Being accused of misconduct can be scary and overwhelming as a Northeastern University student. You may wonder what these accusations mean for your future and how to respond best. Fortunately, the Lento Law Firm can help. Our Student Defense Team has helped countless Northeastern students keep their academic careers intact. When you retain the Lento Law Firm, we walk you through the disciplinary action process at Northeastern and ensure your rights are protected the entire time. Get started with our Student Defense Team today; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Misconduct Accusations at Northeastern
If you are facing a misconduct accusation, you are being accused of violating the Northeastern University Student Code of Conduct. The Code of Student Conduct details all prohibited behaviors, including, but not limited to:
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Self-plagiarism
- Hazing
- Theft
- Gambling
- Disorderly conduct
- Property Damage
- Trespassing
- Physical abuse
- Use, possession, sale, or distribution of illegal, controlled, or prescription drugs
- Indecent behavior
- Use of alcohol and/or underage drinking
- Having a weapon on campus
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
Northeastern Disciplinary Action Process
Most reports of misconduct at Northeastern will be channeled to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR). The exception is Title IX accusation cases, which go to the Office for Equity and Compliance.
The type and severity of a student's alleged misconduct will play a role in the type of hearing OSCCR schedules to resolve the matter. If you are accused of misconduct that could result in suspension or expulsion, or the facts of the alleged incident in your case are complex, the Student Conduct Board will hear your case. For cases that have less severe sanctions as possibilities, OSCCR will schedule an administrative hearing. OSCCR may also decide that the formal disciplinary action process isn't necessary. In this case, it will suggest alternate resolution methods, most often mediation.
Administrative Hearings
Suppose OSCCR decides an administrative hearing is appropriate in your case. In that case, you will receive an email to your student account with information on the allegation against you and the hearing date and time. While an administrative hearing is called a hearing, it doesn't work like a traditional hearing. An administrative hearing at Northeastern is just a one-on-one meeting between you and the Hearing Administrator – no one else may attend.
The Hearing Administrator will discuss the allegations against you and present any evidence or documentation related to the incident. They may also ask you questions or ask if you have any additional information. This meeting isn't one-sided; you can and should present your own written evidence, such as witness statements.
While your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot be present in the administrative hearing, they will still play a large role. Your attorney will thoroughly prepare you for all questions the Hearing Administrator will ask and draft all written materials on your behalf. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will teach you how to best present your case before the Hearing Administrator and ensure you don't fall into any traps.
After your hearing, the Hearing Administrator will decide using a preponderance of the evidence standard if you are guilty of the accusations against you. The preponderance of the evidence means that it is more likely than not that you are guilty. When the Hearing Administrator makes their decision, they will send you a letter by email stating their decision, sanctions, and rationale for both.
Student Conduct Board Hearings
When your case is heard before the Student Conduct Board, you will receive notification of the charges against you and a date and time for a pre-hearing meeting. The pre-hearing meeting is one-on-one with a Hearing Administrator, where you will discuss your case, the disciplinary process, and potential outcomes.
The pre-hearing meeting is also when you decide whether to accept or contest responsibility for the charges against you. If you accept responsibility, you will have a follow-up meeting where sanctions will be determined. You should never accept responsibility without first talking to your Lento Law Firm attorney, even if you are guilty.
If you contest responsibility, a Student Conduct Board hearing will be scheduled. Unlike an administrative hearing, the Student Conduct Board hearing is more official. It involves providing written documentation in advance to all parties, calling witnesses, and presenting your case before members of the Student Conduct Board. Presenting your case in front of the Student Conduct Board can be intimidating, but your Lento Law Firm attorney will ensure you are completely prepared. The Student Conduct Board will deliberate after the hearing and draft its decision. You will typically receive a hearing letter from OSCCR within 10-15 business days from your hearing.
Unfortunately, Northeastern doesn't allow students to have an attorney present during the disciplinary action process. But just because you can't have an attorney in the room with you doesn't mean you don't need one. Your Lento Law Firm attorney is here to prepare you for every interaction with the university so you can effectively and efficiently defend yourself. Our Student Defense Team also ensures that Northeastern officials never violate your rights.
Title IX Cases
Title IX misconduct cases are handled a bit differently than other misconduct cases at Northeastern. They can be complex because Title IX frequently changes that are out of Northeastern's control. The cases are assigned to a Northeastern Title IX Coordinator who will investigate the allegations.
Like other misconduct cases at Northeastern, formal and informal resolution processes exist. The Title IX Coordinator assigned to your case will either attempt to resolve the case informally first or skip straight to the formal resolution process. The formal process will involve a formal complaint, investigation, and potentially a hearing.
Your Lento Law Firm attorney will guide you through the process and ensure you are prepared every step of the way. You should never interact with your Title IX Coordinator or any other authority at Northeastern without consulting your Lento Law Firm attorney. Especially in sensitive Title IX accusation cases, the only person you can guarantee to be in your corner is your Lento Law Firm attorney.
Appeals
You only have five days from the time you receive your decision letter from OSCCR to file an appeal. If you feel that Northeastern's action against you is unfair, you should consider an appeal, especially if a Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team attorney hasn't advised you. Your eligibility for appeal and the process can be confusing, but the Lento Law Firm frequently successfully advises students in disciplinary appeals at Northeastern.
Sanctions and Consequences of Misconduct at Northeastern
OSCCR sanctions will be decided on a case-by-case basis. OSCCR weighs many factors when deciding sanctions, including:
- The nature of the violation
- If any damage, injury, or harm was caused
- The student's disciplinary record
- Mitigating circumstances
- Aggravating circumstances
OSCCR may take many sanctions against students accused of misconduct. Sanctions you may be facing if you're found guilty of misconduct at Northeastern include:
- Educational sanctions
- Written warning
- Limitations on access to campus facilities
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Protect Your Future – Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
Don't gamble your future at Northeastern by going through the disciplinary action process alone. Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team to ensure your rights are upheld and your academic career is protected. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
