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College trouble is more common than you might think. It turns out that there are a lot of different kinds of trouble you can find yourself in. Obviously, you've got to keep your GPA up. But there's a whole long list of other rules and regulations to worry about. These days, universities are quick to dismiss students for minor offenses.
Maybe you already know all of this. Maybe you've found yourself accused of violating some policy and now Cal State Chico is talking about dismissal.
We can help. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We know how CSU Chico's administrative and judicial policies work, and we have a long history of helping students get the justice they deserve.
What can we do for you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out our online form.
Reasons for Dismissal from Cal State Chico
Before we go any further, let's make sure you know exactly what kinds of behavior can get you into trouble at CSU Chico. As we mentioned, there are dozens of policies you have to worry about. For the most part, though, all of them can be grouped into four simple categories.
- Academic Standing: First of all, you need to keep your GPA up. Earning good grades is kind of your job. Don't worry: Cal State Chico won't dismiss you just because you get a C or even a D or an F. In fact, even if your GPA should fall below 2.0, the university just places you on probation. If your grades should continue to fall while you're on probation, though, you can eventually face dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: Keeping your grades up can be a lot of pressure, so much pressure, in fact, that students sometimes resort to cutting corners to succeed in their classes. The thing is, cheating and plagiarism can get you into just as much trouble as a low GPA. CSU Chico's Academic Integrity policy prohibits these and other types of classroom dishonesty. Again, one mistake probably won't cost you more than a lowered grade in a course. Get caught more than once, though, and dismissal is a real possibility.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Non-academic offenses are handled by CSU Chico's Student Rights and Responsibilities policy. This includes offenses such as hazing, drug possession, underage drinking, and trespassing. You can never know when a violation—even a first-time violation, might result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, like all schools in the U.S., CSU Chico is required under Title IX to investigate and prosecute allegations of sexual misconduct. Because such offenses are so serious, most students found Responsible (guilty) wind up dismissed.
Misconduct Defenses
If you're facing a misconduct charge, you should know that you have the right to defend yourself. The university must conduct an investigation and must allow you to argue for your innocence at a full and formal hearing. In addition, you have a number of due process rights to help protect you, such as the right to a presumption of innocence and the right to review all evidence.
Procedures can differ depending on the exact nature of the charges. Generally, however, here's what you can expect.
- Cases begin with a complaint. In most instances, complaints are filed with the Office of Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities. However, sexual misconduct complaints are usually filed with the school's designated Title IX Coordinator.
- The school issues you a Notice of the Charges. This Notice should provide you with details of the allegation and a complete list of your due process rights.
- The university then opens an investigation. Typically, investigators begin by talking separately with you and your accuser. In addition, they collect any physical evidence and interview witnesses.
- At the conclusion of the investigation, investigators submit a written summary of their findings. This becomes the central piece of evidence at the hearing that follows.
- The university sets a time and date for the hearing and selects one or more decision-makers to preside over this hearing.
- At the hearing, both sides get the opportunity to make their cases. You may introduce evidence and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions for any witnesses against you.
- Once both sides have presented their cases, decision-makers deliberate on your level of responsibility (guilt). At Cal State Chico, decisions are based on the “preponderance of evidence” standard. In simple terms, you are guilty if decision-makers believe you “more likely than not” committed the offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome in certain cases. Grounds for appeal, though, are limited to issues such as procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, and the harshness of the sanction.
Again, while this basic outline applies to all misconduct cases at Cal State Chico, procedures can differ in small ways based on the specific nature of the charges against you. For instance, Title IX sexual misconduct cases often provide more extensive protections for Respondents (the accused) than other kinds of cases. It's always important to know what to expect before you go through the investigative and adjudication processes.
The good news is that you always have the right to an advisor and to choose a Lento Law Firm attorney to serve in that role. We know how all judicial procedures at CSU Chico work. Not only can we help guide you through the process, but we know how to use the system to your benefit.
Academic Dismissal Cases
Academic dismissal cases work considerably differently at CSU Chico than misconduct cases. That's because the facts in these cases aren't in dispute. For better or worse, your GPA is what it is. Thus, there's no need for an investigation or a hearing.
Importantly, the university does offer an appeals process for students who have been dismissed for academic cause. In most instances, you need evidence of some extenuating circumstance that led to your deficiencies. If you're dealing with a situation like this, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can work with you to gather the evidence and to write the appeal itself.
Not everyone can point to extenuating circumstances, though. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know some other strategies for avoiding academic dismissal as well, though.
- A previously undiagnosed learning disability could entitle you to drop low course grades from your GPA. Once you've been given proper accommodations, you can then retake those courses without penalty.
- You have a right to fair treatment in all your classes. If you feel an instructor is mistreating you, you should report that immediately to the instructor's department head.
- You always have the option of asking instructors for makeup or extra credit work. Not all instructors are receptive to such requests, but if they are, this can be a reasonably painless way to get your GPA up and avoid dismissal
Fighting for Your Future
By this point, it should be abundantly clear why trying to defend yourself from dismissal is always a dangerous proposition. It's no easy task taking on a university, and the stakes are incredibly high. Luckily, you don't have to go it alone. The Lento Law Firm was built to help students. Our Student Defense Team can also be fierce when it comes to protecting our clients, and we're not afraid of faculty and administrators.
Let us help you fight for your academic future. To find out more, contact the firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.
