Title IX law is in constant flux, with new rules and legal challenges continuing to shape how schools, colleges, and other institutions handle sex-based misconduct and discrimination. Our firm closely monitors these developments and is committed to providing the most current information available. Click here to learn about the current state of Title IX and how we can help if you are facing accusations or other Title IX issues.
Arizona State University (ASU) is a private research university established in 1885 in Tempe, Arizona. ASU’s massive size has allowed it to become one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the country. The University offers multiple programs, including the premed program for aspiring doctors. ASU boasts multiple MacArthur Fellows, Pulitzer Prize, and Nobel Laureates among its faculty, providing ample opportunities for learning, growth, and professional connections after graduation. But to take advantage of these many perks and strengths, you must also demonstrate that you are serious about your future. This dedication translates to avoiding academic, behavioral, and sexual misconduct as a premed student.
Although you are not yet part of the medical school of your choice, your premed program has a detrimental effect on your future career. If you engage in sexual, behavioral, or academic misconduct, you face sanctions that can prevent you from graduating on time and, in some cases, at all. Moreover, since your future career is one of public trust, it’s essential that you maintain a stellar reputation and keep your transcript unblemished. But mistakes happen, and they are vital to your learning curve and experience in premed school. Some mistakes are more impactful than others and can destroy your career before it starts. Don’t wait to take action if you receive word of allegations against you. Contact the LLF National Law Firm Education Law Team through the online form or call 888-535-3686 to discuss your options.
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is one of the most common reasons students may get into trouble and receive sanctions. The Student Handbook states that students are expected to act with academic integrity in their educational pursuits. It also gives multiple examples of what constitutes a violation, listing the below five broad categories:
- Cheating on an academic evaluation or assignment
- Engaging in plagiarism
- Fabrication and similar forms of academic deceit
- Collaborating with others to engage in academic dishonesty
- Falsifying your academic records
Students who are accused of engaging in academic dishonesty may be reported by any member of the ASU community. These reports go to the Academic Integrity Officer. Possible sanctions for violations include receiving a lower grade or grade penalty, loss of registration privileges, disqualification, and dismissal.
Behavioral Misconduct
No matter how well you perform academically at ASU, you must also demonstrate professional and ethical behavior befitting your future career. Engaging in behavior that is disruptive to others, results in an unsafe environment, and intentionally sabotaging other students’ chances at success leads to heavy penalties and eventual dismissal from your program and the University.
As a pre-med student, you are more likely to be scrutinized by your peers and instructors to determine whether you can proceed to medical school. While mistakes happen, some can lead to sanctions and removal from your program, forcing you to abandon your dreams of becoming a doctor.
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
The Title IX policy at ASU maintains that the University does not tolerate any forms of sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and relationship violence, among other actions that are seen as a form of discrimination based on sex. ASU has also appointed a Title IX coordinator and encourages students and staff members who experienced this violence to report the matter and receive support.
The Title IX process differs from the behavioral and academic processes established to handle violations and has a separate hearing. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at ASU is the first point of contact for those wishing to file a report.
If you are accused of sexual misconduct, it’s essential that you call the LLF National Law Firm Education Law Team as soon as you receive notice of the allegations. These are perhaps some of the most serious charges that may be brought against you, and they have the power to inflict lifelong damage on your reputation.
Adjudication Process
The matter starts with a report made to the appropriate officer for all hearings except the Title IX hearings. Once the report is received, the officer conducts a preliminary investigation to determine whether the allegations hold weight. Depending on the nature of the issue and the student’s feedback, once they meet with the officer, the matter is resolved or escalated to a hearing.
During the hearing, you and the accuser present your evidence and make a statement before the panel. Once the meeting ends, the members deliberate and suggest a sanction to the Dean. The Dean may affirm, deny, or accept the decision.
In cases where the Dean decides that the student must be suspended or expelled from the University, the student may request that the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board hear the case. This may lead to another hearing, depending on the case details. This matter is viewed as an appeal. The hearing works as any other hearing would, except that the college or school will take the role of the Dean.
Contacting the LLF National Law Firm
Although premed school at ASU is an exciting milestone in your life and the start of becoming a doctor, it comes with multiple challenges. As a college student, it is essential to understand how sanctions can affect your life in the long and short term. Regardless of the allegation and scenario, you need a strong team to stand beside you when your degree and reputation are on the line.
The LLF National Law Firm Education Law Team understands what you are going through. With years of experience working with premed students nationwide, the team is your pillar of strength and support when it seems you have nowhere to turn. The LLF National Law Firm Education Law Team acts as a guide and helps decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome from the Dean or hearing board.
If you or someone you love face allegations of sexual, academic, or behavioral misconduct, now is the time to act to save your future. Call the LLF National Law Firm today for a thorough consultation at 888-535-3686 or message the team through the online portal for more information.