Likely, the last thing you expected when you started at Florida International University (FIU) was to find yourself facing a misconduct accusation. You worked hard to get into FIU and set yourself up for a successful career post-graduation, but now all that could be on the line. Whether the allegations against you are based in fact or result from a miscommunication or spiteful accusation, you need to take any misconduct accusation seriously – FIU officials certainly will. When your future is on the line, you can't afford to gamble; you need the help of the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team has fought tirelessly for FIU students facing all types of misconduct allegations. Let us help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Misconduct Allegations at Florida International University
Misconduct allegations at FIU come in several varieties: conduct violations, academic misconduct, and Title IX violations. FIU's Student Conduct and Honor Code details the different types of misconduct, prohibited actions, and the separate disciplinary action process.
Conduct Violations
FIU has a long list of prohibited behaviors in its Student Conduct and Honor Code; these include, but are not limited to:
- Underage drinking
- Providing alcohol to underage parties
- Smoking and use of tobacco products on campus
- Bribery
- Computer misuse
- Disruptive conduct
- Possession or use of drugs
- Endangerment
- Gambling
- Hazing
- Harassment
- On-campus housing violations
- Verbal, physical, or written abuse
- Stalking
- Theft
- Destruction of property
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Possession of weapons or explosives
- Any violations of federal, state, or local laws
Academic Misconduct Violations
With the intense pressure to succeed and hefty course loads, academic misconduct is common at FIU. Actions that are considered academic misconduct at FIU include:
- Academic dishonesty
- Bribery
- Cheating
- Commercial use
- Complicity
- Falsification of records
- Misrepresentation
- Multiple submission
- Plagiarism
- Unauthorized use of AI technology
Title IX Violations
When you came to FIU, you were required to participate in Title IX training as a student. Title IX is a federal law that prevents sexual discrimination in educational settings. If you've been accused of a Title IX violation at FIU, you are being accused of sexual misconduct. While we most often think of assault or harassment when we think of sexual misconduct, there are many behaviors that fall under the category of Title IX violations. FIU's Regulation 105 – Sexual Harassment (Title IX) and Sexual Misconduct Policydetails all these behaviors:
- Sexual harassment
- Coercion
- Domestic violence
- Dating violence
- Gender-based harassment
- Non-consensual sexual touching
- Obscene or indecent behavior
- Revenge porn
- Sex-based harassment
- Sexual assault
- Sexual coercion
- Sexual exploitation
- Stalking
Florida International University Disciplinary Action Process
The disciplinary action process at FIU will vary depending on the allegations against you. FIU has separate disciplinary action procedures for each type of misconduct, code of conduct violation, academic misconduct, and Title IX.
Code of Conduct Violations and Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Action Processes
If you're accused of academic misconduct, FIU encourages your professor to work with you first to find a solution. However, even if your professor meets with you, they may still file charges with SCAI for academic misconduct within 90 days of obtaining knowledge of the alleged incident. This step is not applicable if your case is for a code of conduct violation.
The SCAI Director will review the case and decide if there is sufficient evidence to charge you with academic misconduct. They may choose to have an informal conversation with you instead of filing charges. If the SCAI Director files charges, you will receive written notice and must attend an information session with a hearing officer to discuss the disciplinary process.
You then have two options; one is to agree to a summary resolution. In this case, you essentially admit guilt, accept sanctions, and waive your hearing right. Alternatively, you can proceed with a formal hearing, which will be held before a SCAI Hearing Officer or the Student Conduct Committee. Once the deciding body has reached a determination, it will need final approval from university authorities and will be sent to you within 14 business days.
Title IX Disciplinary Action Process
Federal law requires FIU to deal with all Title IX cases. What this means is that there are different procedures, standards, and rights parties have under the law than with other misconduct cases at FIU. Title IX cases are particularly difficult to navigate because Title IX is, unfortunately, always changing with the political tides. If you're accused of a Title IX violation, you need an attorney who is experienced in Title IX misconduct cases at the university level. At the Lento Law Firm, we keep our fingers on the pulse of all Title IX changes, allowing us to serve students facing sexual misconduct allegations at FIU best.
Sanctions and Consequences of Misconduct at Florida International University
Our goal at the Lento Law Firm is to get you the most minimal sanctions possible. The options of what sanctions you may end up with will depend on the nature and severity of your case, but the full range of possible options include:
- Written reprimand
- Educational activities
- Alcohol or drug education
- Letters of apology
- Grade penalty on an assignment/exam/project with resubmission
- Grade penalty on an assignment/exam/project without resubmission
- Overall course grade penalty with a drop (receiving an F for the course with the option to request a drop from the course)
- Overall course grade penalty (receiving an F without the option to drop the course)
- Conduct probation
- Deferred Suspension
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Florida International University Disciplinary Appeals
The disciplinary action process at FIU can be fast-paced and overwhelming, even for the smartest and most well-supported students. If you feel that FIU was unfair to you in the disciplinary action process or sanctions taken against you, you may be entitled to an appeal. The appeals process can be confusing, and FIU doesn't give you much time to figure it out. You only have seven business days to file your appeal. Even if you aren't sure you qualify, your education is on the line, so it's worth calling the Lento Law Firm to find out. We will advise you if you are eligible and, if so, how to move forward.
Protect Your Future – Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
Don't risk your academic and professional careers by fighting FIU misconduct allegations alone. When you retain the Lento Law Firm, we guide you through the disciplinary process and work to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Get started with our Student Defense Team today by calling us at 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
