Any time your college or university is threatening you with dismissal, the situation is serious. A dismissal doesn't just mean a disruption in your studies. Often it means you're permanently barred from continuing at your school. And sometimes, it means the end of your academic career altogether. There aren't a lot of universities that will accept you when you've been dismissed from a prior university.
The goal, then, should be to make sure you don't wind up dismissed in the first place. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team can help with that. They are committed to the idea that you should have every opportunity to graduate with your degree. They know the law; they know your school's judicial system; they know who to talk to and what to say. Most important of all, they're on your side. Challenging your school's decisions can be a daunting prospect. It's far easier, though, if you've got Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team in your corner.
Reasons for Dismissal at the University of Georgia
The University of Georgia dismisses dozens of students each semester for everything from plagiarism to stalking. In fact, there are far too many rules and regulations at UGA to possibly list them all here. However, for the most part, the reasons for dismissal fall into four basic categories.
- Academic Deficiencies: You came to UGA to be a student, so you shouldn't be surprised to find the school has high expectations for your academic performance. According to the standing policy, you must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to remain in “good” standing. Fall below that mark, and you start down a path toward probation, suspension, and, potentially, dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: UGA also takes academic integrity seriously. The school's Academic Honesty Policy prohibits any action that might give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework. That includes, of course, cheating, plagiarism, and any type of misrepresentation. First offenses are normally handled with classroom sanctions like lowered grades. Serious and repeat offenses, though, can result in dismissal.
- Disciplinary misconduct: Of course, you're not in class all the time. When you're not, your actions are governed by the Student Code of Conduct. This Code deals with issues like weapons possession, disorderly conduct, and property damage. Here again, serious and repeat offenses often lead to dismissal.
- Sexual misconduct: Sexual misconduct almost always leads to dismissal. In fact, you should know that this offense is actually subject to rules and procedures set up by the federal government under Title IX.
Defending Yourself From Misconduct Charges
How do you defend yourself from the threat of dismissal? If you're facing a misconduct charge, you'll have the opportunity to do so during an investigation and hearing. Specifics vary depending on the charge, but the general outline of the process is the same in all cases.
- First, someone makes a complaint against you to the appropriate office—the Office of Academic Honesty, the Office of Student Conduct, or the Title IX Coordinator's Office.
- If the complaint is credible, the university then conducts some form of investigation. You'll have the opportunity to give your side of the story. Investigators may also collect physical evidence and interview witnesses.
- Throughout the process, you are entitled to several important due process rights. For example, you should be treated as “Not Responsible” (Innocent) until proven “Responsible” (Guilty). Perhaps the most important of these rights is the right to an advisor. This advisor can be an attorney.
- At the conclusion of the investigation, Investigators submit a full written report of their findings. This report serves as an important piece of evidence for the hearing that follows.
- The hearing is a chance to make your case formally before a panel of decision-makers. You can offer arguments, submit evidence, and call witnesses. You also have the right to cross-examine witnesses against you, including, in most cases, the Complainant (your accuser).
- Once both sides have made their case, decision-makers deliberate as to your level of Responsibility. In doing so, they use a legal standard known as “Preponderance of the Evidence.” According to this standard, they must find you Responsible if they are more than 50 percent convinced you committed the offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome, but only under certain limited conditions. These include procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a finding that isn't supported by the evidence.
No matter what office you're dealing with, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team can help. They are knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to all of UGA's judicial procedures. They can work with you to gather evidence and identify witnesses. They can accompany you to meetings and offer advice during your hearing. Most important of all, they can make sure the school doesn't violate any of your rights as a student.
Academic Dismissal Cases
There are no formal processes for dealing with academic dismissal. This is, in part, because these dismissals aren't a matter of “proving” anything. Your GPA is either high enough or it isn't. In fact, in 2022, the school relaxed many of its academic standing policies and now feels even more justified in saying that if you're dismissed for academic deficiencies, there's no need for an investigation or hearing.
The fact is, even academic dismissals aren't usually as cut and dried as UGA tries to make them seem. There are plenty of reasons your GPA can fall, and many of them aren't under your control.
Luckily, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team also know a number of useful strategies for responding to this type of dismissal. For instance,
- Some instructors are open to the possibility of grade negotiation. If you can convince a professor that your high final exam score demonstrates you mastered the course material, even if your other grades don't, you might be able to convince them to give you the passing grade you need.
- If you've recently been diagnosed with a disability, you may be able to go back and retake courses with accommodations in place. This could definitely help raise your GPA.
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances like an illness or a family emergency, you may be able to convince your school or college dean to give you additional time to improve.
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.
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 Team 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 Education Law Team can do for you, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
