You came to the New Jersey Institute of Technology to study, and that's where you've put all your focus. Fair enough. You know that a degree from NJIT coupled with a high GPA can be the gateway to a successful future.
In those moments when you're not studying for a calculus exam or writing that award-winning freshman comp essay, though, spare a thought for NJIT's disciplinary misconduct policy. The thing is, a misconduct allegation can put an end to your NJIT altogether if it's serious enough. We all make mistakes, but you don't even have to make one to find yourself accused of violating school policy. Misunderstandings happen all the time, and once an investigation gets started, you cannot control where it might end up.
Any time you are charged with an offense at NJIT, you need to contact the Lento Law Firm immediately. Our Student Defense Team knows what you're up against as a student, and we're here to help. We know all of the institute's rules and regulations and how judicial processes and procedures operate. We've represented hundreds of students just like you, and we're always—always—on your side.
What can we do to help you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at the New Jersey Institute of Technology
One reason students wind up charged with disciplinary misconduct offenses at NJIT? They make an honest mistake. After all, the school's Code of Student Conduct lists dozens of different offenses. Who can keep them all straight? In fact, we can't list them all here. We do want to take the time, though, to point out the offenses that can get you into the most trouble. These are, of course, the ones you most want to avoid.
- Physical Misconduct: NJIT's definition of “violence” is pretty broad. Obviously, the school bars any type of physical violence against others in the campus community. This stricture extends to animals as well, though, which is fairly unusual. Note, too, that the next entry in the Code is a prohibition on “threatening” violence.
- Weapons Possession: To help minimize the damage of “physical misconduct,” NJIT also prohibits all weapons from campus. This includes firearms, explosives, knives, and even “facsimiles of weapons.”
- Hazing: Hazing incidents tend to wind up in the papers, so schools take them especially seriously. You can be charged not just for endangering a pledge's physical well-being but also their psychological well-being.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexually-based offenses are barred on college campuses by federal law (Title IX). Schools are required to investigate all credible offenses and are encouraged to implement harsh sanctions.
- Drug Use and Possession: This is perhaps the most common offense on college campuses. Nevertheless, NJIT takes it very seriously. You can be charged not just for use, possession, manufacture, and distribution of drugs but for possession of drug paraphernalia as well.
The Code of Student Conduct also contains a list of possible sanctions you face any time you're found responsible for (guilty of) misconduct. These range from reprimand to outright dismissal. Obviously, more serious offenses tend to garner more serious sanctions.
That said, it's important you take every accusation seriously, no matter what the proposed penalty might be. Here's why. Even a warning can cause long-term consequences if it shows up on your transcript. Disciplinary misconduct can cost you scholarships, internships, graduate school admission, and even jobs. This is one reason why it's so important you have a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
A misconduct defense can be stressful, and you never want to go into one alone. However, you do have some important rights. NJIT can't simply accuse you and punish you. You're “innocent until proven guilty,” for instance, and proving your guilt normally requires some pretty substantial evidence.
- Anyone at NJIT can accuse you of an offense. The Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) must believe the accusations are credible, though, before they issue formal charges and open an investigation.
- If you are facing charges, you'll receive notice of those charges from the ODOS. This notice will explain the allegations and apprise you of your due process rights.
- One of your most important rights is the right to a support person, someone to sit beside you at investigative meetings and during the hearing. If you choose a Lento Law Firm attorney as your support person, we can be on hand to help you answer difficult questions and present your arguments.
- Again, NJIT needs some evidence in order to proceed against you, so you should expect a thorough investigation. You always have the right to give your side of the story, though, to offer evidence and to suggest witnesses.
- At the conclusion of the investigation, investigators turn over their findings to the ODOS. The ODOS then sets a time and date for a hearing. Minor offenses are heard by single administrators. Major offenses usually appear before Conduct Boards.
- You have a chance to give your side of the story the investigation, but the hearing is your very best opportunity to defend yourself. You are entitled to introduce evidence and examine witnesses. Of course, the ODOS has these same rights.
- Justice at NJIT is based on the legal standard “preponderance of the evidence.” Basically, decision-makers must determine whether it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- The last element in a misconduct case is the right to appeal the hearing outcome. Grounds for appeal are strict, though. You must be able to show that some procedural error occurred, that new evidence has arisen, or that the sanction you've been assigned is grossly unfair.
Throughout the process, your Lento Law Firm attorney will make sure NJIT respects your rights and gives you a fair hearing. In addition, though, they can handle most of the aspects of your hearing preparation, from gathering evidence to coming up with questions for witnesses. They cannot present your case for you, but they can outline your presentation and give you practice in making it.
Fighting for Your Future
Handling your own disciplinary misconduct case puts your entire future at risk. Make sure you have a professional on your side, someone who not only knows how to construct a strong defense but who has experience helping student clients defend themselves from university charges. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team will make sure you're fully prepared to defend yourself. They'll protect your rights. They'll help you to get the very best possible resolution to your case.
Sometimes, you have to fight for your educational future. We can help. To find out more, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.
