The Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) is a premier dental school in New Jersey and is one of the nation’s finest dental schools. RSDM maintains high standards for ethics and professionalism, as reflected in the RSDM Honor Code. However, this Code provides for strict penalties, including expulsion and degree revocation, for many violations. Furthermore, the standards are often written broadly, allowing for the revocation of degrees for undefined violations. Unfortunately, each year, students at RSDM are accused of violating these policies, often with devastating consequences.

If you face allegations of academic misconduct at the RSDM, it is normal to feel unsure of your next step. A good choice now will make all the later steps easier. The Student Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm has a proven track record of defending dental students from allegations of academic dishonesty. Contact the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will be in touch with you.

How Does RSDM Define Academic Misconduct?

RSDM publishes an Honor Code that prohibits a broad range of academic misconduct. The Honor Code lists the types of misconduct that support more serious penalties as follows:

Grounds for Expulsion from RSDM

The following academic violations are grounds for expulsion from RSDM:

  • Unauthorized assistance during an exam, assignment, or evaluation, including copying from another student, obtaining test questions or materials ahead of time, giving aid to another student, or using unauthorized notes or materials.
  • Obtaining or providing test materials ahead of time, including disclosing exam questions to others.
  • Plagiarism or submission of work not exclusively done by the person submitting it.

Grounds for Suspension from RSDM

The following academic violations are grounds for suspension from RSDM:

  • Unauthorized collaboration on an assignment.
  • Interfering with the performance of another student, including hiding reserve or other necessary materials, or sabotage.

Grounds for Written or Oral Reprimand

The following academic violations are grounds for oral reprimand at RSDM:

  • Behavior disruptive to the mission of RSDM.
  • Disregard of rules or regulations related to the resolution of personal conflict in the academic environment.
  • Violations of principles of professional conduct in academic or clinical environments.

Grounds for Probation

The following academic violations are grounds for the imposition of probation at RSDM:

  • A guilty finding from the Hearing Body for an ethical violation (where the student is not expelled).
  • Following a suspension, the returning student will have a probationary period as determined by the Hearing Body.

Penalties for Repeat Violations

  • If a student has at least two guilty findings by the Hearing Body on offenses that warrant reprimand or suspension, they may be subject to an additional proceeding to determine whether further discipline is warranted.

Grounds for Withholding of a Degree

The following academic violations are grounds for withholding of a degree (or revocation) at RSDM:

  • Expulsion from RSDM before degree award.
  • A degree may be revoked if an academic violation is discovered after the degree is awarded, provided that the violation also involved the breach of a state or federal law while attending RSDM.

While each type of violation may be grounds for a particular sanction, the Dean or Hearing Body may choose a lower-level sanction after a determination of guilt. Charges will be handled in accordance with the procedures included in the Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) Statement of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures.

RSDM Procedures for Alleged Violations of Academic Integrity

The following RBHS disciplinary procedures apply to alleged violations of the Honor Code or other violations of the Academic Integrity policy.

  1. Disciplinary matters typically begin with a request to the Dean, but must be made within 30 days of the alleged violation. The Dean will notify the student and may attempt to resolve the issue informally. The Hearing Body consists of student and faculty members who serve as voting members. If informal resolution is not possible, the Dean will forward the issue to the Hearing Body.
  2. The Hearing Body will provide written notice to the student, summarizing the charge and specifying the time, date, and place of the scheduled hearing. The Hearing Body will convene and receive evidence, including testimony from witnesses and documentary submissions. The Hearing Body may examine the accused student’s education records. The Hearing Body will have limited information on prior charges solely to determine the sanction to recommend to the Dean. Students have the right to the assistance of an attorney when preparing for this hearing. The burden of proving the accusations by a preponderance of the evidence lies with RSDM.
  3. The Hearing Body will make a recommendation to the Dean within 7 days after the close of the hearing. This recommendation will include findings of fact and a tally of the Hearing Body’s voting regarding guilt. The Hearing Body will also make a recommendation on a sanction if it determines a violation has occurred.
  4. The Dean will decide on the disciplinary action within 30 days, except in extraordinary circumstances. The student may appeal the Dean’s decision to the RBHS Chancellor.

This process can vary in individual cases depending on the level and seriousness of the violation. Regardless of where a student is in this process, the LLF National Law Firm can help. It is vital, however, to call as soon as possible.

Sanctions for Academic Violations at RSDM

Sanctions for violations of the RSDM Honor Code include:

  • No Sanction (dismissal of charges).
  • Grade reduction or loss of a course or credit.
  • Reprimand.
  • Probation, for a specific period of time or until conditions are met.
  • Suspension, typically for a specific period of time.
  • Expulsion.
  • Withholding of a degree or degree revocation.

The type of sanction imposed is dependent on the level and seriousness of the violation.

Academic Integrity Attorneys

The Honor Code at RSDM is written extremely broadly, giving the Dean considerable discretion to determine sanctions for violations. These sanctions include dismissal, withholding of the degree, or revocation of the degree. However, even a seemingly minor sanction can have profoundly damaging consequences on a dental career. The assignment of an F* grade tells any party looking at your transcripts (indefinitely) that you have been found guilty of academic dishonesty. The Student Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm has a proven track record of defending dental, medical, and nursing students nationwide. We understand the unique nature of allegations of misconduct for future health professionals. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, New Jersey

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