College can be one of the most rewarding times of your life. Make no mistake, though: it's a lot of work. They don't just hand out diplomas at Northwestern University. And it's not just about finding a way to pass calculus. Northwestern doesn't just have high academic standards; it also holds students accountable for their personal behaviors both on and off campus.
We all make mistakes. Of course, there are consequences when we do. You shouldn't have to give up your academic career, though, just because you got into a fistfight or said something in class that your professor thought was inappropriate. National Student Defense attorney-advisor, Joseph D. Lento, wants to make sure you don't. He's dedicated his career to protecting student rights and helping students just like you fight dismissal. If you're facing a difficult situation at Northwestern, you owe it to yourself to find out how Joseph D. Lento can help.
Reasons for Dismissal at Northwestern University
There are all sorts of reasons why Northwestern might try to dismiss you. For the most part, though, they can be grouped into four categories.
- Academic Performance: As a student, your first job is to excel academically. Fail to do that, and you could find yourself on academic probation or worse—dismissed entirely. Northwestern has a number of requirements you must meet in order to remain in “good” academic standing. You can't make more than two grades below C in any given quarter, for instance. In general, you have to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and on average, you have to take at least three courses every quarter.
- Academic Misconduct: Northwestern also maintains a strict policy on academic integrity. You can be held accountable for cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and any other action that might tend to give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework. Serious infractions, or repeat offenses, can garner dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: You aren't just held accountable for your classroom behavior as a student. You're also expected to abide by community standards and norms. These are collected into the school's Code of Conduct and include rules about everything from disorderly conduct to fire safety. Some violations, such as drug possession and assault, can be punished with expulsion.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexually-based offenses are technically examples of disciplinary misconduct. However, they are subject to federal legislation under Title IX. As a result, they are treated as their own separate category of violations. Suspension is usually the minimum penalty; dismissal is more likely.
The Adjudication Process
If you're going to fight dismissal from Northwestern, you need to know the various processes the school offers for defending yourself. These vary based on the specific nature of the allegation against you.
- Each of Northwestern's twelve colleges and schools has its own procedures for handling academic misconduct. Most, however, follow the example of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. All accusations are reported to the Assistant Dean for Academic Integrity, who performs a full investigation, interviews both the instructor and the student, and ultimately renders a decision and, if necessary, determines a sanction.
- Disciplinary misconduct allegations are handled through the school's University Hearing and Appeals System (UHAS). Two investigators are assigned to the case. In addition to meeting with both sides in the matter, they review any physical evidence and interview any witnesses before making a determination as to a student's level of responsibility. If the student is found responsible, a Sanctioning Panel then holds a hearing to determine the exact penalty in the case.
- Sexual misconduct is among the most serious offenses any student can face. As a result, the government maintains strict guidelines for how investigations and adjudications can be conducted. Accused students have a right to a full, live hearing at which they may present evidence and call witnesses. In addition, they have the right to cross-examine the complainant and any witnesses against them.
There is no formal process for deciding matters of academic standing. Generally, these decisions are based on objective criteria such as the number of classes a student has taken and their GPA. However, there are some options if you are facing dismissal. For example, you may be able to convince a professor to reconsider your work from a term, or you may be able to talk them into issuing you an Incomplete while you work through extra credit assignments or makeup work.
It can be difficult to navigate any of these processes. Luckily, Joseph D. Lento has experience dealing with all of them. He knows the procedural rules; he's used to talking with faculty and administration; he understands the subtleties of campus justice. No matter what problem you're facing, Joseph D. Lento knows how to protect your rights and make sure you get the very best possible resolution to your case.
Appeals Processes
Northwestern's various judicial systems don't work like the courts. Even so, you have several important due process rights any time you're accused of violating policy. For example, you have the right, in most cases, to an advisor, and this advisor can be an attorney.
Another important due process right you have is the right to appeal the outcome of investigations and hearings. However, there are limitations to this right. There are time limits on when you must file your appeals, and grounds for appeal are strictly limited to
- The discovery of new evidence that might impact the outcome
- Procedural error that affected the outcome
- An outcome contrary to the weight of the evidence presented
In addition, you should know that appeals don't involve open hearings. Instead, appeals committees meet behind closed doors and consider documentary evidence as well as your written statement. In other words, you have no opportunity to speak to committee members directly. Here again, Joseph D. Lento can be a valuable asset in helping you collect the most compelling evidence and in drafting the documents related to your appeal.
Fighting for Your Future
Fighting dismissal can be a daunting proposition. Developing a defense strategy, collecting evidence, and talking to witnesses—can all be time-consuming. You're a student, and your time is already at a premium.
Keep in mind, though, that you don't have to handle this situation all on your own. Joseph D. Lento built his practice helping students just like you handle all types of charges. He's dealt with everything from plagiarism allegations to rape charges. He knows how to put together a water-tight appeal; he knows how to formulate witness questions; he knows how to negotiate with faculty and administrators. Most importantly, no matter what problem you're facing, Joseph D. Lento is on your side and will do everything in his power to get you the very best possible resolution to your case.
If you or your child is facing dismissal or have 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.
