If you've been at Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale for any length of time at all, you know how difficult it can be. It turns out that colleges and universities don't just give diplomas away. And it's not just about keeping your GPA up, though that certainly matters. Every year, KU dismisses dozens of students for everything from trespassing to stalking.
How do you make sure you aren't one of them?
At the first sign of trouble, you contact the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team was specifically designed to help students get the fair treatment they deserve. We don't believe a mistake or two should stand in the way of you earning your degree. And we have the background and experience to back up that commitment to that principle. We know the law, we know how Keiser University operates, and we're ready to use our knowledge to help you get the justice you deserve.
Don't wait, though. KU may already be building its case against you. Call 888-535-3686 to find out how we can help, or take a few minutes right now and fill out our online form.
Reasons for Dismissal from Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale
It's not easy to keep all the rules and regulations at KU straight. They're scattered over academic integrity policies, student conduct policies, undergraduate catalogs, and all sorts of policy addendums. For the most part, though, they can all be organized into four simple categories. Know these, and you should know how to avoid most kinds of trouble.
- Poor Academic Performance: First, you're subject to KU's Academic Standing Policy. As the name implies, that policy concerns your academic performance. Basically, you're required to keep your cumulative GPA above 2.0. Should it fall below that number, KU places you on academic probation. Should you continue to struggle while on probation, you can then be dismissed.
- Academic Misconduct: KU takes academic integrity seriously. In fact, according to the Academic Integrity Policy, one violation—cheating, plagiarism, or any other type of dishonesty—means an "F" on the assignment. A second violation means an "F" in the course. A third violation means automatic dismissal from KU.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: KU's undergraduate catalog contains an extensive list of potential misconduct (95). It includes things like hazing, threatening or causing physical harm, drug use or possession, and theft. Any one of these offenses can result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexually-based offenses are almost always punished with dismissal at KU (see the undergraduate catalog for more information). Like all other colleges and universities, KU is subject to federal Title IX laws about sexual discrimination and harassment. The university must investigate all credible complaints, and it is encouraged to impose harsh sanctions on those found Responsible (guilty).
Misconduct Procedures
Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale doesn't utilize the kinds of judicial processes common at other colleges and universities. There is no outlined investigation process, for example, or established hearing procedures.
Nevertheless, the university does state clearly, in several of its materials,
“Keiser University believes strongly that each student against whom the University is forced to take action, has a right to procedural due process where the student has notice and an opportunity to be heard” (See both the Academic Misconduct Policy and the undergraduate catalog).
In addition, the university does offer some general details about the nature of the disciplinary process in misconduct cases.
- Cases usually begin with an allegation. If you've been charged with an offense or you're being investigated for some form of misconduct, you can expect the university to provide you with an official Notice of the Charges. That Notice should explain the details of the allegation and provide a list of your other due process rights.
- Initial responsibility for handling misconduct that occurs in the classroom is in the hands of individual instructors. If further action is warranted, the Dean of Academic Affairs takes responsibility. The final authority is the campus president.
- Campus incidents that occur outside of class are handled by the Dean of Academic Affairs, though, again, ultimate authority rests in the hands of the president.
- KU provides Ft. Lauderdale campus officials the latitude to conduct investigations in any manner they see fit. It is unclear whether the campus has a process in place for formal or informal hearings.
- However your case is decided administratively, though, you also have the right to file a formal grievance. According to the Undergraduate Catalog, the Grievance Committee hears evidence, asks questions, deliberates, and ultimately renders a decision on the case.
- The Grievance Procedures make no mention of a formal process of appeal. However, they do suggest that should you disagree with the hearing outcome, you can contact the Florida Department of Education.
Significantly, KU doesn't mention in any of its judicial or administrative materials whether students have a right to an advisor during disciplinary procedures or whether, if they do, this advisor can be an attorney. Keep in mind, however, that your Lento Law Firm attorney is here to do far more than simply accompany you to meetings and hearings. Among their responsibilities, they
- Help you plan your defense strategy
- Work with you to find and identify evidence
- Conduct witness interviews
- Draft documents
- Coach you in your presentation
- Conduct negotiations on your behalf
- Help you prepare questions for witnesses
And again, whether or not they may be able to sit beside you at hearings, their most important role is to ensure that KU doesn't violate your rights.
Academic Dismissal Cases
Academic dismissal cases don't generally work like misconduct dismissal cases. There is only one fact that matters: your GPA. That isn't normally subject to dispute.
However, even in these cases, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know some useful strategies for helping you avoid dismissal.
- If you can show that your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, such as a long-term illness or a family emergency, you can appeal to the dean of academic affairs for more time to improve.
- A disability, including any type of learning disability, may entitle you to course accommodations. If you're not given these accommodations, you have the right to appeal your course grade.
- You always have the right to ask instructors for make-up or extra credit assignments. Not every instructor will be receptive, but this can be an easy way to improve your GPA.
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.
