As a Purdue University student, you have a bright future ahead of you, but misconduct accusations can derail that future. If you have learned a misconduct accusation has been made against you, you are likely nervous and scared. Whether the allegations against you are a miscommunication or a mistake, at the Lento Law Firm, we don't believe your life should be derailed by one incident. Our Student Defense Team has helped countless Purdue students facing misconduct allegations. We aim to ensure any accusations against you are addressed fairly and that your rights are protected. Let us help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Misconduct Allegations at Purdue
Purdue's Code of Student Conductoutlines prohibited behaviors for all Purdue students. When you started at Purdue, you agreed to abide by all the Code of Student Conduct provisions. This document covers all types of misconduct, academic, non-academic, and Title IX violations. At the Lento Law Firm, we've seen Purdue students face many different misconduct allegations. The most common allegations of Code of Student Conduct and Title IXviolations include:
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Fabrication
- Multiple submission (also called self-plagiarism)
- Disrupting university activity
- Endangering the health or safety of others
- Hazing
- Theft
- Property Damage
- Trespassing
- 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
Purdue Disciplinary Action Process
The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) handles most types of misconduct accusations against Purdue students. Purdue's Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings, and Appeals state how OSRR handles misconduct complaints.
Complaint and Preliminary Actions
When OSRR receives a complaint, its first course of action is to decide whether there is sufficient evidence that misconduct occurred. To make this determination, they may request a meeting with you or open a preliminary investigation.
Suppose OSRR opens a preliminary investigation or asks to meet with you. In that case, it doesn't automatically mean you are guilty, or your case will be forwarded in a formal disciplinary action process. But that doesn't mean you should take a wait-and-see approach. Your best chance of getting your case resolved before it progresses is with the guidance of a Lento Law Firm attorney. Our Student Defense Team will help you effectively defend yourself in these preliminary proceedings. Under Purdue regulations, you are entitled to have an attorney as your advisor throughout all disciplinary proceedings.
Notice of Charges and Response
If OSRR decides the allegations against you warrant initiating disciplinary proceedings, it will send you a notice of the charges against you. The document will include the charges against you, outline your rights, and describe the disciplinary action process.
Receiving a notice of charges may seem overwhelming, and you might be tempted to ignore them, but failing to respond has consequences. You may waive your right to defend yourself and face immediate sanctions if you don't respond. Fortunately, your Lento Law Firm attorney will advise you in responding to OSRR.
Hearing
In most misconduct cases, the next step in the disciplinary process is a formal hearing before a Conduct Officer. If the accusations against you are serious enough that they may result in suspension, degree deferral, or expulsion, your case will be heard by a panel from the Community Standards Board.
Your Lento Law Firm attorney will be there for the hearing to advocate on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. All relevant information will be presented at the hearing, including putting forth evidence and examining witnesses.
For cases before a Conduct Officer, you will receive a notice of their findings within five days. This will tell you if the Conduct Officer has decided that you are more likely than not guilty of the violations and if Purdue will be issuing disciplinary sanctions (punishment) against you.
If your case is before the Community Standards Board, it will make a recommendation for action to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will then decide if it is more likely
then not if you are guilty of the violation and decide what, if any, sanctions are appropriate.
Title IX Disciplinary Action Process Purdue
Title IX cases are handled differently at Purdue because how they are handled is dictated by federal law, not Purdue itself. Title IX cases are those related to sexual and gender-based misconduct. If you are accused of a Title IX violation, your case will be assigned to a Title IX Coordinator at Purdue. Like other cases of misconduct at Purdue, there will be an investigation into the case and potentially a hearing if an informal resolution can't be reached. Title IX investigations and hearings follow strict regulations.
Title IX changes with the political tides. When you're accused of this type of violation, you need the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team. Our attorneys are well-versed in all Title IX changes and procedures.
Sanctions and Consequences of Misconduct at Purdue
There are many official disciplinary sanctions Purdue can take against you. Depending on the nature and severity of your case, sanctions Purdue may decide to pursue in your case can include:
- Written warnings
- Restrictions
- Participation in ethical and social development programs
- Referrals for substance or alcohol abuse treatment programs
- Community service
- Reflective writing assignments or research and writing projects
- Disciplinary probation
- Degree deferral
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Formal actions against you can extend way past the punishment itself. They can damage your reputation and impact your future. When you're found guilty of misconduct, it will affect your ability to transfer to another academic institution, get into graduate school, and even impact employment opportunities. There is too much on the line not to hire a qualified student defense attorney from the get-go. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team represents students facing serious sanctions at their universities every day. Let us help you.
Appealing Purdue's Disciplinary Action
If you believe your disciplinary proceedings resulted in an unfair outcome, you may be entitled to appeal your case. There are specific scenarios in which you can appeal, and whether or not you meet those requirements can be confusing. Even if you don't think you qualify, you have too much to lose – you need to at least try. One of our Student Defense Team attorneys can review your case and advise you on whether an appeal is appropriate in your case.
Protect Your Future – Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
You need the best possible defense when your academic career is on the line. That means retaining the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team. Protect your future today by calling us at 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
