There's no coming back from an academic dismissal, and we don't just mean to your university. Yes, if you're dismissed from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, it's forever. You give up any progress you made there and walk away. In addition, though, your transcript will carry a record of your infraction, and that will usually keep you from enrolling anywhere else.
Just because you've been threatened with dismissal doesn't mean you'll actually wind up dismissed, though. You always have the option to fight, and with so much on the line, you're always going to be better off exercising this option.
The LLF Law Firm can help? How? We know what you're up against. We've helped hundreds of students just like you defend themselves from every conceivable type of charge. We know IUP inside and out and can show you how to use administrative and judicial systems to your benefit.
What can we do for you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Reasons for Dismissal from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
There are literally dozens of different reasons why IUP might decide to dismiss you, too many, in fact, to list them all here. The good news is that they can all be grouped into four basic categories. Know these, and you can usually avoid the most serious kinds of trouble.
- Academic Deficiencies: First up, it's important you keep your GPA up. A single D or an F won't take your education, but a GPA below 2.0 means academic probation. That's just one step removed from outright dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: Next, it's important that you follow the university's Academic Integrity Policy to the letter, as well as any specific syllabus instructions your instructor might mandate. Cheating, plagiarism, and other sorts of classroom dishonesty can get you into serious trouble. Again, one violation probably isn't enough to mean dismissal. Multiple violations can certainly lead there, though.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Outside of class, your non-academic behavior is subject to UIP's Community Standards Policy. That policy bars misconduct like hazing, underage drinking, and violence. In this case, any violation can lead to dismissal, even a first offense, if it is serious enough.
- Sexual Misconduct: Dismissal is actually the most likely outcome in sexual misconduct cases. Such offenses aren't just counter to school policy but, under Title IX, to federal law. The law requires schools to investigate all credible complaints and encourages the use of harsh penalties.
Misconduct Defenses
IUP can't simply charge you with a misconduct offense and dismiss you. Just as in the real world, you have the right to due process and several rights designed to protect you. For instance, the university must treat you as innocent (“Not Responsible”) until proven guilty (“Responsible”). It must conduct a thorough investigation, and it must give you a chance to respond to any evidence at a formal hearing.
- Cases begin with complaints lodged either with the Office of Community Standards or, in the case of Title IX sexual misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator.
- You always know if you're under investigation because the university must provide you with official notice of the charges. That notice should explain the allegations against you and provide a complete list of your due process rights.
- IUP allows you to select an advisor to help you with your case, and that advisor can be an attorney. This means your LLF Law Firm attorney can accompany you to all meetings and proceedings. They cannot speak for you, but they can help you answer questions and offer advice throughout the investigation and hearing.
- What follows is an investigation. Investigations can be short—academic misconduct allegations don't require a great deal of evidence. On the other hand, sexual misconduct investigations sometimes take weeks or even months to complete.
- Ultimately, investigators are tasked with uncovering the facts of a case, and they provide a complete written report to the university. Keep in mind that you have the right to review any information in this report.
- The university then holds a full hearing into the matter, where you have the opportunity to make the case for your innocence. Both sides present evidence and call witnesses, and both sides have the right to question any witnesses testifying against them.
- Your case is decided by one or more trained decision-makers. They employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, they are required to find you guilty if you are more than fifty percent convinced you committed the offense.
- Finally, you have the right to appeal a finding of “responsible.” However, grounds for appeal are strictly limited to issues of fairness. You must have new evidence to present, an allegation that the university violated its own procedures, or an accusation that your sanction is disproportionate to the nature of your offense.
This general outline applies to all misconduct cases. However, your case may differ in some details depending on the exact nature of the charges against you. If you've been accused of sexual misconduct, for example, you'll likely have the right to cross-examine your accuser. That's a significant advantage, though it also means they'll have the right to cross-examine you.
The only way to be sure you're prepared for whatever you may face from judicial processes and procedures, is to make sure you have an LLF Law Firm attorney at your side. We know how these processes and procedures work and can even show you how to use them to your advantage.
Dealing With Academic Dismissal
Academic dismissals require a somewhat different approach. There is no clearly outlined process in place to challenge such decisions. IUP doesn't even maintain an appeals process.
That doesn't mean you should just accept dismissal, though. Your LLF Law Firm attorney can offer practical suggestions for protecting your academic future. For example,
- If you've been dealing with extenuating circumstances, you can try appealing directly to the dean of your college for more time to improve. Serious illnesses and family emergencies can usually earn you an additional semester of probation.
- If you consistently struggle in most of your classes, you might consider visiting with Disability Services. Disabilities entitle you to appropriate course accommodations like extra time to complete assignments. You can also ask the university to drop low grades from your transcript and allow you to retake courses for replacement credit.
- Any time you feel you're being mistreated by an instructor, you should let the instructor's department head know. You may be entitled to some type of grade adjustment.
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 LLF 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.
