There may be no scarier word for any college student than the word “dismissal.” Dismissal doesn't just mean leaving Saint Cloud State University. It usually means the end of your entire academic career. You can't transfer your way out of the problem. Other schools aren't going to accept you once you've been kicked out of SCSU.
With that in mind, how do you avoid dismissal?
- Start by knowing the rules, especially those rules that can get you expelled.
- Find out all you can about SCSU's disciplinary processes and procedures. If you do wind up accused, how exactly do you get out of it?
- Last but not least, you find out how to get help. A dismissal defense can be incredibly stressful. It's not something you want to take on alone. Luckily, the Lento Law Firm is here to help. Our Student Defense Team has worked with hundreds of students, protecting them from all types of charges.
Below, we get into the ins and outs of SCSU's rules and how to defend yourself from charges. Before we deal with any of that, though, you need to know that we're on your side and we're just a phone call away. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out what we can do for you, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Reasons for Dismissal from Saint Cloud State University
It's no easy task to stay out of trouble at SCSU. Part of the problem is that there are so many rules. In fact, we couldn't possibly list them all here. What we can do, though, is give your four simple rule categories. Know these, and you can avoid most problems.
- Academic Deficiencies: Of course, your primary job as an SCSU student is to study. It's sort of right there in the word--"stud-ent." To make sure you do that, SCSU maintains an academic standing policy. Any time your GPA falls below the 2.0 mark, you're issued an academic warning. Continue to struggle, and that warning can turn into suspension or dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: You're also subject to a strict academic integrity policy. Get caught cheating or plagiarizing, and you face in-class sanctions like lowered grades. Get caught a second time, and dismissal is a real possibility.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: You're not just a student. You're a member of the campus community, and that comes with an additional set of responsibilities. The Student Code of Community Standards contains rules against things like underage drinking, theft, and vandalism. In this case, any offense can result in dismissal, even a first offense, if it is serious enough.
- Sexual Misconduct: Like all university students, Saint Cloud students are expected to abide by Title IX restrictions on sexual discrimination and harassment. Any type of sexual misconduct can result in a charge, and those found Responsible are usually punished with dismissal.
Misconduct Defenses
If you've been charged with misconduct, you should know that SCSU has a process in place for defending yourself. You are entitled to a presumption of innocence ("Not Responsible"), to a thorough, impartial investigation, and to refute any evidence at a formal hearing.
- Cases typically begin when a complaint is lodged against you either with the Student Code administrator or, in the case of Title IX sexual misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator.
- The appropriate office then issues you a Notice of the Charges. This notice should identify the Complainant (your accuser or alleged victim). In addition, it should describe the allegations against you and provide a full list of your due process rights.
- Investigators start by talking separately with both the Respondent (you, the accused) and the Complainant. In addition, they are responsible for interviewing potential witnesses and collecting any physical evidence.
- Once their task is complete, investigators submit a written report of their findings. This report serves as the foundation for the next phase of the case—the hearing.
- The hearing affords both sides the right to make their cases. You may offer arguments, introduce evidence, and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions for any witnesses testifying against you.
- Cases at SCSU are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Basically, decision-makers consider whether it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- Should you lose at the hearing level, you can appeal, but you must have “grounds” for your appeal; for some reason, you feel you were treated unfairly by the process.
Unfortunately, SCSU does not allow you to bring an attorney with you to meetings and proceedings. However, your Lento Law Firm attorney can do far more than simply accompany you to your hearing. You can count on them to outline your entire defense, from uncovering evidence to developing arguments to coming up with questions for witnesses. They'll draft documents on your behalf, prep you to answer questions, coach you in delivery, and offer moral support from start to finish. They'll also monitor every aspect of your case and ensure you're treated fairly and that you get the justice you deserve.
SCSU cannot prevent them from doing any of this.
Dealing With Academic Dismissal
Academic dismissals work somewhat differently. There's no need for a hearing or even an investigation. Virtually all dismissals are based on your grades.
Even in these cases, however, your Lento Law Firm attorney can suggest some useful strategies.
- SCSU offers an appeals process for students with extenuating circumstances. Your attorney can work with you to document your situation and draft the appeal. They know what committees look for in these documents and how to make you look your best on paper.
- If you consistently struggle to pass courses, it could be you have an undiagnosed learning disability. Your attorney can make sure you get properly tested. If you do have a disability, they can also negotiate with the university to drop low grades from your transcript. You can retake courses once proper accommodations are in place.
- You always have the right to ask an instructor for extra credit or make-up work. Many instructors will say no, but even if only one or two offer such assignments, it can make a big difference in 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.
