Southern New Hampshire University isn't like other schools. For example, you can't be dismissed from SNHU no matter how much you may struggle in your classes. The university will work with you to make sure you learn the material, and it will give you as long as you need to do that. Many students take comfort in that sort of flexibility.
You should know, though: just because SNHU won't expel you for academic deficiencies, doesn't mean you can't be dismissed at all. Get caught with a weapon or with drugs, on campus, and you can certainly find yourself packing your bags.
If you're facing dismissal from Southern New Hampshire for any reason, it's important you know: you don't have to deal with the situation all on your own. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are here to help. They are dedicated to making sure your school treats you fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
Reasons for Dismissal at Southern New Hampshire University
If SNHU is looking to dismiss you, it probably means you've been charged with one of three different kinds of misconduct. All three are dealt with in the Student Handbook.
- Academic Misconduct: First and foremost, your school expects you to earn your degree honestly. The Academic Integrity Policy expressly forbids things like cheating, plagiarism, and the unauthorized use of electronic devices. Low-level and first-time offenses are usually punished with grade sanctions. Serious and repeat offenses, though, can get you dismissed.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: You are also expected to be a good citizen in your campus community. The Student Handbook includes a long list of rules on everything from copyright use to assault. Any violation can potentially result in dismissal. Some, though, such as hazing, are almost always punished with dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, you can also be dismissed for sexual misconduct. In fact, if you're found Responsible for (guilty of) this offense, expulsion is the most likely outcome. Sexual misconduct isn't just a matter of school policy; under Title IX, the US government requires colleges and universities to take all accusations seriously and to investigate zealously.
Defending Yourself from Misconduct Charges
Just because you've been charged with misconduct doesn't mean you'll necessarily be dismissed. You have the right to a full investigation and to defend yourself at a hearing. Here's how those processes work.
- Most cases begin with a complaint. That is, someone submits a report about you to the Office of Community Standards (OCS). That office must then decide whether or not to pursue the case.
- You have a number of important due process rights. For example, you have the right to be presumed “Not Responsible” until proven “Responsible.” You have the right to an advisor. You have the right to review all evidence against you.
- If the school proceeds with the case, the OCS assigns one or more investigators to gather facts in the case. Typically, investigators begin by interviewing both sides separately. In addition, they identify witnesses and collect any physical evidence.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators submit a written report summarizing their findings. This report becomes the foundation of the hearing that follows.
- The hearing is your best chance to make your case. You can offer arguments, call witnesses, and submit evidence. You also have the right to submit questions for any witnesses against you. Of course, the Complainant has these same rights.
- The final component of the hearing is the deliberation. Decision makers use a legal standard known as “preponderance of evidence” to determine whether or not you are guilty of an offense. In simple terms, this standard requires them to find you Responsible if they are more than 50 percent convinced you committed a violation.
- You have yet one more right in this process: the right to appeal. However, grounds for appeal are strictly limited to a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction
You should know that within this general outline, there are some crucial differences in how different types of charges are investigated and adjudicated. One of the most important of these has to do with advisors. In Title IX sexual misconduct cases, you have the right to be accompanied by an attorney. In all other cases, you must choose a member of the campus community to serve as your advisor. Note that this does not mean you shouldn't consult an attorney from the Lento Law Firm in these cases. You always have that right, and even if they can't accompany you to meetings and proceedings, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team can serve a crucial role in helping you prepare your defense.
A Note About SAP
As noted, Southern New Hampshire University doesn't dismiss students for academic deficiencies. However, you should know that under the school's SAP policy (Satisfactory Academic Progress), you can lose your financial aid if you don't satisfy certain academic requirements.
The federal government requires all schools to maintain an SAP policy as a way of limiting financial aid fraud. Such policies set limits on how much aid students can receive and tie aid to certain performance criteria. At SNHU, for instance, you must complete at least two-thirds of the courses you attempt. Keep in mind that “complete” means finishing the course and earning a passing grade. In addition, you must complete your degree within 150 percent of the courses required for that degree. In other words, if your degree requires 60 credit hours, you must be finished by the time you take 90 credit hours.
Should you fail to meet either of these criteria, you are initially placed on Warning status. This gives you an additional semester to improve. However, if you haven't improved your completion percentage at the end of that semester, you become ineligible for aid. While you can continue to take classes at SNHU, and even graduate, you must do so at your own expense.
The school also offers an appeals process for students whose deficiencies were caused by extenuating circumstances. Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are experienced with filing such appeals. They know what evidence committees look for and how to make you look your best on paper. However, there are strict filing deadlines. You want to make sure you contact us at the first sign of trouble if you want to keep your aid intact.
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.
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 is 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.
