There's no coming back from dismissal at the University of Idaho. Dismissal means permanent separation from the university. It also comes with a transcript notation that describes the nature of your offense. That will likely keep you from transferring somewhere else.
The moment you find yourself in trouble, especially if someone brings up the possibility of dismissal, you need to contact the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team is dedicated to protecting student rights. We know the law, we know how the University of Idaho operates, and we're always on your side no matter what.
What can we do for you? Find out by calling 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 Idaho
Let's start simple—just what is it that can get you dismissed at the University of Idaho? It turns out that's a long list. Almost all offenses, though, can be grouped into four basic categories.
- Academic Deficiencies: It's your job to get to class every day and study. To make sure you do this job, the university maintains a strict academic standing policy. According to that policy, a GPA below 2.0 means academic probation. Continue to struggle while on probation, and you can also wind up dismissed entirely.
- Academic Misconduct: The University of Idaho's academic integrity policy is as strict as its academic standing policy. Cheating, plagiarism, and any other sort of classroom dishonesty can have severe consequences, up to and including dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: You can also be dismissed for conduct that has nothing to do with your classwork. The Student Code of Conduct pertains to your general campus behavior and outlaws things like theft, violence, and underage drinking.
- Sexual Misconduct: These offenses almost always result in dismissal. Sexual misconduct isn't just a matter of school policy—it's a violation of federal law. Title IX requires schools to investigate all credible allegations and institute harsh penalties for those found Responsible (guilty).
Misconduct Defenses
You can know all the rules at the University of Idaho and still find yourself in trouble. Misunderstandings happen. False allegations sometimes happen. And let's face it, we all make mistakes every once in a while.
What do you do if, despite your best efforts, you find yourself accused of a dismissable misconduct offense?
- Cases begin with allegations. These are usually lodged either with the Dean of Students or, in the case of Title IX sexual misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator.
- Any time you are under official investigation, you can expect notice of the charges. This notice should explain the allegations against you and provide a complete list of your due process rights as the accused.
- One of your most important rights is the right to an advisor. In fact, you can choose a Lento Law Firm attorney to accompany you to investigative meetings and other proceedings.
- As part of the investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story. In addition, you can submit evidence and suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- At the end of the investigation, investigators submit a written report of their findings. You have the right to review this document. The university then sets a time and date for a hearing and appoints one or more trained, unbiased decision-makers to preside.
- At the hearing, both sides get to make their cases. You may offer up arguments and support those arguments with evidence and witness testimony. Of course, the other side gets to do the same.
- All cases at the University of Idaho are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Basically, decision-makers must find you Responsible (guilty) if they are more than fifty percent convinced you committed the offense.
- Finally, you have the right to appeal a Responsible finding. However, you must have sufficient grounds for doing so. That can include a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
This outline applies to all misconduct cases. However, you should know that cases can differ significantly depending on the specific nature of the charges. Title IX misconduct cases, for instance, are governed by federal guidelines, which include some unique procedures.
The good news is that your Lento Law Firm attorney is prepared for any eventuality. We've dealt with every conceivable type of misconduct charge, and we know exactly what to expect. We'll not only guide you through the entire process, but we'll show you how to use rules and procedures to your advantage.
Dealing with Academic Dismissal
There are no investigations when it comes to academic dismissals and no hearings. Decisions are based on your GPA, and that's not generally up for debate.
That doesn't mean you have to accept the threat of dismissal in these cases. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can offer a number of suggestions for helping salvage your GPA. For instance,
- If your academic deficiencies are related to any extenuating circumstances, such as a family emergency or a serious illness, you can petition the university for additional time to improve. You may be able to gain up to a full semester more on probation.
- Consistently low grades can be a sign of a learning disability. Such a disability entitles you to course accommodations and to drop low grades from your GPA.
- You always have the option of asking instructors for extra credit and makeup work. Instructors can always refuse, but there's no penalty for asking. It could be that an extra lab assignment or a paper rewrite is enough to keep your GPA out of the danger zone.
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.
