When a student enrolls in the University of Virginia (UVA), they know its history and its reputation as one of the United States' leading academic institutions. As UVA's distinguished researchers perform ground-breaking scholarship in physics, chemistry, education, astronomy, history, and other areas, the school's Virginia Cavaliers field NCAA Division I athletics teams.
UVA students know they have enrolled in an institution committed to academic rigor and integrity in student conduct. The school's Honor System and its corresponding constitution and by-laws trace their origins over more than 150 years. UVA's Statement of Students' Rights and Responsibilities addresses general standards of student conduct and the school's Title IX and sexual misconduct policy.
For a UVA student, it can be devastating to learn you have been accused of disciplinary violation. You don't have to face a student disciplinary investigation or hearing alone.
The Lento Law Firm defends students accused of misconduct violations. Our experienced attorneys can partner with you to navigate any student conduct disciplinary process at UVA. Contact our offices at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential consultation form to discuss your case with our Student Defense Team.
UVA's Honor System
UVA's student-run honor system focuses on fostering community through trust. Its honor code defines an honor offense as a significant act that the student knew or should have known might constitute lying, cheating, or stealing.
Honor code allegations are adjudicated by students who make up the Panel for Guilt. To find a student responsible for an honor code violation, three-fourths of the students on the Panel for Guilt must believe the evidence demonstrates, beyond a reasonable doubt, that an honor code violation has occurred.
Then, the Panel for Sanction determines the appropriate sanction, such as making amends, participating in required education, and being temporarily or permanently removed from UVA. The decision of the Panel of Guilt or the Panel for Sanction can be appealed based on new evidence or good cause.
If you have been accused of an honor code violation, you must take critical steps to protect yourself. The Lento Law Firm can represent you and your best interests.
UVA's Standards of Student Conduct
UVA's standards of conduct include prohibitions on physical assault, conduct that intentionally or recklessly threatens the health or safety of others, unauthorized entry into or occupation of university facilities, and the intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, research administration, and disciplinary procedures.
Complaints of student misconduct are investigated and adjudicated by the University Judiciary Committee (UJC). A trial panel made up of committee members will determine if the accused student is guilty of the alleged offenses.
A student found to have violated the standards of conduct may face disciplinary sanctions ranging from an admonition or warning notice to a suspension or expulsion. A student may appeal the UJC's final decision to the University Judicial Review Board, and an expelled student has additional appeal rights.
Accused students possess important rights during student disciplinary investigations and procedures. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help ensure that your rights are upheld and provide a comprehensive defense through the trial process.
UVA's Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy
UVA must comply with Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination, including sexual misconduct, to receive funding from the federal government. UVA's Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence includes conduct prohibited by Title IX, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violation, and stalking based on sex. The policy also prohibits other forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct, such as non-consensual sexual contact, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, hostile environment harassment, and complicity in the commission of a prohibited act.
Complaints of sexual misconduct are resolved in a manner consistent with UVA's grievance procedures. If you are accused of sexual misconduct in a formal complaint, UVA's Title IX Coordinator will issue a notice of investigation. The notice of investigation should include information about the alleged sexual misconduct, identify one or more investigators assigned to the case, and provide information on the right to an advisor.
UVA's grievance policy outlines the steps of the investigation and hearing, as well as the due process right possessed by the accused student. For example, both parties can make opening and closing statements at a hearing. During a hearing related to Title IX prohibited conduct, each party's advisor may question the other party and witnesses. During hearings that do not involve Title IX prohibited conduct, the parties submit questions to the decision maker, and the decision maker asks the questions to the other party and witnesses.
At the hearing, the decision maker will determine if the respondent violated the sexual misconduct policy. If an accused student is found responsible for a violation, the decision maker will impose one or more disciplinary sanctions that can include expulsion or suspension, reprimand, required training, deferred degree conferral, or a warning notice. The decision maker's conclusions are issued in a written determination.
A student may appeal a written determination to the appeals officer. A written determination of responsibility or sanction can only be appealed on four grounds:
- A procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the case.
- New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination was issued that would change the outcome of the case.
- A bias or actual conflict of interest that affected the outcome.
- Imposition of an inappropriate disciplinary sanction.
The appeals officer provides written notice of the appeal determination in a final outcome letter. The final outcome letter cannot be appealed.
The stakes are high when a student is accused of sexual misconduct, and there is no need to navigate the complex investigative and adjudicative processes alone. Let the Lento Law Firm advocate for you and your best interests.
The Lento Law Firm Can Help You Navigate Student Misconduct Investigations and Allegations
When you chose the University of Virginia, you intended to earn a degree that would be foundational to your career and future. Don't let an accusation of misconduct derail your plan.
Let the Lento Law Firm help. Our experienced attorneys can analyze the allegations, perform our own investigation focused on identifying exonerating witnesses and collecting new evidence, and review the investigatory and adjudicatory process for compliance. We can help you make prepared and knowledgeable decisions about the process and your defense. Contact the Lento Law Firm by phone at 888-535-3686 or online, and let our Student Defense Team fight for you.
