Few things are as valuable as a college education. College isn't just about earning a degree. It's about establishing your independence, defining who you are, and making friends that last a lifetime.
If you're facing dismissal charges, all of that is in jeopardy. What do you do?
- Find out absolutely everything you can about why the school is trying to dismiss you. What are the University of Missouri's rules, and what exactly have you been accused of doing?
- Learn all there is to know about University of Missouri judicial procedures. What kinds of processes are available to you to defend yourself? What are your rights? Who gets to decide whether or not you are Responsible for (guilty of) a violation?
- Get help. Taking on your school is a daunting proposition. You don't want to do it alone.
The team at the Lento Law Firm is on your side, and no matter what problem you're facing, they're ready to help.
Reasons for Dismissal at the University of Missouri
It turns out there are dozens of reasons the University of Missouri can dismiss you. In fact, it's virtually impossible to know them all. For the most part, though, they can be grouped into four basic categories. Know these, and you should be prepared to handle almost any charge.
- Academic Deficiencies: It probably won't surprise you to learn that UM expects you to excel academically. The Academic Standing policy requires you to earn cumulative and term GPAs of at least 2.0. Anything below that number can result in Academic Probation, and additional struggles can lead to dismissal.
- Academic Misconduct: UM also takes academic integrity extremely seriously. Any activity that might give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework can get you into trouble. That includes cheating. It also includes plagiarism. A first-time offense might not get you expelled, but second offenses could.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: UM's campus rules are, if anything, stricter than its classroom policies. The Code of Conduct is actually set by state law. Any violation can potentially lead to dismissal. Some, like hazing, weapons possession, and assault, almost always result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: This is yet another offense that is almost always punished with dismissal. Sexually-based offenses are prohibited on college campuses by federal law (Title IX). The University of Missouri is required to investigate all credible complaints or risk its federal funding.
Defending Yourself From Misconduct Charges
The good news is, if you've been charged with misconduct—any form of misconduct—you have important due process rights. The University of Missouri must conduct an investigation, for example, and allow you to defend yourself at a formal hearing.
The bad news is that judicial rules and procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate. Here's just a sample of what you can expect.
- Cases typically begin with a Complaint. The school's first job is to decide whether that Complaint is credible and actionable.
- If the University of Missouri decides to investigate, you're entitled to a Notice of the Charges. This notice should provide you with details about the allegation and explain your rights. It can be a vital starting point in building your defense.
- Among your rights, you are entitled to a presumption of “Not Responsible”; you are entitled to review all evidence in the case; you are entitled to notification of all meetings and proceedings. Perhaps most importantly, you are entitled to an advisor, and this advisor may be an attorney.
- Investigators usually begin by meeting separately with both sides in the case. This is your opportunity to tell your side of events. It is crucial that you be prepared to answer any questions you may be asked.
- Investigators also collect any physical evidence and talk with potential witnesses.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators compile their findings into a written report. This becomes the foundation of the hearing that follows.
- The hearing is your opportunity to formally argue for your innocence. You may introduce evidence and call witnesses. You may also raise questions for any witnesses against you.
- Cases are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Far less strict than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” this standard requires decision-makers find you responsible if they believe you “more likely than not” committed the offense.
- Finally, you have the right to appeal the hearing outcome by asking the Chancellor to review the case. You should be aware, though, that the other side in the case has the right to appeal as well.
As if these rules and procedures weren't complicated enough, cases can differ in important ways based on the specific nature of the charges. For example, in Title IX sexual misconduct cases, you have the right to question the Complainant (your accuser) directly. In addition, all examination and cross-examination is conducted by advisors. In all other cases, only decision-makers may ask questions.
No matter what type of charges you are facing, the professionals at the Lento Law Firm are well-versed in how the case will unfold. They can guide you through the process from start to finish and ensure the school respects your rights.
Academic Dismissals
You may have noticed there's been no mention yet of how to handle academics-based dismissals. That's because they are significantly different from misconduct dismissals. There is no investigation, for example, and you won't be given an opportunity to defend yourself at a hearing. Decisions are based strictly on GPA and are usually automatic.
That doesn't mean you have no options in such cases. In fact, the team at the Lento Law Firm knows a number of ways to handle the threat of these dismissals.
- If you suffer from a disability, you may be entitled to course accommodations such as a note-taker or extra time to complete assignments. If you aren't afforded these accommodations, you can petition the university to drop those course grades, even if you didn't realize you had a disability at the time.
- Some faculty are willing to participate in grade negotiation. You might ask them to reconsider specific assignments or to revisit all your work from the semester.
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, such as a family emergency or a hospitalization, you can appeal directly to the dean of your school or college for more time to improve before you're dismissed.
Finally, you should know that the University of Missouri allows students to apply for readmission one year after dismissal. If the worst should happen and you should be dismissed, the professionals at the Lento Law Firm are also experienced at drafting these appeals. They know what kind of evidence admissions committees look for and how to make you look your best on paper.
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 Lento Law Firm was built on helping students just like you handle all types of misconduct charges. We know how to negotiate with faculty and administrators; we know how to interview witnesses; we know how to put together water-tight appeals. To find out more about exactly what the Lento Law Firm can do for you, contact us today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
