, it's understandable why some students may be caught off guard when they realize they've been accused of disorderly conduct. Public intoxication, loitering, and acting recklessly in a crowded area are all examples of this misconduct and a testament to how broad the span of actions that constitute this violation can be.
Hazing
Hazing rituals are still an important part of campus culture despite the perpetual controversy that surrounds greek life. But they may lead to trouble if they get out of hand. If school administrators discover that these rituals are humiliating, degrading, or endanger the safety of participants, those responsible for initiation procedures will be at risk of being sanctioned.
Nebraska Disciplinary Violation Advisor
The help of an attorney advisor is invaluable in the disciplinary process. National student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento has the skill, experience, and expertise to help you preserve your entitled rights under your school's policy. For a case evaluation or more information about his representation, contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 today.
Nebraska colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's disciplinary violation advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Bellevue University
- BryanLGH College of Health Sciences
- Central Community College
- Chadron State College
- Clarkson College
- College of Saint Mary
- Concordia University Seward
- Creighton University
- Doane University
- Grace University
- Hastings College
- ITT Technical Institute Omaha
- Kaplan University Lincoln Campus
- Kaplan University Omaha Campus
- Little Priest Tribal College
- Metropolitan Community College Area
- Mid Plains Community College
- Midland University
- Myotherapy Institute
- Nebraska Christian College
- Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
- Nebraska Indian Community College
- Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Northeast Community College
- Omaha School of Massage and Healthcare of Herzing University
- Peru State College
- Southeast Community College Area
- The Creative Center
- Union College
- Universal College of Healing Arts
- University of Nebraska at Kearney
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- University of Nebraska Lincoln
- University of Phoenix Omaha Campus
- Vatterott College Spring Valley
- Wayne State College
- Western Nebraska Community College
- York College
College disciplinary violations can impact an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at colleges and universities throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead, prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in New Jersey and New York, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as a student advisor and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in Nebraska and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
