Emory University is one of Georgia's pride and joys, respected throughout the country for offering a top-tier education to every student. This is partially because the school has high expectations for student behavior. One of the surest ways to lose out on everything that Emory University offers is to face a misconduct allegation.
Don't let a misconduct case derail your academic career. It could have multiple repercussions on your future. Instead, call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888.535.3686 or fill out this contact form, and so that they can help you.
The Basics of Student Conduct Policy at Emory University
Aiming to foster both intellectual and emotional growth, Emory University maintains a robust student conduct policy, last updated in August 2024. It provides examples and definitions for different types of misconduct, most notably the following:
Non-Compliance or Disorderly Conduct
Emory University instructors, administrators, and other university staff are responsible for enforcing rules and codes that promote safety, productivity, and fair treatment for all students. If you refuse to comply with them, give false information to them, or cause disruptions with fighting, loud noises, or rowdiness, you may be accused of misconduct.
Misuse, Abuse, or Destruction of Resources
To support the students' education, Emory University boasts a myriad of diverse and high-quality rooms, tools, and equipment. You could be reported for misconduct if you use it without approval, use it for anything other than its intended purpose, or ruin it entirely.
Theft or Vandalization of Someone Else's Property
Emory University also cares about property belonging to private individuals, businesses, and the public. Students are expected not to steal or vandalize anything that isn't theirs. Otherwise, they can face misconduct charges.
Harassment, Bullying, or Hazing
Every student needs a wholesome and supportive environment to perform their best. The university doesn't allow anyone to compromise that with hazing, hitting, mocking, name-calling, coercion, intimidation, or constant unwanted contact. These and similar actions all go against the student conduct policy.
Discrimination
People of every race, color, nationality, background, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, and ability are welcome at Emory University. To make them feel otherwise via exclusion, bullying, or harassment is an affront to the university's core values and, therefore a violation of student conduct policy.
Improper Use of Drugs or Alcohol
For the sake of cleanliness, safety, health, and compliance with the law, Emory University does not allow the use of drugs on the campus, legal or otherwise. Students under the age of 21 are also barred from drinking alcohol. Even if they're old enough to drink, they mustn't provide alcohol to underage students or carry open containers on the campus.
Creating Hazardous Environments
Due to their great potential for harm, you can only possess items like weapons, fireworks, and toxic or flammable chemicals on the campus if you have permission and guidance from an instructor or supervisor. Students must also abide by fire safety rules and never tamper with smoke alarms, extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.
Invasion of Privacy
The world has become more interconnected. It's easier than ever to violate a person's privacy by secretly taking photographs, recording videos, and stealing and/or distributing sensitive information. However, Emory University considers this to be misconduct.
Sexual Violations
Bodily autonomy and consent are crucial to every student's health and development. They shouldn't have to be subjected to public nudity, lewdness, sexual harassment, or rape. Actions like these are regarded as serious violations of the student conduct policy.
Academic Dishonesty
Emory University's mission is to help each student become an honest, upstanding, and productive citizen. Cheating, plagiarizing, stealing another person's work, falsifying research, fabricating or misreporting results, and coercing other students to perform your work for you are all contrary to this goal. Such actions are regarded as misconduct because they squander university resources and harm other students.
How Does Emory University Handle Student Misconduct?
No student conduct policy would be complete without an outline of how the school addresses violations. Here's what you could expect if you're accused of misconduct at Emory University.
Assessment and Notification
Misconduct complaints go to the Office of Student Conduct. An office administrator reviews the facts and evidence to decide whether to dismiss the cases, grant amnesty, or proceed with a more thorough investigation, conference, and/or hearing. They will also notify the affected student and offer resources for support and assistance.
Compilation of Report
As the office administrator gathers more information about the case, they'll make a report regarding their findings. It may include statements, interviews, timelines, evaluations, documentation, and other items, if relevant.
Conferences and/or Hearings
After completing the report, the office administrator may require the student in question to meet with a conduct administrator for an educational conference, where they may discuss mutually agreeable solutions or administrative decisions.
Another possibility is that the student will have to attend a Peer Accountability Board or Conduct Council Panel Hearing. The board or panel will assess consider the student's case—including any relevant context or mitigating factors—and assess their guilt.
Outcome Decision
If the board or panel decides that the student is guilty, they may impose any of the following resolutions or sanctions:
- Conflict mediation or coaching
- Structured dialogue through a Restorative Justice Circle (RJC)
- Written warning
- Restrictions on or loss of privileges
- Housing relocation
- No contact order
- Financial restitution
- Extra classes or programs
- Community service
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Why Should You Contact the Lento Law Firm?
If the Emory University administrators fail to handle misconduct allegations swiftly and with a heavy hand, other students, faculty, and staff could begin to doubt their sincerity or effectiveness. This could lead to discontent, dropouts, resignations, and other problems. To protect themselves, the university may deny you due process or assign you an unnecessarily harsh punishment.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can stop that from happening. With their knowledge of school policies, powerful defense strategies, and commitment to justice, they guarantee that you'll receive fair treatment, and your allegations will soon be a thing of the past.
Don't Deal With Misconduct Allegations Alone
Misconduct allegations can feel daunting. Fortunately, you don't have to handle them by yourself. Instead, you can have the aid of reputable lawyers who care about your future. To schedule a consultation with the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team, call 888.535.3686 or fill out a contact form.
