The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a national leader in medical and scientific research and the arts. Students at UW-Madison know they have enrolled in an academic institution committed to creating a learning environment free from violence, harassment, and intimidation.
It can be devastating to be accused of misconduct within a university that values community and fosters safety. It is difficult to respond to misconduct allegations while isolated from peers, mentors, and friends. You don't have to navigate a student disciplinary investigation or hearing alone.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team helps students accused of misconduct. Contact the Lento Law Firm by phone at 888-535-3686 or through a confidential consultation form. Our experienced attorneys can defend you throughout any student disciplinary process at UW-Madison.
UW-Madison's Academic Misconduct Policy
UW-Madison's academic misconduct policy promotes integrity and upholds ideals of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Allegations of academic misconduct can lead to serious student disciplinary sanctions. UW-Madison's integrity policy prohibits a wide range of conduct, from cheating on an exam and plagiarizing the work of others to tampering with laboratory equipment and stealing course materials.
Teachers lead the academic misconduct inquiry process at UW-Madison. Students who believe that cheating or another form of academic misconduct has occurred may contact the instructor, professor, or teaching assistant for the course. Alternatively, a teacher, based on their first-hand knowledge, may believe a student has violated the academic integrity policy.
If a faculty member or other instructor suspects academic misconduct has occurred, they meet with the accused student to review and discuss the allegation, allowing the student to respond to the accusation.
If the instructor determines that there was no academic misconduct, the accused student is notified, and the case is closed.
If the instructor determines that academic misconduct did occur, then they may impose or recommend a sanction. The instructor notifies the student and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) of their decision and sanction or sanction recommendation.
The faculty member or instructor may unilaterally impose lesser sanctions, such as an oral or written reprimand, a lower or failing grade on the course, or removal from the course on a student they believe violated the school's academic misconduct policy. If the instructor believes that the misconduct warrants a severe sanction, they may recommend that the accused student receive disciplinary probation, a suspension, or an expulsion from the university. In these cases, OSCCS determines what sanction will be imposed.
The accused student may then request a formal hearing with a hearing panel or officer. At the hearing, the faculty member presents their findings, and the accused student is able to respond. The hearing officer or panel then determines if a violation occurred.
Importantly, university teachers are experts in their field of study and do not necessarily have a background in due process, evidentiary procedure, or investigations. Even the best instructors can make mistakes.
Unfortunately, mistakes during an academic integrity proceeding can destroy a student's future. If you are the target of an academic misconduct inquiry, let the Lento Law Firm help. From preparing for your initial meeting with an instructor to a formal hearing, our experienced attorneys can help protect you and your future.
Nonacademic Misconduct and Student Discipline at UW-Madison
At UW-Madison, nonacademic misconduct includes both violations of the university's Title IX and sexual misconduct policies and other nonsexual but prohibited behavior. At UW-Madison, the student disciplinary processes vary depending on the type of accusation. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help protect your rights during any type of investigation or hearing.
UW-Madison Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence
UW-Madison must comply with Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination, including sexual misconduct, to receive funding from the federal government. The UW-Madison's Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence prohibits sexual harassment and violence, including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, and stalking. Additionally, the policy outlines the university's investigative and adjudicative procedures, which include:
- A Title IX Coordinator: The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the school's Title IX program.
- An Investigation: The UW-Madison's investigating officer will create an investigative report summarizing relevant evidence which may include recommended determinations about whether sexual misconduct occurred and sanctions.
- A Hearing: After the final investigative report is issued, a hearing may be requested. A hearing examiner or committee will adjudicate the allegations. After the hearing, the hearing examiner or committee prepares a written decision explaining whether the accused is responsible for one or more violations and issuing sanctions if appropriate. The decision of the hearing examiner or committee may be appealed in limited circumstances.
The Lento Law Firm can help you navigate any Title IX sexual misconduct investigation or hearing. We will partner with you to protect your rights.
Nonacademic Discipline Procedures for Nonsexual Misconduct
Along with its prohibitions on sexual misconduct, UW-Madison also proscribes other forms of dangerous, illegal, and unauthorized nonacademic misconduct, including threatening the health or safety of oneself or another person, hazing, and the illegal use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol or other controlled substances.
When a student is accused of nonacademic, nonsexual misconduct, UW-Madison's investigating officer reviews the allegation and, if warranted, discusses the matter with the student. If the investigator concludes that nonacademic misconduct occurred and a sanction is warranted, they prepare a written report.
Possible sanctions range from a written reprimand, denial of university privileges, and community service to suspension or expulsion. Depending on the nature of the sanction, the student may request a hearing, or, for more serious sanctions, the university will proactively schedule a hearing.
At UW-Madison, the hearing will be conducted by either a hearing examiner or a hearing committee. If the hearing examiner or committee finds that a nonacademic misconduct violation occurred, they may, in some situations, issue a sanction different than that recommended by the investigator. A student found to have violated UW-Madison's misconduct policy has limited appeal rights.
The stakes are high when a student faces misconduct allegations. The Lento Law Firm can advocate for you and your best interests.
The Lento Law Firm Defends Students Accused of Misconduct
When you enrolled at UW-Madison, you believed your education would be the foundation for your dreams and your career. To protect your future, you need a comprehensive defense. Let the Lento Law Firm defend you and your future. Our experienced student defense attorneys can help by:
- Analyzing any academic, nonacademic, and Title IX allegations made against you.
- Performing our own investigation, identifying exonerating witnesses, and collecting new evidence.
- Reviewing the investigatory and adjudicatory process for compliance with UW-Madison's own policies and procedures and federal due process requirements.
- Answering your questions to ensure you understand the accusations made against you and UW-Madison's investigations and hearing procedures.
- Representing you in any formal and informal meetings, interviews, and hearings with UW-Madison and its representatives.
- Offering strategies on your right to appeal UW-Madison decisions and involving the school's Office of General Counsel, if appropriate.
With the Lento Law Firm on your side, you don't have to face misconduct allegations alone. Call our Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
