The University of Florida only accepts approximately one-quarter of all applicants, and the strength of the accepted applicants is fairly high compared to many other Florida universities. What this means is that if you received admission to UF, you likely worked hard all throughout high school to prove your worth and fight for your place at an excellent state college. Unfortunately, acceptance isn't the end of the story, as UF can discipline students alleged to have violated school policies, potentially threatening their ongoing enrollment. If you face accusations of behavioral misconduct as a University of Florida student, your future is at risk—work hard to protect it.
The Lento Law Firm understands every aspect of UF's disciplinary processes and can help you respond effectively to any misconduct charges you face. Students who walk into interviews and hearings unprepared are sure to make mistakes that open themselves up to greater scrutiny. Our Student Defense Team will work tirelessly to prepare you for any interactions with school officials to minimize the likelihood you receive a disciplinary sanction following an alleged violation. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to get started.
Common Violations of UF's Student Honor and Student Conduct Codes
The University of Florida's Student Conduct Policies provide a general guideline for how students should behave while taking a class, attending campus events, and interacting with other campus community members. Since these policies aim to keep the university safe and productive for all, school officials have a vested interest in disciplining students found responsible for violating the rules. At the University of Florida, the most common behavioral misconduct violations include:
- Academic Integrity Breaches: Cheating, unauthorized collaboration, plagiarism, and the use of unapproved materials during tests and exams.
- False Information and Misrepresentation: Providing misleading statements to officials or professors during investigations or academic submissions.
- Disruptive and Dangerous Conduct: Any action that impedes school operations or endangers others.
- Substance Violations: On top of underage drinking, other violations include the possession or distribution of controlled substances, misuse of prescription drugs, and public intoxication.
- Hazing and Harassment: Engaging in behavior that endangers another's mental or physical well-being, sometimes as a requirement for that student's continued membership in a group or community.
- Unauthorized Recordings and Privacy Violations: Recording classes or individuals without consent and sharing those unauthorized recordings without permission.
Not all these violations will end up in disciplinary proceedings, and even if they do, that does not mean they will lead to severe disciplinary punishment. For example, some professors may not give explicit permission to film, but they won't push for punishment if they learn of the issue. However, you roll the dice whenever you break UF's disciplinary policies. Whenever you discover that school officials receive notice of a violation and are investigating your behavior, contact the Lento Law Firm to get started on your disciplinary defense.
Protecting Your Rights During the University of Florida Disciplinary Process
Every student at the University of Florida has likely violated a fair number of policies, both big and small. Often, the difference between whether they get off scot-free or face disciplinary punishment is whether or not the school learns of the violation in the first place.
The disciplinary process at UF typically begins when faculty, staff, university police, or even other students report alleged violations to Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR). SCCR conducts a thorough investigation to gather relevant facts and statements from involved parties. Following the investigation, SCCR sends the student a formal notice of the charges, detailing the alleged violations and their rights.
SCCR then schedules a meeting to allow the student to explain the charges, discuss their rights and responsibilities, and outline possible outcomes of the case. If they still decide to proceed with the case after hearing the student's explanations, they schedule a hearing, which typically involves a panel of university officials or a single hearing officer. Similar to a court case, the accused student can present evidence, call witnesses, and respond to the charges during this hearing. The panel or hearing officer then evaluates the information to determine responsibility. Importantly, those overseeing the case use the "preponderance of evidence" standard, meaning they only need to believe it is slightly more likely that the student committed the violation than not to find them responsible.
These disciplinary proceedings are usually stressful and difficult to understand, especially for students who have never undergone the process. Luckily, UF guarantees students some fundamental rights to help level the playing field. The most critical rights afforded to UF students include the right to have an attorney assist you throughout the process, the right to review and present evidence relevant to your case, and the right to appeal your decision.
Taking advantage of these rights—especially the right to receive assistance from experienced attorneys—is tremendously important if you wish to find success in your case and avoid disciplinary punishment. Students found responsible for Code of Conduct violations may receive sanctions, including:
- Written Reprimand
- Loss of Privileges
- Probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Even minor sanctions can remain on your record and influence your academic efforts in the future. For example, securing placement in a competitive graduate program may be more challenging if you have a history of disciplinary sanctions visible to decision-makers. To protect your academic future, call the Lento Law Firm and receive continued assistance during your UF misconduct case.
Can I Appeal My Disciplinary Case at the University of Florida with the Lento Law Firm?
Yes, University of Florida students have the right to appeal the outcome of any disciplinary decision. However, this is not a redo of the original process. Instead, appeals simply allow students to challenge their ruling if they believe the original hearings or investigations were unfair. The available grounds for appealing include:
- Violation of Rights: Your rights were infringed in a way that could have impacted the outcome.
- New Evidence: New information that could change the case's resolution has come to light.
- Disproportionate Sanction: The imposed penalty is excessive relative to the violation.
Students must file an appeal within ten class days of receiving the hearing outcome. Unfortunately, this doesn't provide students with much time to discover potential errors in their case. The most effective way for UF students to successfully appeal and protect themselves during their disciplinary proceedings is by working with the experienced Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. We can identify valid appeal grounds, craft compelling written appeals, and ensure that UF officials respect the rights afforded to you as a university student.
Remember, UF allows students to hire attorneys from the first day of their misconduct case, who can then assist them until the end of their case. Whether you're currently under investigation, preparing for a stressful hearing, or attempting to locate valid grounds for appeal, the Lento Law Firm can help. Call our Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website.
