If you're in trouble at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, it's incumbent upon you to take it seriously. That's especially true if you're facing dismissal.
What does “taking it seriously” mean? It means taking the time to carefully prepare a defense.
- As a starting point, you need to know exactly what kind of charges you're facing. You can't properly defend yourself if you don't understand what you've been accused of doing, and the nature of the allegations can have a big impact on how your case unfolds.
- In addition, you need to familiarize yourself with administrative and judicial procedures at UMass, Lowell. The success of your case may depend on your ability to successfully navigate these processes and to use rules and regulations to your advantage.
If any of this feels daunting, that's because it is. A university defense can be every bit as complicated as defending yourself from criminal charges. You don't have to go through it all alone, though. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is on your side. We know how to get you prepared, and you can count on us to stand beside you from the moment you're charged until your final appeal is exhausted.
To find out more, call 888-535-3686 or take a few minutes right now and fill out our online form.
Reasons for Dismissal from UMass, Lowell
There are basically four categories of offense at UMass, Lowell, though each category contains multiple specific violations.
- Academic Misconduct: All colleges and universities expect students to earn their degrees honestly. UMass, Lowell is no exception. The university's Academic Integrity policy prohibits the usual offenses, like cheating, plagiarism, and forgery. Anything that could potentially give you an unfair advantage in the classroom, though, can get you into trouble. You probably won't face dismissal for a first offense. You can certainly face it if you're caught more than once, though.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Alongside the Academic Integrity policy, you're also subject to the UMass, Lowell Student Code of Conduct. That document governs your behavior outside of class, things like underage drinking, trespassing, and theft. Any violation can lead to dismissal. Some, such as hazing and weapons possession, almost always do.
- Sexual Misconduct: This type of offense is among the most serious with which you can be charged. UMass, Lowell is actually required by federal law—Title IX—to investigate all credible complaints. In addition, the government encourages schools to institute harsh penalties. As a result, dismissal is always the most likely sanction in such cases.
- Academic Deficiencies: Last but not least, you can also be dismissed for failing to keep your GPA up. UMass, Lowell maintains a strict academic standing policy. You are required to keep your term and cumulative GPAs above 2.0. Should you fall below that number, you face an escalating series of consequences that can end in dismissal.
Misconduct Defenses
There is always a way to deal with the threat of dismissal. If you're facing a misconduct charge—academic, disciplinary, or sexual—UMass, Lowell provides you with “due process.” You're entitled to an investigation and an opportunity to defend yourself at a hearing. You have a number of additional rights as well, such as the right to a presumption of “Not Responsible” (innocence) and the right to review all evidence in the case.
Here's what you can expect if you're dealing with a misconduct allegation.
- Cases usually begin with a complaint made to either the Office of Student Contact or, in the case of sexually-based offenses, the Title IX Coordinator.
- If you are officially charged, the university must provide you with a Notice of the Charges. That Notice should include the name of the Complainant (your accuser) if there is one, an explanation of the allegations, and a list of your rights.
- As part of the initial investigation, you are invited to give a statement summarizing your side of the story. Investigators also interview Complainants and other witnesses and collect any physical evidence.
- One of your most important rights is the right to an advisor and to select an attorney as your advisor. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can't speak for you in investigative meetings, but they can be on hand to help you answer questions.
- Investigators complete an investigative report and submit it to the university. UMass, Lowell then sets a time and date for a hearing and selects one or more decision-makers to preside over the proceedings.
- The hearing gives you your best opportunity to make your full case. You may introduce evidence, including witness testimony, and raise questions about any evidence the other side produces. Again, your Lento Law Firm attorney can't "represent" you, but they can accompany you and offer advice throughout.
- At UMass, Lowell, cases are decided using a legal standard known as "preponderance of the evidence." This is a much less strict standard than "beyond a reasonable doubt." In simple terms, you're Responsible (guilty) if decision-makers believe it is "more likely than not" that you committed an offense.
- Should you lose your hearing, you have one additional right—the right to appeal. However, you must have grounds for an appeal. At UMass, grounds can include new evidence, a procedural error, or bias on the part of a decision-maker.
Just getting through a misconduct case can be difficult. To make the best possible use of the process, you're going to need help. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are familiar with all of UMass and Lowell's judicial procedures. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves, and we'll make sure you know what to expect.
Academic Dismissal Cases
There are no investigations in academic dismissal cases, and no hearings. Because decisions are based on your grade point averages, the university doesn't feel you should be allowed to contest them.
You can appeal a suspension, and if that's what you're facing, the Lento Law Firm can help you gather evidence and draft documents. If the university is threatening outright dismissal, though, you're going to need some additional tips and tricks to protect yourself. For instance,
- A low GPA can be a sign of an undiagnosed learning disability. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can help you get tested, and if it turns out you do have a disability, you can make sure you get the course accommodations you need. They can also work with you to petition the university to drop low grades from your GPA. Then, you can retake those courses with appropriate accommodations in place.
- Some instructors are willing to assign makeup and extra credit work. This can be a quick way to raise a borderline grade and, by extension, your GPA.
- Faculty are also sometimes open to the process of grade negotiation. If, for instance, you showed real progress over the course of a semester, you might argue that you deserve a few extra points.
As with misconduct cases, you can count on your Lento Law Firm attorney to know all the options available to you and to help you implement a plan to protect yourself.
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.
