You can't afford to take the threat of dismissal lightly if you're a college student. It's not just your career at Texas Tech that's on the line: it's your entire future. Expulsion always includes a transcript notation about the nature of your offense. That can make it difficult or impossible to find another school willing to accept you. You could be heading out onto the job market with no degree at all.
If it's trying to dismiss you, your school is no longer on your side. It's going to undertake an investigation, it's going to put the worst possible spin on what it finds, and it's going to do everything it can to make sure you're expelled.
Sounds pretty bleak. The good news is someone is on your side. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are committed to the proposition that all students deserve a fair chance to earn their diplomas. They believe in you, and they don't think a mistake, or two should stand in the way of your future. If you're facing dismissal, you owe it to yourself to contact the Lento Law Firm and find out just what they can do to help.
Reasons for Dismissal at Texas Tech University
Let's start with an outline of just what can get you expelled from Texas Tech. When you know the rules, you know what mistakes to avoid. You'll also have a better chance of defending yourself should you wind up accused of breaking one. There are basically four categories of offense at Texas Tech.
- Academic Misconduct: TTU expects you to earn your degree honestly. Cheating, plagiarism, and anything else that could potentially give you an unfair advantage in the classroom is expressly forbidden under the school's Academic Integrity policy. Serious and multiple violations of this policy can get you dismissed.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Your behaviors outside of class are subject to the university's Code of Student Conduct. There, you'll find restrictions against things like underage drinking, smoking in unauthorized areas, theft, and gambling. Any violation can potentially get you dismissed—even a first-time violation. Some offenses, like hazing, weapons possession, and drug use, almost always result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: This is yet another offense that almost always results in dismissal. Sexual misconduct isn't just against school policy, but under Title IX, it is a violation of federal law.
- Academic Deficiencies: Of course, it's not just misconduct that can get you into trouble at TTU. You're a student, and you're expected to meet high academic standards. A cumulative GPA under 2.0 can earn you Academic Probation. Should you continue to struggle, you face suspension and the possibility of permanent dismissal.
Defending Yourself From Misconduct Charges
If you've been accused of misconduct, Texas Tech affords you the right to defend yourself. The school conducts a thorough investigation, and you have the opportunity to make a case for your innocence at a formal hearing. Here's how those processes work.
- Cases start with a complaint made either to the Dean of Students or when the accusation involves sexual misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator.
- From the moment you are officially charged, you have some important due process rights. For instance, the school is obligated to treat you as “Not Responsible” (not guilty) until it proves you're “Responsible.” You also have a right to notice of the charges against you. Most importantly, you have the right to an advisor, and this advisor can be an attorney.
- Investigators typically begin by interviewing both sides of the case. This is your first chance to give your side of the story, offer up evidence, and suggest witnesses.
- At the conclusion of the investigation, investigators submit an Investigative Report to the Dean of Students. The Dean then sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Your case may be heard by either a single decision-maker or a panel. You're allowed to make statements and pose questions for any witnesses. Again, your advisor can accompany you to these proceedings, and though Joseph D. Lento and his team cannot speak on your behalf, they can offer invaluable advice to you as the case unfolds.
- All misconduct cases at Texas Tech are decided using a legal principle known as “preponderance of the evidence.” If decision-makers believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense, they must find you Responsible.
- You may appeal the hearing outcome, but only for very specific reasons, including the discovery of new evidence, a procedural mistake, or an unfair sanction.
You'll find that cases at Texas Tech differ somewhat depending on the nature of the charge. For instance, Title IX sexual misconduct cases provide you with more due process rights than other kinds of cases, such as the right to cross-examine the Complainant and any witnesses against you directly.
Joseph D. Lento and his Team have experience in all types of cases at Texas Tech University and can guide you through the process no matter what allegation you're facing.
Academic Dismissal Cases
Academic dismissal cases don't work like misconduct cases. For example, there's no investigation and no hearing. If your GPA falls too low, sanctions—including dismissal—are automatic.
Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team know a number of strategies, though, for avoiding and responding to academic dismissals. For instance,
- If there are mitigating circumstances that led to your low GPA, you can try petitioning your school or college dean for more time to improve.
- Any mistreatment you experience in the classroom is grounds for a grade appeal. You should speak with your instructor's department head.
- If you should discover you have a previously undiagnosed disability, you can ask the school to let you retake courses with accommodations. This can significantly raise your GPA.
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. Plus, it's no exaggeration to say that your entire future is on the line. You're facing dismissal, and you know what happens to people who go into the workforce with no college degree.
You need someone watching over your shoulder, making certain you're treated fairly and that you get the justice you deserve.
The Lento Law Firm was 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.
