In South Carolina resides many colleges and universities where thousands of students attend. At each of these institutions there is a “code of conduct,” or a set of rules enforced to maintain a safe and disruption-free campus environment. At each school, the code will look different. So check your school's student handbook for clarification as to the rules you're expected to follow.
School protocol mandates that students accused of breaking rules in the code to undergo a disciplinary proceeding. The ultimate goal of this proceeding, whether it be conducted in the form of a hearing or another resolution process, is to determine whether or not an accused student is “responsible” for violating school policy. It's important for students to understand that a responsible determination for a seemingly minor violation exposes them to serious consequences. Repercussions so impactful that they can jeopardize a student's college career, and haunt them in their professional lives down the line.
If you are a student facing a disciplinary violation, these allegations shouldn't be taken lightly. Contrary to what you may believe, your school definitely won't practice leniency during a procedure and sanctioning. This is why you shouldn't hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced South Carolina advisor. An attorney advisor's presence in your case will ensure an equitable process and fair results.
Common Code of Conduct Violations
Academic Misconduct
Deemed on the of the most common violations committed among students, academic misconduct is a truly reprehensible act to administrators, professors, and staff. Academic integrity is the crux of a progressive and healthy learning environment, and schools will do anything in their power to preserve it.
Academic misconduct is a breach of integrity and is, therefore, looked down upon by school authorities. There are many actions that could constitute this violation, from cheating on a test to plagiarizing parts of an essay, or merely being complicit in an academically dishonest act. These actions and many more can lead to consequences as severe as expulsion.
Alcohol
Underage drinking is illegal in every state, so virtually all higher education institutions enforce rules prohibiting alcohol use by students under the age of 21 on campus. But some institutions take this rule a step further by restricting access to alcohol for all attending students regardless of age.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is defined as a student's engagement in behavior that can be perceived as disruptive, lewd, or indecent. The nature of this misconduct is tricky because it's open-ended definition leaves room for a wide of actions. Being drunk in public, acting recklessly in a crowd, and loitering are just a few examples of behaviors that can lead to disorderly conduct allegations.
Hazing
Despite the perpetual controversy that surrounds greek life, hazing rituals are still a huge part of campus culture in some schools. But these rituals only lead to trouble if they get out of hand. If it is discovered that a ritual contains conduct that humiliates, endangers, or degrades another individual, those behind initiation procedures will be at risk of sanctioning.
South Carolina 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 and federal law. For a case evaluation or more information about his representation, contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 today.
South Carolina 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:
- Aiken Technical College
- Allen University
- Anderson University
- Benedict College
- Bob Jones University
- Brown Mackie College Greenville
- Central Carolina Technical College
- Charleston Southern University
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Claflin University
- Clemson University
- Clinton Junior College
- Coastal Carolina University
- Coker College
- College of Charleston
- Columbia College
- Columbia International University
- Converse College
- Denmark Technical College
- Erskine College and Seminary
- Florence Darlington Technical College
- Forrest College
- Francis Marion University
- Furman University
- Golf Academy of America Myrtle Beach
- Greenville Technical College
- Horry Georgetown Technical College
- ITT Technical Institute Columbia
- ITT Technical Institute Greenville
- ITT Technical Institute Myrtle Beach
- ITT Technical Institute North Charleston
- Lander University
- Limestone College
- Medix School Fortis College
- Midlands Technical College
- Miller Motte Technical College
- Miller Motte Technical College North Charleston
- Morris College
- Newberry College
- North Greenville University
- Northeastern Technical College
- Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
- Piedmont Technical College
- Presbyterian College
- South Carolina State University
- South University Columbia
- Southern Wesleyan University
- Spartanburg Community College
- Spartanburg Methodist College
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- The Art Institute of Charleston
- Tri County Technical College
- Trident Technical College
- University of Phoenix Columbia Campus
- University of South Carolina Aiken
- University of South Carolina Beaufort
- University of South Carolina Columbia
- University of South Carolina Lancaster
- University of South Carolina Salkehatchie
- University of South Carolina Sumter
- University of South Carolina Union
- University of South Carolina Upstate
- Virginia College
- Virginia College in Charleston
- Virginia College Columbia
- Virginia College Greenville
- Voorhees College
- W L Bonner College
- Williamsburg Technical College
- Winthrop University
- Wofford College
- York Technical 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 South Carolina and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.