Most high school seniors look forward to college life and the freedom it brings—the freedom to pick classes, live away from home, and make your own schedule. While students may have dated in high school, the increased freedom and proximity can sometimes lead college relationships to have a greater impact on academic studies than they did in high school.

Potential Areas of Concern

With such a wide-open time, it can be a challenge to prioritize academic studies, and the decision-making process alone can increase a student's stress as they try to balance a relationship with their studies.

Students under pressure may find themselves facing allegations of academic concerns if they don't devote enough time to their studies or if an argument impacts their performance on an assignment or exam.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Another area of concern for students is that in instances where there's been an argument between two parties in a couple, actions may be misinterpreted. For example, if a student believes their advances in the relationship are welcome, but the recipient experiences them as threatening or unwanted, allegations of sexual misconduct or harassment could be made.  Alcohol also often plays a major role in creating relationship issues, and Title IX sexual misconduct charges can result.

Most colleges have policies in place to address Title IX violations as well as college sexual misconduct (there may be overlap between the two, but they are not the same thing, usually). Although these policies are well-intentioned, there are often unintended consequences. Some examples of behavior that might be included are voyeurism, stalking, sexually explicit communications, and more.

Possible Consequences

There's a wide range of consequences that can occur depending on your college's code of conduct and the severity of the allegation or offense. If you are potentially facing allegations, you should take time to delve into your own school's policies, as those will outline more specifics that are relevant to your situation. Here are some examples of sanctions (directly assigned by the school) and secondhand (or collateral) consequences.

• Suspension
• Expulsion
• Gaps in an academic record can lead to problems with admission to graduate programs or considerations for future employment
• Grades can be impacted if classes are missed, assignments cannot be made up, etc.
• Gaps in studies can also negatively affect financial aid awards

Best College Defense Attorney-Advisor

If you're currently facing either academic concerns, Title IX/sexual misconduct allegations, or other concerns at your school, you don't want to try to navigate these on your own. An experienced attorney-advisor can pull from their vast experience and know what steps are the best to take in a variety of circumstances. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of students and families across the country address and overcome issues that could seriously impact college careers. Let Attorney Lento and his expert team fight by your side and negotiate with the school if necessary. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or reach out online to learn more.