For hundreds of years, Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, has provided students with high-quality education and opportunities. However, even at this prestigious institution, students often face accusations of misconduct that could threaten their future and ongoing enrollment at the university. Even minor misconduct violations can manifest into serious disciplinary punishment if students enter proceedings without a clear plan to defend their names.
The Lento Law Firm has extensive experience protecting Rutgers students from misconduct allegations and helping them avoid disciplinary sanctions when possible. Our Student Defense Team works diligently to secure the best possible outcome by preparing and empowering students to take on every part of the disciplinary process. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or complete our confidential online form to begin building your defense to misconduct allegations at Rutgers University.
Potential Sanctions at Rutgers University
Sanctions at Rutgers fall into two categories: active and inactive. Rutgers can issue sanctions to students after a disciplinary process finds them responsible for policy and conduct violations, such as:
- Bullying and harassment
- Physical misconduct
- Sexual misconduct
- Hazing
- Theft
- Alcohol and drug use or abuse
- Disorderly conduct
- Academic dishonesty
- Safety violations
Inactive sanctions are official university responses to Rutgers Student Code of Conduct violations and do not require students to take any further action. Some inactive sanctions are minor, such as reprimands, but others can completely change a student's future, such as expulsion or suspension from Rutgers.
Active sanctions, on the other hand, require students to engage in actions aimed at their educational or personal growth. For example, students may need to complete educational workshops, community service, or reflective assignments to foster better decision-making. Many active sanctions simply require students to write reports and complete exercises through university programs.
Even though active sanctions involve effort from the student, they are not the sanctions you should worry about. If Rutgers responds to a disciplinary violation by expelling you from the university, you don't have the opportunity to engage in active sanctions in the first place. The Lento Law Firm can assist you through upcoming disciplinary processes at Rutgers to minimize sanctions and achieve the best possible outcome in your misconduct case.
Disciplinary Process Overview at Rutgers University in New Brunswick
When a student at Rutgers University faces an accusation of misconduct, they can benefit from having an advisor or support person, though the University's policy limits their role. Student Defense attorneys, while unable to participate directly in hearings, can still protect students' futures by helping them prepare their cases, understand procedural rules, gather evidence, and find valid grounds for appeal soon after the end of a case. Call the Lento Law Firm to receive help during any Administrative Conferences or University Hearings you are enduring due to allegations of misconduct at Rutgers University.
Administrative Conferences are the first chance for Conduct Officers to review misconduct allegations and settle cases with students. Many cases end here, but serious violations may escalate to University Hearings. The steps of an Administrative Conference at Rutgers include:
- Notification: The student receives written notice of the conference details, charges, and witnesses. At this time, the student should bring any evidence or witnesses they believe can help in their case.
- Case Overview & Recording: The Conduct Officer explains the procedure, and the conference is recorded for official documentation.
- Presentation of Evidence: The student and complainant (if applicable) present evidence and their account of the incident, which the Conduct Officer reviews against university standards and policies.
- Questioning: The Conduct Officer asks questions to clarify facts. Parties may also submit questions for consideration.
- Decision: Using the "preponderance of information" standard, the Conduct Officer determines if a violation occurred. This standard only requires Conduct Officers to believe it is more likely than not that the facts support the allegations of misconduct.
- Outcome Notification: The student receives written notice of the decision, including findings and sanctions.
If students deny that they committed a serious violation—such as those leading to suspension, expulsion, or housing loss—the case becomes a formal University Hearing. Instead of a Conduct officer, a University Hearing Board reviews all evidence to make a final decision. The steps of a University Hearing at Rutgers include:
- Hearing Notification & Preparations: Both parties are notified at least ten days in advance, including details of charges and witnesses. Importantly, students must submit their evidence and witness information five days before the hearing.
- Opening Procedures: The Presiding Officer of the panel outlines the hearing's procedures, and the entire session is audio-recorded.
- Presentation: Both parties present their statements, evidence, and witnesses, with the ability to cross-examine the witnesses of the other side.
- Board Deliberations: The board deliberates privately, applying the same "preponderance of information" standard as before and deciding by majority vote.
- Sanctions & Outcome: If found responsible, the board assigns appropriate sanctions and provides these details in writing.
If your misconduct allegations are false, unfair, or exaggerated, and you deny responsibility, it's important to remember that University Hearings are much more complex and procedural than Administrative Conferences. The Lento Law Firm understands all aspects of Rutgers University's internal processes and can provide assistance and support to help you avoid responsibility and sanctions.
Appeals Process at Rutgers University in New Brunswick
Students found responsible for misconduct have the right to appeal decisions to the Campus Appeals Committee (CAC) within ten working days. The CAC reviews appeals based solely on the written record and only accepts them if they meet one of these specific grounds for appeal:
- Unsupported Finding: The evidence does not support the finding of responsibility.
- New Information: Important new evidence was unavailable or unattainable during the original hearing.
- Procedural Error: Policies or procedures in the Code of Student Conduct were not followed.
- Disproportionate Sanction: The sanction is excessively severe relative to the actual offense.
Successful appeals can lead to the modification of sanctions or even a completely new disciplinary hearing. Since preparing these appeals requires detailed documentation and effective articulation of complex procedural issues, the Lento Law Firm is the best choice to help you prepare an appeal and maintain your enrollment at Rutgers University.
Preparing for Your Rutgers Misconduct Case with the Lento Law Firm
Rutgers encourages students to thoroughly prepare for hearings by submitting detailed evidence lists and descriptions and preparing all relevant witnesses, especially those able to provide critical factual details or speak to your character. If you fail to submit these details on time or can't gather the evidence in a timely manner, your chances of a successful outcome dwindle.
The Lento Law Firm can help students accused of misconduct create organized, persuasive evidence lists, deliver compelling narratives and closing statements, and prepare questions to address opposing witnesses. We understand what is at stake and aim to protect your enrollment at Rutgers University from all forms of disciplinary sanctions. Call our Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our confidential online form to get started on your misconduct defense.
