If you are being accused of misconduct at California State University, Northridge, you have a lot to lose. Learning that misconduct accusations have been made against you is upsetting, and you might be unsure how to handle the situation. Whether the accusations result from a mistake or miscommunication, the Lento Law Firm can help. Our Student Defense Team will guide you through the disciplinary action process, ensure your rights are upheld, and you get the best possible outcome in your case. Let us help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Misconduct Allegations at Cal State Northridge
You can be accused of all types of misconduct at Cal State Northridge. Generally, misconduct accusations fall into one of the below three categories:
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct, also referred to as academic dishonesty at Cal State Northridge, includes:
- Cheating on exams or assignments
- Unauthorized collaboration
- Plagiarism
- Falsification or fabrication of university documents
- Unauthorized use of AI technology
- Multiple submissions without the professor's consent
Conduct Violations
Cal State Northridge Student Conduct Code covers both academic and non-academic misconduct. Non-academic Student Conduct Code misconduct at Cal State Northridge includes, but is not limited to:
- Disruption of university activities
- Hazing
- Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Use, possession, or distribution of alcohol
- Theft
- Property damage
- Possession of weapons
- Misuse of computer facilities or resources
- Physical or verbal harassment
- Assault
- Falsification or misrepresentation of information in a student discipline matter
- Initiation of a student discipline proceeding in bath faith
- Any violation of local, state, or federal law
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Violations
Sexual misconduct, also called Title IX violations, is a common misconduct allegation at Cal State Northridge. Title IX violations students may be accused of include:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault
- Dating violence
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
Cal State Northridge Disciplinary Action Process
At Cal State Northridge, the disciplinary action process you go through depends on the nature of the allegations against you.
Academic Misconduct
Your professor will first address allegations of academic misconduct at Cal State Northridge. Cal State Northridge prefers that students and professors informally resolve academic misconduct issues instead of going through the official disciplinary action process for Student Conduct Code violations. In fact, Cal State Northridge's Faculty Policy on Academic Dishonesty states, "[if] there is evidence of academic dishonesty on the part of a student, it is the faculty member's responsibility to take action against the student.”
You will meet with your professor one-on-one when you're accused of academic misconduct. They will discuss the allegations against you and the disciplinary action they intend to take. These actions can include having you re-do the exam or assignment and assigning a lower or failing grade on an exam, assignment, or even the entire course. The professor may also have the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs send you a formal admonitory letter. This letter states that formal disciplinary action won't be taken, but the letter puts you on notice of the actions that Cal State Northridge officials are aware of the misconduct. Alternatively, the professor may request disciplinary action be taken through the formal procedure for Student Conduct Code violations.
When academic misconduct results in a grade penalty, you are entitled to appeal your professor's disciplinary action with the Academic Grievance and Appeals Board. To appeal the decision, you must fill out an Academic Grievance and Grade Appeal Student Complaint Form and submit it to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The professor involved in your academic misconduct case will be asked to respond to your complaint. Your complaint and response will then be sent to the appropriate department chair and college dean, who will meet with you and the professor to attempt to come up with a resolution. The dean will respond to your complaint; you can choose to accept the recommendation of the dean or pursue a review by the Board.
When your case is reviewed by the Board, it will investigate and hold a hearing. The Board will then make a final decision in your case.
Student Conduct Code Violations
If you're being accused of a Student Conduct Code violation, you have likely received notice from a Student Conduct Administrator in Cal State Northridge's Division of Student Affairs. The Student Conduct Administrator is the person tasked with investigating the claim of misconduct against you and initiating the disciplinary action process. They have 40 business days after receiving the complaint to complete their investigation. When the investigation is complete, the Student Conduct Administrator will contact you about scheduling a meeting where you can respond to the accusation and try to resolve the matter without moving forward in the formal disciplinary action process. If you accept an agreement during this meeting, you are waiving your right to a hearing. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can request a hearing.
The hearing will be conducted between 10 and 20 business days after the meeting you had with the Student Conduct Administrator. At Cal State Northridge, a Hearing Officer presides over misconduct hearings. Both you and the Student Conduct Administrator will make your arguments, present evidence, and call witnesses.
Title IX Violations
Title IX violations at Cal State Northridge are handled differently than other types of misconduct. Title IX is a federal law that establishes how sexual misconduct cases are dealt with. It's particularly confusing because it's always changing. At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team is well-versed in all aspects of Title IX, from investigations to hearings and your rights throughout Title IX proceedings at Cal State Northridge.
Can My Lento Law Firm Attorney Represent Me in Disciplinary Proceedings at Cal State Northridge?
Student defense attorneys can play a few different roles for students facing accusations of misconduct. How an attorney can help is somewhat dictated by your college or university. At Cal State Northridge, students generally are not allowed to be represented by an attorney in disciplinary proceedings unless:
- The student is also subject to criminal charges based on the same accusation
- Expulsion is a possible sanction
- The accusations involve a Title IX violation
What does this mean? If you are also facing criminal charges, your Lento Law Firm attorney can represent you, meaning assisting in your defense and being involved in all correspondence, meetings, and hearings throughout the Cal State Northridge disciplinary action process. Your Lento Law Firm attorney works behind the scenes if the allegations against you do not involve corresponding criminal charges. This includes walking you through every step of the disciplinary process by helping you prepare for all meetings, ensuring you know what to say and what not to say, and preparing your defense. Additionally, our Student Defense Team ensures you know your legal rights and that they are protected.
Sanctions and Consequences of Misconduct at Cal State Northridge
The sanctions you can receive when you're found guilty of misconduct at Cal State Northridge vary based on the nature and severity of your case. Common disciplinary actions taken against students at Cal State Northridge include:
- Receiving an F on an exam or assignment
- Receiving an F in a course
- Educational seminars
- Written warning
- Disciplinary probation
- Restitution
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Protect Your Future – Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
If your academic career and future at Cal State Northridge are being threatened, you need the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team has assisted numerous Cal State Northridge students facing misconduct allegations. We always fight to ensure our student clients get back on track as soon as possible with the best outcome for their case. Call our Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today to get started.
