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Stanford University is one of the top schools in the country. But then, you know that. As a student here, you already know that it's one of the hardest schools to get into. And, depending on where you are in your program, you probably also know that it's also one of the hardest schools to graduate from. To be sure, if you can make it through the program, your future is virtually guaranteed to be bright. Making it through, though, is sometimes easier said than done.
There are a whole host of reasons why you might be dismissed from Stanford. We'll get into those. For now, though, right up front, you should know that if you're facing dismissal, you don't have to fight it alone. National Student Defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento built his career helping students just like you fight for their rights. Whatever problem you're facing, you can count on Joseph D. Lento to know what you're going through, and you can count on him to stand beside you from start to finish.
Reasons for Dismissal at Stanford
First things first. What are the big no-nos at Stanford University? What could you do that could possibly be so bad it would get you expelled? It turns out that there are four separate areas to worry about.
- Academic Performance: Of course, you have to worry about succeeding in the classroom. Stanford sets three standards for academic achievement. You must earn at least nine credits each quarter. You must earn 36 units over your most recent three quarters. Finally, you must keep a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Failure to meet these standards can result in Academic Notice, Academic Probation, or, ultimately, Academic Suspension.
- Academic Misconduct: As you work towards your degree, Stanford also expects you to maintain high standards of academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism are expressly forbidden by the Honor Code, and egregious violations can get you expelled.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: In addition to the Honor Code, all students at Stanford are bound by the Fundamental Standard. The school maintains a number of individual policies based on the Standard—policies against activities like hazing, drug possession, and assault—but the guiding principle in terms of defining disciplinary misconduct is the Standard itself:
- “Students at Stanford are expected to show both within and without the University such respect for order, morality, personal honor and the rights of others as is demanded of good citizens. Failure to do this will be sufficient cause for removal from the University.
- Sexual Misconduct: Technically, sexually-based offenses are covered under the Fundamental Standard. However, all forms of sexual discrimination and harassment are also subject to federal law under Title IX. Allegations are dealt with through Title IX procedures. Most students found responsible for a violation are dismissed from the university.
The Adjudication Process
You know what can get you into trouble, but how do you fight an accusation? How do you keep yourself from being dismissed? That depends on what you've been accused of doing.
- Academic and disciplinary misconduct at Stanford is handled through the school's extensive Judicial Charter. Students are entitled to make their case at a formal hearing before a Judicial Panel. Panels are made up of students, faculty, and staff who have undergone training in campus judicial procedures.
- Sexual misconduct accusations are dealt with through Title IX procedures. At Stanford, all cases are heard by a Hearing Officer appointed by the Title IX Coordinator. This Officer also renders the final rulings in cases, using the “Preponderance of Evidence” standard as a guide. In simple terms, if they believe it is more than fifty percent likely you committed an offense, they are required to find you “Responsible” (guilty).
- Unfortunately, there are no clear procedures in place at Stanford to fight dismissal for issues of academic standing. For the most part, these decisions are a matter of numbers—units taken and GPA—and decided by computer. However, there are strategies to avoid dismissal, such as asking an instructor to revise your grade or to issue you an Incomplete while you make up coursework.
The nature of Stanford hearings varies based on the offense, but generally speaking, they offer Respondents (the accused) an opportunity to respond to allegations using arguments, evidence, and witness testimony. Students also have the right to an advisor to help them through this process, and that advisor can be an attorney.
Appeals Process
Losing your dismissal case at the hearing level doesn't necessarily mean your fight is over. All adjudication decisions at Stanford can be appealed. In most cases, you can appeal both the finding itself and the sanction you've been issued. Here again, the nature of the appeals process varies depending on the nature of the offense.
- Academic and disciplinary misconduct appeals are heard by an Appeals Panel appointed by the Board on Judicial Affairs.
- Sexual misconduct appeals are heard by the school's designated Title IX Appeals Officer.
It is important to note, however, that in either case, appeals are only granted under very limited circumstances. These include
- New evidence
- Procedural errors
- Bias on the part of an official
- Sanctions disproportionate to the offense
In addition, you should keep in mind that appeals don't involve hearings. Instead, you submit a written statement of your case, and decision-makers determine the outcome in closed-door meetings.
Fighting for Your Future
It's not easy to fight dismissal at Stanford. No matter what kind of dismissal you're facing, procedures are complicated and difficult to navigate. This leads some students to simply give up and accept the end of their academic careers.
You're always better off fighting dismissal. While it can be an arduous task, your future is at stake. Lose your case, and you're no worse off, but fight and win, and you can salvage your reputation and your chance at a degree from one of the best schools in the country.
And you don't have to take on this fight alone. Joseph D. Lento built his practice helping students defend their rights. He's dealt with every kind of case, from cheating allegations to Title IX violations. He knows how school procedures work, and he's practiced in talking to faculty and administrators.
If you or your child is facing dismissal, even if you've 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.
