When you started at Broward, the last thing on your mind was the possibility you would be facing misconduct allegations. But now you're being accused of misconduct and may not know how to respond. You may be confused because this is just a big misunderstanding, or the allegations against you don't seem that serious. Whether you are accused of a minor infraction or severe misconduct, you must take your defense seriously, or your academic career and future could be on the line.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team fights to get our student clients' lives back on track without damaging their academic standing. Let us help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Misconduct Allegations at Broward College
When you think of misconduct at college, you usually think of underage drinking, hazing, or cheating, but all types of behaviors can get you accused of misconduct at Broward. At Broward, prohibited behaviors and examples of misconduct are detailed in its Policy Manual and Student Sexual Misconduct Policy.Misconduct at Broward will typically fall into one of the following three categories:
Academic Misconduct
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Acquisition, use, sale, or distribution of testing or teaching materials without the professor's consent
- Disruption to the educational environment
- Unauthorized use of AI technology
- Any form of academic dishonesty
Code of Conduct Violations
- Abusive conduct
- Bribery
- Bullying
- Cyberbullying
- Threatening or intimidating behavior
- Public humiliation
- Stalking
- Hazing
- Misuse of college identification
- Public intoxication
- Use, possession, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances
- Theft or damage to a person's or Broward's property
- Unauthorized demonstrations
- Spreading malicious rumors or falsehoods
- Using derogatory slurs
- Making discriminatory comments
- Possession of weapons or dangerous materials
- Making false reports regarding dangerous conditions (for example, falsely reporting a bomb threat or active shooter)
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct
- Dating violence
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Stalking
- Hate crimes (“biased-motivated conduct”)
- Discrimination
- Retaliation
Broward College Disciplinary Action Process
If you're accused of any type of misconduct at Broward, depending on the nature of the allegations, your professor, the Dean of Students, or the Title IX Office will address the matter.
Broward's approach to each type of misconduct is explained in its Procedures Manual and Student Sexual Misconduct Procedure.
Academic Misconduct
Broward policy requires professors to be the first to address accusations of a student's academic misconduct. When academic misconduct occurs, the issue is usually flagged first by the course professor and pertains to their specific course. Therefore, Broward officials believe the professor is the most appropriate person to assess the situation and decide appropriate actions. In fact, Broward policy states that "academic integrity is best taught and reinforced by faculty as an element of the teaching and learning process," and professors should only move forward with formal action in particularly egregious cases or when there have been numerous instances where a student is guilty of academic misconduct.
This approach is good news if this is the first or one of the first times you have been accused of academic misconduct. Your professor may offer minimal sanctions that won't impact your permanent record or lead you to face formal action with severe consequences. Common sanctions a Broward professor may suggest include:
- Redoing an assignment or retaking an exam
- Extra credit assignment
- Writing a reflection paper
- Participation in other educational programs
- Receiving a failing grade on the assignment
In more serious cases where you would receive a failing grade in the course or worse, the Dean of Students will get involved. When this happens, you will go through the same disciplinary action process as those facing other Student Code of Conduct violations, as discussed below.
Non-Academic Misconduct
Non-academic misconduct involves Student Code of Conduct violations unrelated to your academic work. This covers behaviors that Broward finds unacceptable, unsafe, or violating local, Florida, or federal law on and off campus. The Dean of Students handles Student Code of Conduct accusations. They will begin by reviewing the complaint. If the complaint is credible, they will open an investigation. Investigations include interviewing you, other students, or involved parties and reviewing any evidence.
You will be notified of the investigation and given a hearing date. Hearings at Broward are referred to as disciplinary proceedings. Hearings are held by an impartial hearing officer who will hear both sides of the case. Fortunately, Broward allows you to have an attorney present throughout the disciplinary process. You should never speak with Broward officials or attend your disciplinary proceedings without first consulting the Lento Law Firm. We are here for you every step of the way.
Title IX Violations and Sexual Misconduct
While Broward makes the rules for handling misconduct cases regarding Title IX accusations, Broward must follow federal law. The law dictates the procedures, evidence standards, rules on witness testimony, conducting hearings, and more. It doesn't help that Title IX changes frequently as different politicians put their own spin on the law. Having an attorney experienced in Title IX is crucial to the success of your case. At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team has successfully represented numerous students facing Title IX allegations in Broward.
While the law is always changing, if you're accused of a Title IX violation, you can expect your case to be assigned to a Title IX Coordinator. They will try to resolve the case informally, but there is a good chance your case could proceed to a Title IX investigation and hearing. The Lento Law Firm attorney will represent you every step of the way.
Sanctions and Consequences of Misconduct at Broward College
How serious the sanctions you could be facing depends on the severity and nature of your case. Either your professor or the Dean of Students will weigh all the relevant factors in your case and make a decision. Common sanctions for misconduct at Broward include:
- Imposition of fines
- Withholding a diploma
- Withholding of a transcript
- Probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
If you're a student who is also employed at Broward through work-study or another program and you face disciplinary action, you can also be subjected to professional consequences. Your case will be reviewed by the Executive Director of Talent and Culture at Broward. They will investigate the incident and determine if and how your employment at Broward will be impacted. Unfortunately, students can face termination of their employment following a guilty finding of misconduct.
Protect Your Future – Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
If your future at Broward is being threatened, you need the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team ensures your rights are protected throughout the disciplinary process, and you get the most favorable outcome possible. Get started with us today by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
