Michigan State University is a great school; getting your degree from Michigan State can set you up for a life of professional success. But if you're accused of misconduct, all your hard work and your future could go out the door. Whether the accusations against you are the result of a mistake or a miscommunication, you need the best defense on your side. At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team has helped countless Michigan State students get their lives back on track. We don't believe your life should be ruined over misconduct accusations. Let our Student Defense Team help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Misconduct Accusations at Michigan State
Misconduct accusations are categorized into three categories: academic misconduct, non-academic misconduct, and Title IX violations.
Michigan State defines academic misconduct as "academic dishonesty, violations of professional standards, and falsification of academic or admission records." It's one of the most common forms of misconduct with intense pressure to do well academically and with AI technology at students' fingertips. Common instances of academic misconduct at Michigan include:
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Self-plagiarism (resubmission of the same material for different courses or assignments without the professor's permission)
- Collaborating with others without the instructor's permission
- Unauthorized use of AI technology
Title IX violations are non-academic misconduct accusations that specifically relate to discrimination and sexual misconduct. Behavior that falls under the category of Title IX violations include:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
- Retaliation
Michigan State Disciplinary Action Process
Fortunately, Michigan State allows you to have an attorney present throughout the disciplinary action process. Michigan State addresses different types of misconduct through different procedures. At Michigan State, the Student Rights and Responsibilities document outlines disciplinary action procedures. The different disciplinary action processes you may be subject to include:
Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Action
When you are accused of academic misconduct, professors generally address the accusations directly. This can look like having your grade docked, failing the assignment, or even failing the course. Whatever action the professor takes will be submitted to the academic dean of students using an Academic Dishonesty Report. This report puts academic misconduct on your academic record.
You don't have to accept a professor's actions against you – you can fight back. Fighting your academic misconduct sanctions requires requesting an academic grievance hearing. The hearing will be held either by the University Academic Grievance Hearing Board or the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board. At your hearing, you will be able to present your side of the story and argue why your professor has taken inappropriate action in your case. Following the hearing, the relevant board will decide whether to uphold the sanctions against you.
Non-Academic Misconduct Process
If you're being accused of non-academic misconduct at Michigan State, there are many different parties that may be involved in your case. For example, you may be dealing with the Division of Student Life and Engagement, the University Ombudsperson, and more. If possible, Michigan State tries to deal with non-academic misconduct through informal resolution, which involves working with different offices to devise a solution and meet the needs of all students involved in a conflict.
If a case is serious or cannot be resolved through the informal process, a formal complaint is filed with the Office of Student Support and Accountability. You may have already received a notice of complaint from this office. Your notice of complaint should state the specific Michigan State policy or regulation you are accused of violating, details about the alleged violation, a list of resolution options, and the deadline by which you must meet with an administrator from the relevant office or department.
Hearings are a little bit like a trial you would see in court. Both sides get to make their arguments, put forth witnesses for examination and cross-examination, and offer evidence in support of their case. You and your Lento Law Firm attorney will have time to thoroughly prepare your defense. After the hearing, the hearing body or administrator will decide whether or not you are guilty of the accusation and what, if any, sanctions are appropriate in your case.
Title IX Disciplinary Action Process
Title IX cases at Michigan State are dealt with according to its Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy. Title IX differs from other misconduct cases at Michigan State because federal law dictates a lot of the process. If you're accused of a Title IX violation, your case will begin with being assigned to a Title IX Coordinator. This person may try to resolve the case informally. If that isn't possible, a formal complaint will be filed, and a full Title IX investigation will occur. Following the investigation, a hearing will be assigned. A hearing is your opportunity to call witnesses, show evidence, and argue your case.
Title IX cases are particularly difficult to navigate. One reason for this is that federal law is always changing, which can cause confusion even within the Michigan State office charged with ensuring compliance. Because of the complexity of Title IX cases, it is particularly important to have an experienced student defense attorney. At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team has its finger on the pulse of all Title IX changes. We know the ins and outs of Title IX and ensure your legal rights are upheld throughout your case.
Sanctions and Consequences of Misconduct at Michigan State
Sanctions are imposed on a case-by-case basis, considering all circumstances of the case and a student's prior disciplinary record. The sanctions taken against a student can include:
- Written warning
- Mandated participation in an educational program or activity
- Change of residence
- Probation
- Restitution
- Disenrollment from a course
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Michigan State Disciplinary Appeals
Disciplinary appeals at Michigan State are no easy feat. But if you're facing serious sanctions and believe the university has taken inappropriate action in your case or violated your rights, it might be worth a shot. Especially if you haven't been represented by a Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team attorney, you can't be sure everything in your case was handled properly. Our Student Defense Team can advise you on whether an appeal is an option and guide you through the process.
Protect Your Future – Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
When your future is on the line, you can't take accusations of misconduct lightly, no matter how small they seem. You worked too hard to get into Michigan State; don't let accusations of misconduct derail your academic career. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
