College students who attend West Virginia higher education institutions are required to adhere to a set of rules known as a “code of conduct.” These rules are enforced to maintain a safe campus community. If a student is accused of violating this code, they will undergo a disciplinary proceeding to determine whether or not this allegation is valid.
An adverse outcome of a disciplinary proceeding can lead to serious repercussions that may jeopardize a student's college career, and haunt them in their future professional endeavors. This is why students facing allegations of a disciplinary violation should seek representation from an experienced West Virginia attorney advisor.
Common Code of Conduct Violations
Every institution is different, so the code of conduct will look different at every school. But in my experience as an attorney advisor, here are some of the most commonly charged code of conduct violations:
Academic Misconduct
Academic integrity is at the center of a thriving learning environment. This is why colleges and universities are adamant about maintaining academic integrity through rules and regulations. If a student fails to comply with these rules, it is considered academic misconduct.
Alcohol
The majority of colleges and universities have rules pertaining to alcohol use on campus. Most institutions restrict alcohol consumption and possession under the age of 21, whereas others may have limitations concerning alcohol use regardless of age. At almost every school, however, there will be consequences providing alcoholic beverages for students who are underage.
Bullying
Bullying is defined as a written, verbal, physical, or electronic act that causes substantial emotional or physical harm to a student or group of students. Bullying has to reach a certain degree for it to be punishable. Basically, if this behavior interferes with another student's ability to get an education, or creates a threatening or intimidating environment, a perpetrator will be sanctioned.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is behavior that can be characterized as lewd, disruptive or indecent. Regardless of the intent of the perpetrator, they can and will be penalized for this conduct.
Drugs
The illegal possession, purchase, use, or distribution of illicit drugs, controlled substances, or paraphernalia is strictly prohibited on college campuses.
Hazing
Hazing rituals are still a big deal on some colleges and university campuses. These rituals are a significant aspect of Greek life and are only considered a violation of school policy when they get out of hand. If the school discovers that a ritual has endangered, degraded, or humiliated an individual, the students involved will be sanctioned.
Physical Misconduct / Assault / Violence
Fighting or any other unwanted physical contact against another person is not allowed on most campuses.
Theft
Theft is defined as the act of taking or attempting to take the property of another person without their consent. There are many various forms of theft, and they are identified by the circumstances in which property is stolen.
West Virginia Disciplinary Violation Advisor
For respondents especially, the assistance of an attorney advisor is invaluable in the disciplinary process. 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.
West Virginia 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:
- Alderson Broaddus College
- American Public University System
- Appalachian Bible College
- Bethany College
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
- Bluefield State College
- Bridgemont Community and Technical College
- Concord University
- Davis & Elkins College
- Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
- Fairmont State University
- Glenville State College
- Huntington Junior College
- ITT Technical Institute Huntington
- Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College
- Marshall University
- Mountain State College
- Mountain State University
- Mountwest Community and Technical College
- New River Community and Technical College
- Ohio Valley University
- Pierpont Community and Technical College
- Potomac State College of West Virginia University
- Salem International University
- Shepherd University
- Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
- University of Charleston
- Valley College Beckley
- Valley College Martinsburg
- Valley College Princeton
- West Liberty University
- West Virginia Business College Wheeling
- West Virginia Junior College Bridgeport
- West Virginia Junior College Charleston
- West Virginia Junior College Morgantown
- West Virginia Northern Community College
- West Virginia State University
- West Virginia University
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Wheeling Jesuit University
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 West Virginia and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
