College is no picnic, and we're not just talking about calculus. Yes, classes are tough, but that's just one small part of the equation. You're on your own for the first time, learning how to adult, and sometimes it seems like nothing is easy—not studying, not parking, not even doing laundry. And then there are the rules: rules about noise, rules about drinking, rules about where you can go online. It's no wonder, then, that so many students are dismissed from schools like Florida State University every semester.
How do you avoid becoming one of them?
There's no magic formula, but there are things you can do to help minimize your chances of getting into trouble. First, you need to know the rules. When you know what can get you dismissed, you can take steps to stay out of trouble. Of course, sometimes trouble comes looking for you. Plenty of students wind up accused of things they didn't actually do. So, you also need to know how FSU's judicial processes work so you'll know how to defend yourself if you need to.
Most important, though, you need to know how to get help when you need it. You can and should fight for your academic future any time it's in jeopardy, but it's no easy task taking on your university. Luckily attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team help students get the fair treatment they deserve. If you're facing dismissal for any reason, you owe it to yourself to find out what they can do for you.
Reasons for Dismissal at Florida State University
Part of the problem with avoiding dismissal at FSU is that there are just so many different things that can get you dismissed. You can't possibly memorize all the rules. What you can do, though, is learn the basic categories of problems to avoid. It turns out, there are just four of those.
- Academic Performance Issues: First and foremost, you have to succeed as a student at FSU. Like all colleges and universities, Florida State has an academic standing policy. Under that policy, you're required to maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Otherwise, you're subject to probation. Continue to struggle while on probation, and you can also be dismissed.
- Academic Misconduct: It's not enough to succeed as a student at Florida State. You must also do so honestly. The school's academic integrity policy prohibits things like cheating and plagiarism and sets steep penalties for anyone caught committing these acts. A first offense might result in a lowered grade on the assignment or even a lowered grade in the course. Repeat offenses are often punished with dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: FSU also maintains a strict Student Code of Conduct, with prohibitions against everything from underage drinking to theft and damaging school property. Any violation can get you dismissed. Some, such as drug possession and hazing, almost always result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: This is yet another quick path to expulsion. Sexual misconduct isn't just against school policy; under Title IX, it's a violation of federal law. FSU takes allegations extremely seriously, and the most common penalty if you're found responsible is dismissal.
Defending Yourself From Misconduct Charges
You have the right to defend yourself from any misconduct charges at Florida State, and for the most part, the procedures for doing so are roughly the same, no matter the charge.
- Cases begin when someone lodges a complaint against you with the appropriate administrative office. For instance, sexual misconduct complaints are filed with the school's designated Title IX Coordinator. If there is an alleged victim, they are referred to as the Complainant. You are the Respondent.
- You have a number of important rights throughout the investigation and adjudication process. For example, you have the right to be presumed “Not Responsible” until proven “Responsible.” One of your most important rights is the right to an advisor. Someone to help you prepare your case and to accompany you to meetings and proceedings. This advisor may be an attorney.
- The university conducts a full investigation into all allegations. This typically includes interviews with both parties, the collection of any physical evidence, and the identification of any witnesses.
- Investigators usually write a full summary of their findings, and this becomes the basis for the next phase of the case—a hearing.
- At the hearing, both sides have the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine any witnesses against them.
- Once the hearing is complete, decision-makers deliberate as to your level of responsibility. To do this, they use a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” In essence, they must find you responsible if they believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- You have a limited right to appeal the outcome of the hearing. In most cases, grounds for appeal are restricted to the discovery of new evidence, a procedural error, or a sanction that is disproportionate to the offense.
There are some minor differences between how processes work in different types of cases. Though small, some of these can be important. For instance, in sexual misconduct cases and only sexual misconduct cases, all cross-examination is conducted by advisors. Joseph D. Lento and his Team are familiar with all the procedures at Florida State and can advise you on how to proceed no matter what you've been accused of doing.
Academic Dismissal Cases
Academic dismissal cases can be considerably different than misconduct cases. That's because these are usually based solely on GPA. There really aren't many ways of disputing GPA.
Nevertheless, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team do know some strategies for responding to the threat of academic dismissal. For example, if your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, like a long-term illness or a family emergency, you can petition the dean of your college or school for more time to improve. If you suffer from a disability, you may have the right to classroom accommodations, and you can claim these even after a class has ended if you weren't yet diagnosed. It's also possible to negotiate directly with professors for higher grades if you know what you're doing.
Again, Joseph D. Lento and his Team have the knowledge, background, and experience to help you handle whatever problem may come up. They've helped hundreds of students demand fair treatment and get the justice they deserve. They'll help you decide on a course of action that's tailored to your specific situation, they'll help you put your plan into action, and they'll work with you to see the process through from start to finish.
Fighting for Your Future
By this point, you probably have a clear sense of why you need the help of an attorney-advisor to fight dismissal decisions. Campus judicial procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate, and the full weight of your school will likely be against you. Plus, it's no exaggeration to say that your entire future is on the line. You're facing dismissal, and you know what happens to people who go into the workforce with no college degree.
You need someone watching over your shoulder, making certain you're treated fairly and that you get the justice you deserve.
The Joseph D. Lento Law Firm was built on helping students just like you handle all types of misconduct charges. They know how to negotiate with faculty and administrators; they know how to interview witnesses; they know how to put together water-tight appeals. To find out more about exactly what Joseph D. Lento and his Team can do for you, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
