Dismissal is a sort of academic death penalty. Whatever the reason for it—low grades or a misconduct allegation—dismissal means leaving the University of Central Missouri for good. It also means a transcript notation explaining your offense, and that can keep you from transferring somewhere else. You wind up out on the job market with no degree at all.
How do you defend yourself from this possibility? That depends on the specific situation. One way or another, though, you're going to need help. The risks are too great to try and handle things on your own.
The Lento Law Firm is always on your side. We believe in what you're doing, and we're committed to making sure you're treated fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to your case. We know how UCM processes and procedures work and how to use them to your benefit.
To find out more about all we can do, call 888-535-3686 or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Reasons for Dismissal from the University of Central Missouri
What is the best way to avoid dismissal? Stay out of trouble. We know—that's sometimes easier said than done. You might start, though, by knowing exactly what sort of offenses can get you dismissed.
- Academic Deficiencies: Many of our clients don't realize they can lose their spot at UCM over low grades. The university's academic standing policy sets clear standards. You need a minimum 2.0 GPA to remain in good standing. Otherwise, you face probation, suspension, and the possibility of outright dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: You can also be dismissed over accusations of academic misconduct. Cheating and plagiarism are explicitly outlawed by UCM's Academic Honesty Policy. One offense probably isn't enough to trigger this kind of result. Multiple offenses, though, can definitely get you dismissed.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: General misconduct—things like trespassing, theft, and disorderly conduct—can get you dismissed at least as fast as academic misconduct. Maybe faster. In fact, some offenses, like weapons possession and drug usage, almost always lead to dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: Dismissal is also the most common outcome in these cases. UCM's sexual misconduct policy is mandated by Title IX, a federal law, and the university takes every complaint seriously.
Misconduct Defenses
You can do everything in your power to avoid misconduct and still find yourself accused. Misunderstandings happen all the time. False allegations sometimes happen. What happens when they do?
- Cases begin with complaints. Anyone may make such a complaint—other students, faculty, staff, administrators, and security personnel. However, the university must decide whether the allegations are credible before moving forward with an official charge.
- You are entitled to notice of any charges against you. This notice must explain the allegations and must apprise you of your several due process rights.
- UCM policy allows you to select a support person. This means a Lento Law Firm attorney can accompany you from the very beginning of your case.
- UCM cannot proceed with its case without clear, concrete evidence. You can expect an investigation. However, you have the right to talk with investigators and give your side of the story. Further, you can submit evidence and suggest possible witnesses.
- Once investigators have finished their work, the case is assigned to a Conduct Educator for a hearing. Both sides have the right to present arguments to this decision-maker, to call witnesses to testify, and to cross-examine any witnesses against them.
- Once the hearing is complete, the Conduct Educator deliberates as to your level of responsibility (guilt). They employ a legal standard known as "preponderance of the evidence." According to this standard, they must find you responsible for the offense if they are more than fifty percent convinced you committed it.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome should you lose. However, you must have clear grounds for doing so, including new evidence to present, an allegation that you were mistreated by the process, or a disproportionate sanction.
Every case is different based on the nature of the charges and the context of the allegations. You can be certain, though, that your Lento Law Firm attorney is ready for any eventuality. They can protect your rights and make sure you're ready for whatever type of judicial procedure you're facing. When you're dealing with an allegation of plagiarism or a Title IX sexual misconduct charge, we're on your side and ready to fight on your behalf.
Dealing with Academic Dismissal
There are clear processes in place for all misconduct charges. That's not true when it comes to academic dismissals. These are based almost exclusively on your GPA, and that's not normally open to dispute.
There are ways to contest these kinds of dismissals as well, though. You should never simply accept dismissal. For instance,
- Extenuating circumstances might be all you need to avoid dismissal and get your academic career back on track. If you've been dealing with a family emergency or some type of health crisis, you should contact the dean of your school or college to check out the options.
- Learning disabilities can cause low grades. If you haven't yet been diagnosed, you may even be able to drop low grades from your GPA.
- It's always worth asking instructors to recalculate your grade or reconsider your scores. In addition, it never hurts to ask for extra credit and make-up work, even if you already have a decent grade in the class.
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.
