The College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois is among the best dental schools in the country. It serves over 35,000 patients each year, and faculty and students are engaged in pioneering research in the fields of craniofacial pathobiology and regenerative science.
In keeping with its reputation, the school expects the very best from its students. The curriculum is rigorous, and the faculty are demanding. And success isn't just about making good grades. You also have to maintain high standards of ethics and professionalism. You must have a commitment to patient care. Your personal life may be scrutinized as closely as your academic performance.
There's no question that high standards are important. None of us wants to worry that our dentist graduated from a second-rate dental school. At the same time, though, it's important to remember that you're only a student. You're still learning the rudiments of your discipline, still trying to figure out what “professionalism” actually means in a practical sense.
Most faculty and administrators understand you're a student. You will occasionally come across those who don't, though, those whose expectations are simply too high. When that happens, know that you don't have to handle the situation alone. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team believe in you, and they want to make sure you have every opportunity to earn your degree. If you're facing dismissal for any reason, they're committed to making sure you're treated fairly and that a mistake or two doesn't stand in the way of your success.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
First things first: what is it that can get you dismissed from UIC College of Dentistry? Knowing what can get you dismissed can help you avoid trouble in the first place. It's also the best way to begin preparing a defense if you've been accused of misconduct.
Most dismissals happen for one of three reasons.
- Academic Expectations: Obviously, your first responsibility as a student is to do your best academically. You should expect the school to work with you if you're struggling, but if you simply cannot keep up with the curriculum, you can be dismissed.
- Professional Expectations: Issues of professionalism can get you dismissed faster than academic deficiencies. A successful dental practice requires your patients and the community at large to trust you implicitly. If you violate ethical standards or mistreat patients, if your personal life is chaotic, or if you break the law, dismissal is the most likely sanction.
- Given the school's professional expectations, you won't be surprised to learn that general misconduct is frowned upon as well. Whether you trespass on school property or commit some act of dating violence, violating school rules can certainly lead to dismissal.
The Adjudication Process at UIC College of Dentistry
You always have the right to defend yourself from dismissal at the UIC College of Dentistry. How you go about doing that, though, depends on the specific nature of the dismissal.
- Disciplinary Dismissals: College of Dentistry students are subject to the same rules and procedures as any other UIC students, as outlined in the university's Student Disciplinary Policy. Allegations of misconduct are subject to investigation and a conduct hearing. You have the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine any witnesses against you. In addition, you have the right to an advisor, someone to help you through this process. Importantly, this advisor can be an attorney.
- Mistreatment Complaints: UIC COD maintains what it calls a Humanistic Environment Policy designed to ensure all members of the community are kept safe and treated with respect. Violations of this policy are handled by an “Advocate” who works with both sides to find an equitable solution. The most serious complaints, however, are handled by either the Office of Clinical Affairs or the Dean of the college.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct is subject to federal law under Title IX. As such, allegations are handled using a federally-mandated set of guidelines. These are detailed in UIC's Student Disciplinary Policy and resemble other the school's other disciplinary proceedings in general outline.
- Academic Deficiencies: UIC COD doesn't publish information about academic dismissals. In general, however, you can expect the school to have a review committee tasked with monitoring your progress in the program and making sanction recommendations when you have deficiencies. Again, these committees typically look for solutions that will allow you to get caught up, but they do have the authority to recommend dismissal.
No matter what type of dismissal you're facing, Joseph D. Lento and his team can help you put together a defense strategy. They'll work with you to gather evidence, coach you in presentation, and even accompany you to meetings and proceedings. They're familiar with all of UIC COD's judicial processes, and they have experience making sure students are treated fairly.
Fighting for Your Future
Make no mistake: if you're facing dismissal, everything is on the line. You've worked for many years to get to this point. You earned an undergraduate degree; you spent hours studying for the Dental Admissions Test; you filled out applications, convinced referees to write on your behalf, and sat through difficult interviews. You've also put in the work since you were admitted to dental school: long hours of studying and even longer hours of clinical work. Expulsion means all of that work comes to nothing. It means trying to find an entirely new career. It means having to pay back student loans you've accumulated without a dental degree to help you do it.
You don't want to go into this situation alone. Not only is everything at stake, but if your school is considering dismissal, it's already actively working against you. You need someone who's on your side, who has your best interests at heart, and who is willing to fight for those interests. You want Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team.
The Lento Law Firm was built to help students. Joseph D. Lento and his team know the law as it applies to education. They also know how campus judicial systems work. They're highly experienced with all aspects of investigation, adjudication, and appeals processes and have helped hundreds of students just like you get the justice they deserve.
If you're facing disciplinary action, don't wait to see what might happen. Find out 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.
