Dismissal is the ultimate punishment at Tarleton State University. It means leaving the university, leaving behind the friendships you've made and the academic progress you've achieved. It can also mean the end of your academic career. Very few colleges and universities will accept students who have been dismissed elsewhere.
If you're in trouble at Tarleton and someone has mentioned the possibility of dismissal to you, you absolutely must take the situation seriously. You likely have an investigation and a hearing in front of you, and you don't want to go through those processes alone.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is always on your side, no matter the situation. We're here to fight for your rights. We know how Tarleton's administrative and judicial systems work, and we can help you deal with rules, regulations, and procedures. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of charges, and we can help you to do the same.
The university is already putting its case together. You should be, too. Call 888-535-3686 to find out how the Lento Law Firm can help, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Reasons for Dismissal from Tarleton State University
If you're in trouble serious enough to warrant dismissal, it likely means you've violated one of four Tarleton policies.
- Academic Deficiencies: It could be that you're simply struggling to meet the university's academic standing policy. That policy requires you to maintain a GPA of no less than 2.0. You're not going to be dismissed the moment it slips below that number. If you struggle consistently, though, dismissal can eventually become an option.
- Academic Misconduct: Tarleton's Academic Integrity policy is every bit as strict as its academic standing policy. Cheating, plagiarism, and all other forms of classroom dishonesty are explicitly prohibited. Again, a single offense probably isn't enough to lead to dismissal. Get caught cheating a second time, though, and it becomes a distinct possibility.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Your general campus conduct—your non-academic behavior—is subject to Tarleton's Student Conduct Code. There, you'll find rules against things like underage drinking, theft, and destruction of property. In this case, even a single offense can be enough to result in dismissal if it is serious enough.
- Sexual Misconduct: This type of offense almost always leads to dismissal. Sexual misconduct is a violation of federal law under Title IX. Even simple harassment can trigger an investigation, and the government encourages schools to utilize harsh sanctions.
Misconduct Defenses
There is always a way to defend yourself from the threat of dismissal.
If your dismissal has to do with a misconduct allegation—academic, disciplinary, or sexual--there's a defined process for responding to the charges.
- Cases usually begin with a complaint lodged either with the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success or, in the case of Title IX allegations, the designated Title IX Coordinator.
- If you are officially charged, the university will provide you with written notice of the charges. This notice should outline the allegations against you and explain your due process rights.
- Among your rights as the Respondent (accused), you are entitled to a presumption of innocence (“Not Responsible”), to review all evidence in the case, and to advanced notification of all meetings and proceedings.
- Tarleton State then conducts an investigation looking to establish the facts in the case. Investigators typically start by interviewing both the Respondent and the Complainant (your accuser or alleged victim). In addition, they'll speak to any witnesses and collect physical evidence.
- At the conclusion of the investigation, investigators submit a report of their findings to the appropriate administrative office. The university then sets a time and date for a hearing and appoints one or more decision-makers to preside over proceedings.
- At the hearing, both sides argue their cases. You can introduce evidence and call witnesses to testify. You also have the right to raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- Cases at Tarleton State are decided using a legal standard referred to as “preponderance of the evidence.” Simply put, if decision-makers believe you “more likely than not” committed the offense, they are obligated to find you Responsible (guilty).
- Your final right in the process is the right to appeal the hearing outcome. However, you must have sufficient grounds for such an appeal. This could include a violation of standard procedures, the discovery of new evidence, or a sanction more severe than the offense deserves.
Unfortunately, Tarleton State does not guarantee you access to an attorney during investigative meetings and hearings. Keep in mind, however, that the university cannot bar you from consulting with an attorney about your case. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can play a crucial role in preparing your defense. They'll work with you to find evidence, suggest your strongest arguments, prepare questions for witnesses, draft documents on your behalf, and coach you on how to present your case. You may have to make that case yourself, but we'll bring every resource to bear on getting you ready to do that.
Dealing With Academic Dismissal
How do you respond to dismissals based on academic deficiencies? That's a bit trickier. There are no defined processes. Tarleton doesn't even offer a formal appeals process.
Even so, your Lento Law Firm attorney will have some practical suggestions for using the university's procedures to your benefit. For example,
- If you've been dealing with extenuating circumstances, such as a serious bout of depression or a long-term illness, you can try appealing directly to the dean of your school or college. Such circumstances can be grounds for more time to improve.
- If you struggle consistently in all your classes, you might consider visiting with Disability Services. It could be you have an undiagnosed learning disability. That might entitle you to drop low grades from your GPA and retake courses.
- Some faculty offer makeup and extra credit assignments to students with borderline grades. This can be a quick way to improve a 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.
