Colleges are so much more than just a place to learn. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is known for its academic excellence, but it also provides students with a vibrant campus life and ample opportunities to join other students in clubs or groups. However, being part of such a dynamic community comes with responsibilities, and VCU strictly enforces its Student Code of Conduct to keep the campus community safe for all students.
Accusations of misconduct—whether behavioral, academic, or involving Title IX violations—jeopardize your VCU enrollment if you cannot defend against them. The Lento Law Firm intimately understands VCU's policies and disciplinary procedures and is ready to help fight against misconduct allegations. Call today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form to start.
Misconduct Violations and Sanctions at Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University's Student Code of Conduct makes it clear which behaviors are prohibited, and misconduct remains prohibited regardless of whether it occurs on or off campus grounds. After a formal disciplinary process, any VCU student found responsible for a policy violation will face disciplinary punishment and setbacks as they continue in their college career. Common policy violations and misconduct allegations at VCU include:
- Academic misconduct, such as plagiarism, cheating, or sharing unauthorized testing materials
- Abusive conduct of all types, such as hazing, assault, battery, stalking, or disorderly conduct
- Alcohol and drug violations
- Sexual misconduct, including Title IX violations
- Physical abuse and threats
- Weapons violations
- Theft and property damage
- Misuse or abuse of campus technology and resources
- Disruption of VCU activities
Not all misconduct violations are created equal, but they all carry the potential for discipline. If VCU officials find you responsible for violating school policies, they will consider the severity of the misconduct and your prior conduct history to decide what punishment is appropriate. Possible sanctions at VCU include:
- Censure
- Disciplinary probation
- Educational experiences, such as mandatory workshops or counseling.
- Restitution
- Deferred Suspension
- Suspension
- Expulsion
VCU may not pursue disciplinary action against you in limited circumstances, such as if you report unsafe acts of hazing, alcohol usage, or drug usage. However, they might still require you to attend mandatory counseling or educational workshops in lieu of formal discipline.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is aware of the risks of policy violations at VCU, and we are here to help protect your enrollment. Legal assistance from day one of your disciplinary proceedings is the best way to avoid punishment entirely. Call today at 888-535-3686 to begin defending against misconduct accusations of all forms at VCU.
Misconduct Disciplinary Process at Virginia Commonwealth University
Misconduct accusations and the potential for severe disciplinary sanctions should not be taken lightly. Before walking into a meeting with an investigator or VCU Board, always contact the Lento Law Firm to review your options and learn how to respond to questions. VCU provides accused students with the right to be accompanied by an attorney, and our Student Defense Team has the experience needed to help you succeed. At VCU, attorneys cannot speak on your behalf, but we can guide and support you throughout the entire VCU disciplinary process following misconduct allegations.
Reporting of Alleged Misconduct
The vast majority of VCU misconduct investigations begin when a member of the university community or third party reports misconduct to the school. VCU allows anonymous reports, increasing the chances of false or exaggerated misconduct accusations against you.
Report Review and Student Notification
After a report, VCU's Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) reviews the allegations and decides whether to proceed. If potential disciplinary charges are warranted, you will receive a Notification Letter detailing the misconduct allegations and a general summary of the complaint. At this point, it is your responsibility to contact a Student Conduct Administrator within five business days to schedule a meeting. However, before too much time passes, always make sure to contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team to protect your rights during investigations and proceedings.
Misconduct Investigation Process
Part of the Student Conduct Administrator's investigation involves their meeting with you, but they also conduct an outside investigation to gather evidence of the alleged misconduct. If the reporter provides contact information, the administrator can meet with them to learn more about the situation. Plus, they can interview witnesses to the alleged conduct and gather any physical evidence that exists. Your meeting with the Student Conduct Administrator is an opportunity to counter this evidence and present your side of the story.
When making disciplinary decisions, VCU relies on a "preponderance of evidence" standard. Instead of having overwhelming proof of your guilt, they only have to believe it is more likely than not that you violated school policies.
The Lento Law Firm assists VCU students by gathering evidence that bolsters their side of the story and crafting a defense that explains or disproves the alleged misconduct. The more proof on your side, the better.
Adjudication
If the administrator does not find evidence of the violation in the Notification Letter, VCU closes the case and issues no disciplinary punishment. However, most cases involving actual policy violations conclude through a simple process requiring the student to accept responsibility for the violation. Then, the student can accept the recommended sanctions, follow through on any requirements, and continue their education at VCU. Issues and complications arise when the student either disagrees with the investigation findings or believes the sanctions are too harsh. In this case, other outcomes include:
- Sanction Review Board (SRB): If a student accepts responsibility but disputes the sanctions, they can request a review by the SRB. This Board, composed of both students and school officials, assesses the appropriateness of the sanctions and makes a final decision, potentially altering the administrator's recommended punishment.
- Student Conduct Board (SCB): If a student contests the finding of responsibility by the Student Conduct Administrator, the case is escalated to the SCB. These hearings are similar to court appearances, involving the presentation of evidence and witnesses. The SCB once again determines responsibility and recommends sanctions if applicable.
Remember, the Lento Law Firm has direct experience defending VCU students from misconduct allegations and understands precisely how these Board processes work. If you still lack legal representation when facing sanctions, contact our Student Defense Team to discuss your defense options as soon as possible.
Appeals
VCU students have the right to appeal SCB decisions to the Conduct Appeal Board (CAB) for two reasons: procedural errors or the existence of new and pertinent evidence. The CAB reviews the appeal and makes a recommendation to the Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs, whose decision is final and cannot be appealed further.
Defending Against Misconduct Allegations at Virginia Commonwealth University
The longer you wait to begin crafting a defense against misconduct allegations at VCU, the greater the risks to your academic future. The Lento Law Firm has the experience you need to protect against false or unfair misconduct accusations before they cause severe, long-term damage or threaten your enrollment. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to begin your misconduct defense at VCU.
