Think college is easy? When you have a little free time, look up just how many students the University of Connecticut dismisses each year. You'll quickly realize that graduation is never a sure thing. You can be expelled for all sorts of reasons, from a low GPA to harassing other students in an online course.
Dismissal is a serious setback to your education in and of itself. You should know, though, that dismissals are also recorded on your transcript. That can make it difficult, if not impossible, to find another school willing to admit you. Your academic career could essentially be over.
Luckily, if you're facing dismissal, there's help available. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team know how the University of Connecticut systems work, and they have experience representing students just like you in all types of investigations and hearings. Joseph D. Lento and his team are committed to the proposition that all students deserve fair treatment and an opportunity to earn a degree, even if they've made a mistake or two. No matter what kind of issue you may be dealing with, you owe it to yourself to find out just what the Lento Law Firm can do for you.
Reasons for Dismissal at the University of Connecticut
What is the best way to protect yourself from dismissal at UConn? Know the rules. This will keep you from making a mistake. It'll also provide you with important background information for your defense should you ever stand accused.
One of the most common reasons students are dismissed has to do with misconduct. There are actually three kinds of misconduct that can lead to expulsion.
- Academic Misconduct: First up is academic misconduct. This has to do with dishonesty in the classroom. UConn's Academic Integrity in Undergraduate Education and Research policy expressly forbids all forms of cheating and plagiarism. First-time offenses are generally handled within the context of the courses in which they occur. Sanctions usually include things like lowered grades on assignments or lowered course grades. However, additional offenses are subject to dismissal.
- Disciplinary misconduct: These offenses relate to student behavior outside of class. The Student Code, for instance, contains prohibitions against underage drinking, theft, and disruptive behavior. Any violation could result in dismissal. Some, such as hazing and drug possession, almost always lead to dismissal.
- Sexual misconduct: This is yet another offense that is almost always punished with dismissal. Sexual misconduct isn't just a matter of school policy. Under Title IX, it is subject to regulation by the federal government. As a result, investigations can be aggressive, and sanctions can be severe.
There's yet one more reason you can be dismissed from the University of Connecticut.
- Academic Deficiencies: UConn maintains an academic standing policy that requires you to maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. When your GPA falls below that number, you're placed on Academic Probation. Should you continue to struggle, you can be dismissed entirely.
Defending Yourself from Misconduct Charges
If you're under threat from a misconduct charge, the University of Connecticut gives you the right to defend yourself. Here's how that process typically works
- Cases start with an allegation. Any alleged victim is referred to as the “Complainant,” or the school itself can be the Complainant. As the accused, you are the “Respondent.”
- As the Respondent, you have a number of important rights. Among these, you have the right to be accompanied by a support person, and this person can be an attorney.
- If the school believes the allegation is credible, it proceeds to an investigation. In some cases—academic misconduct cases, for instance—this can be pretty straightforward. On the other hand, sexual misconduct investigations involve the collection of physical evidence and the solicitation of witness testimony. They can take several months to complete.
- The designated Investigator writes a summary of their findings once they've completed their work. This summary is usually the centerpiece of the hearing that follows.
- At the hearing, both sides have a chance to make their case. You may introduce arguments, submit evidence, and call witnesses to testify. You may also cross-examine any witnesses against you.
- Once the hearing is complete, the decision makers assigned to the case deliberate as to your level of “Responsibility” (guilt). They use a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, they must find you guilty if they believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome, but grounds for appeal are strictly limited to issues like
- Procedural error
- New evidence
- A sanction disproportionate to the offense
Specific procedures differ in small ways depending on the exact nature of the charge. For example, in Title IX sexual misconduct cases, you can cross-examine the Complainant in addition to other witnesses against you. Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are familiar with all the judicial processes at the University of Connecticut and can help you navigate the system no matter what your situation.
Academic Dismissal Cases
Dismissals for academic deficiencies are handled somewhat differently than other types of dismissal. For one thing, the reason for the dismissal isn't in question. Either your GPA is at least 2.0, or it isn't. This means there's no way to challenge these dismissals directly.
UConn does offer an appeals process if you've been dismissed, which can get you immediately reinstated. That process involves explaining what led to your deficiencies, what specific steps you've taken to try to correct your deficiencies, and what changes you plan to make moving forward.
In addition, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team know a number of informal approaches to dealing with the threat of academic dismissal. For instance, if you have a disability, you may be entitled to classroom modifications, such as extra time to complete your assignments. Or, if your low GPA is the result of extenuating circumstances, like a long-term illness, you can try appealing to your dean for additional time to improve.
Whatever your situation, Joseph D. Lento and his team are on your side. They'll help you decide on the best course of action and work with you to ensure you have the best possible chance at success.
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 Joseph D. 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.
