Having spent more than two centuries building a reputation for excellence, Georgetown University helps students get a great start to their careers. The educational curriculum isn't the only secret behind its success, though; the school also holds its students to a high standard of behavior. This means that misconduct can put a student's entire academic career at risk.
Are you dealing with a misconduct allegation at Georgetown University? Get the support you need to minimize the impact on your education. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888.535.3686 or fill out this contact form to find out how they can help.
What to Know About the Student Conduct Policy at Georgetown University
Georgetown University has constructed a student conduct policy designed to inspire the best of all its students. Here is a list of the violations that can lead to misconduct allegations.
Consumption or Possession of Drugs or Alcohol
No one is permitted to drink alcohol or use drugs on the Georgetown University campus, legal or otherwise, regardless of age. Students may not even carry containers of alcohol or drug paraphernalia. Breaking this rule can lead to unsanitary environments and/or unruly behavior, which is why it's regarded as misconduct.
Disorderly Conduct
Even students with no drugs or alcohol in their systems can engage in poor behavior. Fighting, making loud noises, disrupting classes or programs, or creating inconveniences are all examples of disorderly conduct that could lead to a misconduct allegation.
Misusing or Damaging Property
Georgetown University offers a variety of sophisticated equipment to help students learn, including computers, vehicles, instruments, labs, and more. Despite paying tuition, students should consider the use of the equipment as privileges that can be taken away if they cause damage or use it for unintended purposes.
Unauthorized Occupancy
Certain rooms and spaces at Georgetown University are highly specialized or contain confidential information. Only authorized students, instructors, and other personnel can enter those areas. Being anywhere you're not authorized to be is another type of misconduct.
Discrimination, Bullying, or Harassment
Everyone on the campus should receive fair and respectful treatment. Students who purposely exclude, mock, intimidate, threaten, or assault others for any reason—especially their race, color, nationality, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, sex, or gender—may find themselves accused of misconduct.
Causing Harm
A university campus is supposed to be a safe and wholesome place so that students can focus on learning and developing themselves. Physical and emotional harm—which include beating, stalking, bullying, mocking, and hazing—make the campus feel unsafe and lowers the quality of the education students receive. That's why it's categorized as misconduct.
Poor Neighborly Behavior or Upkeep of Residence
Campus-sponsored housing comes with rules to keep the spaces clean, orderly, functional, and peaceful. Allowing excessive noise, unauthorized guests or lack of sanitation can all get you accused of misconduct.
Possession of Dangerous Objects
Another key to ensuring a safe campus is to keep any and all dangerous objects away from it. This includes weapons like knives, swords, sabers, guns, and ammunition, in addition to fireworks and other explosives. Making the campus less safe can result in a misconduct allegation.
Theft or Fraud
Students must prove themselves honest and capable of doing their own work to be in good standing at Georgetown University. You could be accused of misconduct for stealing money, property, or work that isn't yours. The same is true if you provide fake research results to instructors or false information to administrators and officers.
Sexual Violations
To protect the mental, emotional, and physical safety of the students, Georgetown University maintains a firm stance against sexual violations of any kind. This includes lewdness, public nudity, groping, sexual harassment, and rape.
Non-Compliance with Codes, Regulations, or Sanctions
In addition to the student conduct policy, Georgetown University has implemented numerous codes and rules crafted to keep the campus safe and productive. Examples range from housing policies to fire safety protocols. Failing to comply with instructors, administrators, officers, and firefighters can result in a misconduct allegation.
Also, if you've already been investigated for misconduct and assigned sanctions, you could be investigated again for violating the terms.
Violation of State or Federal Law
Georgetown University prides itself on producing upstanding citizens. Students who break state or federal laws may become the subject of misconduct reports, especially if the incidents in question also violate the student conduct policy.
The Process for Handling Misconduct Allegations at Georgetown University
If you receive a complaint for misconduct, there's a certain process you can expect Georgetown University to follow. Prepare yourself by learning how it works.
Supportive and/or Interim Actions
After receiving a report of misconduct, the Office of Student Conduct will notify the parties involved. Depending on the situation and parties, the office will also offer resources and organizations for support or impose interim actions to deal with the violation. Examples including short-term suspensions, relocations, no-contact orders, counseling, extra classes, and more.
Investigation
With supportive measures and interim actions in place as temporary solutions, the Office of Student Conduct will begin an investigation. They will review evidence of the violation, interview the parties involved, consider the offender's context and history, and compile a report of their findings.
Educational or Administrative Conference
The Office of Student Conduct may invite the relevant students to an educational conference to encourage an amicable solution that works for everyone. Otherwise, the office may schedule an administrative conference, which will determine an offender's culpability in the violation.
Resolution or Sanction
Upon confirming the offender's guilt, the Office of Student Conduct will decide how to act. The office administrators may choose from several options, including:
- Formal warning
- Housing, academic, or disciplinary probation
- Loss of privileges
- Financial restitution
- Loss of campus housing
- Enrollment in a mentor or restorative program
- Suspension
- Expulsion/Dismissal
Appeal
In the interest of fairness and thoroughness, Georgetown University provides a means to appeal decisions made by the Office of Student Misconduct. They usually take two business weeks to review.
Why Should You Contact the Lento Law Firm?
To maintain the trust of its students, staff, and faculty, Georgetown University may become overzealous investigating or resolving misconduct cases. There's a great chance that you would be presumed guilty of something you didn't do or that you would be punished disproportionately for your violation.
If you let the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team step in on your behalf, you can avoid all those obstacles and complications. Using a comprehensive defense strategy based on a thorough understanding of state laws and school policies, their team will help preserve both your present and future.
Don't Get Held Back by Misconduct Allegations
You deserve the opportunity to develop a bright future for yourself. That can be harder if you suffer injustice or major setbacks due to misconduct accusations. Call the Lento Law Firm for help at 888.535.3686 or fill out a contact form.
