Loyola University Chicago (LUC) is home to the Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM), one of the nation’s finest medical schools. This prestigious institution admits only the highest-ranking students and holds them to exceptionally high academic standards. The SSOM has an Academic Honesty Policy, which emphasizes professionalism and integrity. Unfortunately, each year, SSOM students are accused of academic dishonesty or other violations of academic policy. Whether the accusations involve cheating, plagiarism, or testing violations, they can result in a loss of class standing and potentially lead to suspension or dismissal.

If you face charges of academic dishonesty or other violations of the SSOM academic policies, it is vital that you act quickly to protect your reputation and future. Your first step is to find an experienced academic misconduct attorney. The LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team has a proven track record of defending medical students from allegations of academic dishonesty. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.

How Does the Loyola University SSOM Define “Academic Misconduct?”

Loyola University Chicago (LUC) has several policies regarding cheating and plagiarism that apply to graduate and professional students. More importantly, the SSOM publishes a Policy on Academic Honesty, which emphasizes that acts of academic dishonesty violate standards of professionalism, including the following specific behaviors:

Giving or Receiving Testing Assistance

SSOM prohibits students from giving or receiving assistance during an exam or when preparing graded materials.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is representing the work of another as one’s own without proper citation or credit. The SSOM lists the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a violation if it is undisclosed. Plagiarism also includes the use of paid or unpaid services of a ghostwriter.

Misuse of Academic Materials

SSOM prohibits the use of academic materials in an inappropriate manner, including accessing or sharing testing materials with others.

Inappropriate Access to or Misuse of Medical Records

SSOM policy lists inappropriate access to medical records or misuse of medical information as a violation. This may involve reviewing the medical records of another student or faculty member.

Sabotage of Another Student

SSOM lists sabotaging another student’s work as a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy.

Falsification

The falsification of data, clinical evaluation results, or other academic falsification is prohibited under the Academic Honesty Policy. This might include “lying, cheating, or fabricating information.”

The SSOM Student Handbook prohibits a number of behaviors beyond academic dishonesty. These include discrimination, sexual harassment, and bullying. The LLF National Law Firm also represents students accused of these behaviors. See Title IX defense.

If an SSOM medical student is accused of an academic honesty violation, the charge will follow the procedures outlined in the Academic Honesty Policy and the SSOM Student Handbook.

Loyola SSOM Procedures for Alleged Violations of Academic Integrity

If an allegation of academic dishonesty or a similar violation is made against an SSOM medical student, the following Academic Dishonesty procedures will apply:

  • Complaint to Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Dean will notify the student, ask for a written response, and inform the student of the review process. The Chair of the Student Promotion Committee will determine whether there is sufficient evidence of a violation to proceed with the investigation. The Chair may dismiss the complaint or may refer it to the Committee. The Committee will determine the merits of the accusations within 45 days and decide on the appropriate sanction.
  • Ad Hoc Faculty Committee. If the Associate Dean determines that the accusations warrant further investigation or a hearing, they will appoint two senior faculty members to serve on a three-person committee. This Ad Hoc Committee will proceed to a hearing. The student has a right to present an argument and written materials, including those prepared by an attorney. The student may name other witnesses or provide other materials. The decision of the Ad Hoc Committee will be presented to the Dean. The Dean will forward their decision to the student. The student may appeal to the Student Appeal Board.
  • Student Appeal Board. student may petition for an appeal of the Committee’s decision to the Student Appeal Board within 30 days. This petition may appeal a finding that a particular violation occurred, or it may appeal the sanction as unduly harsh. The Student Appeal Board will make a recommendation.
  • Loyola Provost. A student who is dissatisfied with the recommendation of the Student Appeal Board may appeal to the LUC Provost within 30 days.
  • Appeal to Vice President for the Health Sciences. If a student is facing dismissal or other serious sanctions, they may appeal to the Vice President for the Health Sciences within 30 days. This appeal must be directed to violations of policy or the unjust nature of the decision. Documentation of all these actions and appeals is kept in the student’s official file. If it is determined that the student is innocent of the alleged misconduct, the information should be removed from their file. It may be necessary to act through your attorney to ensure that all materials are removed from your official file.

Possible Sanctions at the Loyola SSOM

Possible sanctions for academic dishonesty violations at the Loyola SSOM include:

  • A failing grade or lower grade on an assignment.
  • A failing grade or lower grade in a course.
  • Lack of credit for a course.
  • Reprimand.
  • Probation.
  • Suspension.
  • Dismissal.

The Student Appeal Board and the Dean have considerable discretion regarding sanctions following an alleged academic integrity violation. If you face suspension or dismissal, call the LLF National Law Firm immediately. The time to fight these devastating consequences is very limited.

Academic Integrity Advisor

Even where accusations under the SSOM Honesty Policy or other accusations of academic dishonesty do not result in dismissal, they can have lasting consequences on class standing and future opportunities. No medical student should ever face accusations of academic dishonesty alone. The attorneys at the LLF National Law Firm have a proven track record of defending medical students nationwide. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.

Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine

Tell About Your Case

How Do Special Education Rights Vary at Charter Schools vs. Public Schools?

Parents choose charter schools largely because they offer an individualized curriculum that traditional public schools cannot. However, charter schools often lack the special education resources required for them to fulfill their goal. Regardless, charter schools are held to the exact same federal special education standards as traditional public schools. The […]

Understanding Illinois’ Exhaustion of Interventions Mandate

Facing disciplinary action at school can be incredibly stressful for students and their families. When a school threatens long-term suspension or expulsion, academic futures hang in the balance. In Illinois, however, thanks to a landmark law, the state’s priority is keeping students in the classroom. Illinois’ “Exhaustion of Interventions” mandate […]

When Academic Discipline Turns Into Litigation

A recent Idaho case shows how academic disputes can escalate when fairness is in question, particularly where allegations of racial discrimination are raised under federal civil rights law. According to the Idaho Capital Sun, a jury awarded $160,000 to a doctoral pharmacy student who alleged racial discrimination after being removed from […]

When the SRO (School Resource Officer) is Involved: Why “Educational Discipline” Just Became “Legal Defense”

In the name of student safety, schools are installing School Resource Officers (SROs) on campus. But SROs’ involvement in campus problems also means that incidents at school can now turn directly into criminal investigations. What parents need to know is this: If your child faces discipline because of an incident […]