It's not easy getting into college. It requires dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice. At a minimum, you need good grades in high school and good scores on your standardized tests. It helps to be active in student organizations and have interesting hobbies. After doing all that, if there was any justice in the world, you should be able to rest a little. You should be able to take classes at your own pace without worrying about academic standing policies or anyone looking over your shoulder to make sure you're getting up on time, going to class, and generally behaving yourself. You've put in the hard work; college should be easy.
By this point, you already know that's not the way it works. College courses are levels tougher than high school courses. Your actions—all your actions—are under constant surveillance, and the slightest misstep can mean outright dismissal from the university.
Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team know what kind of pressure you're under as a college student, and they want to help. If you're facing dismissal for any reason, they're here to help you fight for your future. They know the law, and they know the rules and procedures at Pacific. Most importantly, though, they believe in you. They're on your side and prepared to make sure you're treated fairly and that you have the very best chance to graduate with your degree.
Reasons for Dismissal at the University of the Pacific
How hard is college? There are actually dozens of different reasons you can be dismissed. Thankfully, most of them fall into one of four basic categories.
- Academic Misconduct: According to its Honor Code, the University of the Pacific expects you to “Act honestly in all matters.” That means no cheating, no plagiarism, and no unauthorized collaboration. In fact, you're forbidden from acting in any way that might potentially give you an unfair advantage in completing your coursework. Minor offenses are usually handled by instructors using academic sanctions like lowered assignment grades. Serious and repeat offenses, though, are subject to dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Your non-academic behavior is scrutinized as well. The Pacific Student Code of Conduct contains a long list of prohibitions, including rules against underage drinking, misuse of technology, trespassing, and theft. As with academic misconduct, serious violations are often punished with dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: Technically a form of disciplinary misconduct, sexual misconduct is generally treated as its own category of offense. In part, this is because such allegations are handled under Title IX, a federal law. It's also because these are especially serious offenses: the most common punishment in these cases is dismissal.
- Academic Performance: Finally, you can also be dismissed from Pacific for failing to meet academic standards. To remain in good standing, you must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and earn a 2.0 every semester. Otherwise, you risk probation and ultimately complete disqualification.
Defending Yourself From Misconduct Charges
You have the right to defend yourself from any misconduct charges at the University of the Pacific. Different charges are handled by different administrative departments. Rules and procedures can sometimes differ in small ways as well. However, for the most part, you'll face the same basic process.
- Your case will likely begin with a complaint to the appropriate administrative office. When you're under investigation, the school refers to you as the “Respondent.” If there's an injured party, they're normally referred to as the “Complainant.” Otherwise, the school itself serves as the Complainant.
- The school then conducts an investigation into the complaint. This can be simple: if you're accused of academic misconduct, the investigator may do no more than meet with both sides in the case. On the other hand, sexual misconduct investigations can often be quite involved and take weeks or months to conclude.
- You have the right to bring a support person with you to all meetings and proceedings. This support person can be an attorney, though they cannot speak on your behalf, only advise you.
- At the end of the investigation, the Investigator completes a written report summarizing their findings.
- The next phase of the case is a formal hearing. The Investigator serves as one of the key witnesses at this hearing.
- You may call other witnesses at the hearing. You may also submit evidence. The Complainant is entitled to do the same.
- The hearing panel uses a legal standard known as “preponderance of evidence” to decide whether or not you are Responsible for (guilty of) an offense. According to this standard, they must find you responsible if they believe you “more likely than not” committed the offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome. However, grounds for appeal are strictly limited to
- New evidence
- A procedural error
- A sanction that is disproportionate to the offense
Again, there are some minor differences in how certain cases proceed. For instance, at a sexual misconduct hearing, you are allowed to question the Complainant directly. This is one reason why it can be so important to have Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team on your side. They know how every type of case at the University of the Pacific works, and they can help you navigate the system no matter what charge you may be facing.
Academic Dismissal Cases
There is one type of dismissal at the University of the Pacific that has nothing to do with misconduct: dismissal for academic deficiencies. Basically, if you're not meeting the school's minimum standards, you can be “disqualified” from taking courses.
As it happens, the school offers an appeals process you can use to gain immediate reinstatement. In addition, if you should be disqualified, you can apply for reinstatement after being away from the school for a semester.
Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team have experience helping students go through this appeals process. They can work with you to gather evidence and draft the appeal itself.
In addition, though, they know a number of other, less formal ways to avoid academic dismissal. For instance, if your deficiencies are due to some extenuating circumstance, you can appeal directly to the dean of your school and college for more time to improve your grades. Likewise, you can try negotiating with instructors for better grades, especially if you have a compelling argument for why your grade is lower than it should be.
Whatever your situation, Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team can help you develop a workable plan and help you put it into action.
Fighting for Your Future
By this point, you should 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. Plus, it's no exaggeration to say that your entire future is on the line. You're facing dismissal, and you know what happens to people who go into the workforce with no college degree.
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 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 the Lento Law Firm Team can do for you, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
