Few schools in the US have the reputation of Cornell University. Normally, that's a good thing if you're a student here: it means that you can pretty much write your own ticket once you've graduated.
That reputation has other, less positive consequences for you as well, though. It means, for instance, that your school has more at stake than most. If it even suspects you might do something to put that reputation in any kind of jeopardy, you can be sure Cornell will do whatever it takes to make sure you don't, even if that means dismissing you.
When your school's looking out for itself, who's looking out for you? National Student Defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento is. Joseph D. Lento built his career protecting student rights, and he'll do whatever it takes to help protect yours.
Reasons for Dismissal at Cornell University
Let's start with the bottom line. What does it take to get dismissed at Cornell? Basically, there are four areas you need to worry about.
- Academic Performance: It's probably no surprise that the university expects you to excel academically. After all, think of what it took to get admitted in the first place. Staying in “good academic standing” means completing—not attempting, but completing—12 hours each semester. It also means avoiding any Fs and anything worse than a single D each semester. Failure to meet these standards can result in an Academic Warning, a Required Leave of Absence, or dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: Another way you can get dismissed is by violating Cornell's Code of Academic Integrity. The school takes a dim view of plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, forgery, abusing library materials, and misrepresenting your accomplishments. Serious violations are subject to dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Your conduct outside the classroom is just as important as your conduct inside it. The Student Code of Conduct offers a long list of prohibited behaviors. Many of them, such as hazing, assault, drug possession, and theft, can get you dismissed.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, Cornell has a strict policy regarding sexually-motivated offenses. This sort of misconduct is actually governed by federal law. Investigation and adjudication procedures can be complex, and if you're found responsible, dismissal is the most likely outcome.
The Adjudication Process
What happens to you if you're facing dismissal? That depends on why Cornell is trying to dismiss you. One reason it can be so important to have an attorney-advisor helping you is that if you're like most students, you don't have time to learn all the many rules and regulations related to all the many judicial procedures on campus. Violations of academic integrity, for instance, usually originate with faculty. On the other hand, a sexual misconduct allegation is typically made by a Complainant (the alleged victim).
You can get a general idea of how things work, though, by considering the process Cornell uses for disciplinary misconduct charges.
- All complaints are handled through Cornell's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS).
- The process begins with an initial assessment of the complaint and a decision about whether or not to proceed with it.
- If the OSCCS believes you are a threat to the campus, they can temporarily suspend you while the investigation continues.
- The OSCCS provides all Respondents with formal notice of the charges against them.
- You are entitled to an advisor, and this advisor may be an attorney.
- You have an initial opportunity to tell your side of the story during the investigation.
- You have an additional chance to defend yourself, including submitting evidence and calling witnesses to testify, at a formal hearing.
- Hearing panel decisions are based on a legal standard known as “Preponderance of Evidence.” In simple terms, decision-makers must find you Responsible (guilty) if they believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
You may notice that this process contains a number of important due process rights, such as the right to an attorney and the right to notice of the charges. These can play an important role in proving your innocence, but only if you know how to use them to your best advantage. Joseph D. Lento has years of experience dealing with campus judicial cases. He knows how to navigate the system, and he knows how to protect your rights.
Decision Authority
The person or persons who get to decide on your dismissal is, again, based on the nature of the charge.
- Academic misconduct cases are handled by the school's Academic Integrity Hearing Board, which is made up of three faculty, three students, and a faculty chairperson.
- Disciplinary misconduct cases are handled by a five-member hearing panel made up of three students, one faculty member, and one non-faculty university employee.
- Sexual misconduct cases are dealt with through the school's Title IX Coordinator, who appoints a three-member hearing panel and a non-voting Hearing Chair.
- Finally, issues of academic progress are generally in the hands of the Committee on Academic Records.
Appeals Process
There is one final recourse for students who have been dismissed under one of Cornell's several adjudication processes: appeal. All of the hearing outcomes at Cornell are ultimately subject to review by appeal. However, the nature of that appeal, again, depends on the specific charge you're facing.
- Disciplinary misconduct decisions are subject to a Review Panel.
- Academic misconduct decisions are subject to review by the dean of your college.
- Sexual misconduct decisions are subject to review by a three-member Appeal Panel.
It is also important to note that appeals, in any case, are only granted under very limited circumstances. Typically, these include
- The discovery of new evidence
- An allegation of bias on the part of a decision maker
- An allegation of procedural error during the course of the adjudication
Fighting for Your Future
You're always better off fighting an attempt to dismiss you from your university. If you should lose your case, you're no worse off than you would be anyway. Should you win, you will preserve your reputation and gain the opportunity to complete your degree.
You don't want to fight a dismissal fight alone, though. There's simply too much on the line. You need a professional, someone who's fought these sorts of battles before. You need Joseph D. Lento.
Joseph D. Lento built his practice helping students preserve their academic careers. He's dealt with every kind of case, from cheating allegations to Title IX violations. He knows how school procedures work, and he's practiced at talking to faculty and administrators.
If you or your child is facing dismissal, even if you've 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.
