If you're struggling to meet academic requirements at Washington State, or you've been accused of violating school policy, and someone has mentioned the possibility of dismissal, you need answers, and you need them now.
We won't waste your time. Below, you'll find out exactly what can get you dismissed from the university and how you can defend yourself if you're facing dismissal.
Before we get into that, though, it's important you know that you're not alone in this fight. The Lento Law Firm is on your side and ready to help. Our team knows the law and how to protect your rights. They also know the Washington System and how to navigate it. They've helped hundreds of students salvage their academic careers. They're here when you need them.
Reasons for Dismissal at Washington State University
You can't hope to successfully defend yourself unless you understand the charges against you. You're first job, then, is to find out exactly what can get you dismissed at Washington State.
- Academic Deficiencies: First up, you can be dismissed for a low GPA. If either your cumulative or term GPA should fall below 2.0, you're subject to Academic Notice. You have to defend your record in order to stay at the university, and if your GPA should fall for three semesters—even non-consecutive semesters—you can expect WSU to dismiss you.
- Academic Misconduct: Next, you must abide by the school's strict Academic Integrity policy. That means no cheating, no plagiarism, no fabrication, and no helping others to commit any of these offenses. First offenses are usually handled with classroom sanctions, like lower scores or a lower grade in the course. Major and multiple offenses, though, are often punished with dismissal.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: You must also abide by the general campus rules contained in the WSU Community Standards. That document includes prohibitions against things like underage drinking, theft, trespassing, and assault. Any violation can potentially result in dismissal.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, WSU maintains a strict policy against all forms of sexual discrimination and harassment. In fact, it is required to do so by Title IX, a federal law. All credible allegations are thoroughly investigated, and dismissal is always the most likely penalty.
Defending Yourself From Misconduct Charges
Once you understand the charges against you, your next job is to study Washington State's judicial procedures. That will give you some idea of how to begin building your defense. If you're dealing with a misconduct allegation, here's what you can expect.
- Cases begin when someone lodges a complaint against you. That person is usually referred to as the Complainant, though in some instances, the university itself will take on this role. As the defendant, you are referred to as the Respondent.
- If the school decides to formally charge you, it provides you with a written Notice of the Charges. This document should outline the allegations and apprise you of your due process rights.
- Among your rights, you are allowed to select an advisor to help you prepare your case. Your advisor may not speak for you, but they can advise you throughout the process. Importantly, this advisor can be an attorney.
- Investigators interview both sides in the case. In addition, they collect any physical evidence and talk with potential witnesses.
- When the investigation is complete, investigators submit a report of their findings. This report becomes the foundation of the next phase in the case: a hearing.
- At the hearing, both sides get to make their cases, offering up arguments, submitting evidence, and calling witnesses. In addition, you both have the opportunity to cross-examine any witnesses against you.
- Decision makers rely on a legal standard referred to as “preponderance of the evidence” to determine your Responsibility (guilt). According to this standard, they must find you Responsible if they believe it is more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- Finally, you can appeal the hearing outcome. However, all appeals must be filed within 20 days of receiving Notice of the Outcome.
While this general outline applies to all misconduct cases, there are important differences in how investigations and hearings proceed based on the specific nature of the charges. For example, either the hearing officer or the hearing panel asks all questions in academic and disciplinary misconduct cases. In Title IX sexual misconduct cases, however, advisors must ask all questions.
Whatever the charges against you, the team at the Lento Law Firm is well-versed in all of Washington State's procedures and experienced in guiding students through these procedures. You can trust them to know the system and to know how to use that system to your best advantage.
Academic Dismissals
Dismissals for academic cause at Washington State are handled quite differently from misconduct dismissals. There's no investigation, and you don't get a chance to make your case at a hearing. Academic dismissals are based almost entirely on your GPA, and WSU considers that an objective fact not open to debate.
Nevertheless, there are some important ways to deal with the threat of this type of dismissal. For instance,
- If your academic deficiencies were caused by extenuating circumstances, such as a long-term illness, you can appeal to your school or college dean for more time to improve.
- A learning disability may entitle you to course accommodations, such as extra time to complete your assignments. If your instructor refuses to allow you these accommodations, you can appeal to Disability Services.
- Some instructors are willing to assign extra credit and makeup work. An extra lab assignment or an essay rewrite could be all you need to raise your GPA high enough to avoid dismissal.
As with misconduct dismissals, the Lento Law Firm can work with you to identify the best solution to your particular situation and will help you implement that solution.
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.
