A diploma from Brown University will virtually guarantee you a successful career. You can't say that about a lot of schools.
However, there's a downside to going to such a prestigious university. The expectations for you are high. Brown expects you to succeed academically, and it demands you be the very best version of yourself you can. Those are tall orders.
In fact, there are lots of ways you can stumble as a Brown student. The trick is making sure that if you do, you don't fall. Joseph D. Lento, a national student defense attorney-advisor, is committed to making sure you don't. He's devoted his career to helping students just like you defend their rights and hang on to their dreams. If you're facing dismissal, or if you've already been dismissed, you owe to yourself to find out just what Joseph D. Lento can do for you.
Reasons for Dismissal at Brown University
There are dozens of reasons why Brown might dismiss you, everything from a hazing incident gone wrong to borrowing too liberally from a source. For the most part, though, all of them can be grouped into four basic categories.
- Academic Performance: Job one as a student is to learn. Brown University is among the most innovative schools out there, and it does everything it can to make sure you can learn in a stress-free environment. Among other things, that means the school doesn't keep track of grade point averages. However, you're still expected to progress through your coursework. There are clear standards to meet in terms of how many courses you take each semester, and falling behind can lead to warnings, to suspension, and ultimately to dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: Brown students are sometimes overwhelmed by the school's academic expectations, so overwhelmed that they're tempted to try getting ahead through dishonest means. In keeping with Brown's unique approach to academics, the school doesn't offer a long, complicated list of potential offenses. Instead, it defines integrity simply: “A student who obtains credit for work, words, or ideas that are not the products of his or her own effort is dishonest and in violation of Brown's Academic Code.” Violating this code can lead to reprimands, loss of course credit, and even dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: For any community to function effectively, it must have a set of rules that guides community member behavior. Brown's rules are contained in its Code of Student Conduct. That document prohibits a wide variety of conduct, from theft to pulling a fire alarm when there's no fire. Many of the items on the list, such as hazing, drug possession, and assault, can lead to expulsion.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct isn't just a matter of school policy at Brown. Under Title IX, the federal government prohibits all forms of sexually-based discrimination and harassment and requires schools take all allegations seriously. Suspension is usually the minimum penalty in such cases, and expulsion is the most common outcome.
The Adjudication Process
You know how you can get in trouble at Brown. Now, how do you go about defending yourself should you wind up in trouble?
In most dismissal cases, Brown undertakes a full investigation of the charges. In addition, you are entitled to a formal hearing at which you may respond to the charges, present evidence of your innocence, and call witnesses to testify on your behalf. Cases are then adjudicated using a legal standard known as “preponderance of evidence.” In simple terms, if decision makers believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense, they must find you “Responsible for” (guilty of) the offense. Finally, decision makers are also responsible for assigning any sanctions as necessary.
However, the specific procedures you face in such investigations and hearings depend on what type of dismissal you're facing.
- Academic misconduct allegations, for instance, are first screened by a Case Administrator who determines whether or not a full hearing is warranted. Hearings take place before Brown's Standing Committee on the Academic Code. That committee consists of a dean from your college and two faculty members.
- Likewise, disciplinary conduct matters are coordinated by a Case Administrator. However, hearings are ultimately under the purview of the Student Conduct Board (SCB) in the form of a three-member Hearing Panel made up of one student and two members drawn from faculty, staff, or administrators.
- Again, sexual misconduct is actually governed by federal law. That includes investigation and adjudication procedures. For the most part sexual misconduct cases are subject to the same processes—investigation and hearing—as other kinds of cases at Brown. However, case are overseen by the school's Title IX Coordinator, and investigators and decision makers are specially-trained Title IX officials. In addition, you have some due process rights you don't have in other types of cases. Among these, you have the right to hire an attorney to advise you; you have the right to review the investigative report and offer revision suggestions; and you have the right to cross-examine the Complainant and any other witnesses against you.
Appeals Processes
A hearing that results in a “responsible” finding and a sanction of dismissal isn't necessarily the end of your career at Brown. In all three types of cases mentioned above, you have the right to appeal this outcome.
However, there are strict limits on these appeals. First, all appeals must be filed within five days of learning of the hearing outcome. In addition, grounds for appeal are limited to the discovery of new evidence or an allegation of some procedural error.
Finally, you should know that you have no right to address an appeals officer or committee directly. All decisions are based on your written statements and any additional documentary evidence.
Academic Dismissal Cases
So far, we haven't discussed dismissals for academic deficiencies. That's because these are typically based on numbers, specifically whether or not you complete enough credit hours each term to remain in good academic standing. Normally, these numbers aren't open to subjective interpretation. Investigations and hearings just aren't necessary.
However, decisions aren't made by a computer, but rather by the school's Committee on Academic Standing. That means it is always possible to make a direct plea, especially if you feel there are mitigating factors that led to your deficiencies.
In addition, there are other ways to respond to a dismissal for academic reasons. In some cases, for example, you may be able to appeal directly to a professor and convince them to either reevaluate your work or allow you to complete extra credit work.
Joseph D. Lento can explain your options to you in these cases and recommend the one that will work best in your particular situation. In addition, he can offer advice on negotiating and can help you collect evidence to support your arguments.
Fighting for Your Future
Fighting dismissal can be a daunting proposition. Developing a defense strategy, collecting evidence, and talking to witnesses—these take time and energy. Many students simply accept their fate and move on.
Keep in mind, though, that you don't have to handle this situation all on your own. Joseph D. Lento built his practice helping students just like you handle all types of charges. He's dealt with everything from plagiarism allegations to rape charges. He knows how to put together a water-tight appeal; he knows how to formulate witness questions; he knows how to negotiate with faculty and administrators. Most importantly, no matter what problem you're facing, Joseph D. Lento is on your side and will do everything in his power to get you the very best possible resolution to your case.
If you or your child is facing dismissal or have already been dismissed, Joseph D. Lento may be able to help. Contact the Lento Law Firm, today, at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
