From its highly respected School of Medicine to its strong Division I athletic program, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is often a first-choice school for high schoolers all over the country. However, as with all other universities, Pitt has a strict code of conduct. Failure to follow the rules outlined in that code can result in disciplinary action, including expulsion.
For students facing misconduct accusations at Pitt, it's important to be familiar with the rules and know what to expect during the process. The LLF Law Firm Team has extensive experience with Pitt's disciplinary process and works to help students who are under investigation. If you're attending the University of Pittsburgh and facing disciplinary action, give us a call at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form.
University of Pittsburgh's Code of Conduct
The University of Pittsburgh details all infractions that can lead to disciplinary action in its Student Code of Conduct, a document that's readily accessible online. Infractions that can lead to disciplinary action include:
- Academic misconduct: Each academic department has its own academic integrity policies, along with the authority to manage any infractions.
- Title IX: Pitt maintains a separate Title IX policy that details the school's stance on Title IX violations, including sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment, and stalking and cyberstalking.
- Sexual misconduct: The school also has a separate Sexual Misconduct Policy that describes activities that can result in disciplinary action, including sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment, and stalking and cyberstalking.
- Hazing: Students can face disciplinary action both for directly violating and assisting in the violation of the university's Anti-Hazing Policy. This includes harming other students, forcing other students to consume foods, liquids, or other substances that can cause harm, and engaging in activities that can adversely impact another student's mental health.
- Substance use violations: Pitt separately lists its Policies on Alcohol and Drugs, which include restricting alcohol use on campus, at university events, and in residence halls.
- Other policy violations: Pitt has a variety of separate policies to address behavior in specific situations. Students must follow policies specific to discrimination, student organizations, smoking, Greek organizations, and demonstrations.
Pitt's Disciplinary Process
When a student is accused of disciplinary infractions at the University of Pittsburgh, the university goes through a multi-step process. Those steps are:
- Incoming complaints: Through the Pitt Concern Connection, students can report violations anonymously. Faculty members and staff members may also file a complaint with the Office of Student Conduct. This kicks off the investigation process.
- Complainant interview: Where possible, the investigator will gather information from the person who filed the complaint to determine if further action is warranted.
- Notification: Unless the complaint is closed, the university will notify the subject that a complaint has been filed. This notification will include an invitation to review the complaint.
- Investigation: An investigator will go through all documentation and interview witnesses. During this time, the subject of the complaint may be asked to provide information. It's imperative to meet all deadlines and be as thorough as possible in responding to these requests.
- Review: The complainant and the respondent will be given the opportunity to review a written summary of the investigator's interview.
- Final report: The investigator will prepare a written report that includes the investigator's determination of whether a violation occurred.
- University review: The appropriate university officials will review the report and agree on sanctions.
- Final decision: The Vice Provost for Student Affairs or a designee will craft a decision letter, which will go to both the complainant and the respondent.
- Appeal: Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to request an appeal within 10 business days of the date on the decision letter.
How the LLF Law Firm Can Help
The LLF Law Firm works with students who are dealing with university-level disciplinary action. We're familiar with Pitt's policies and can help you navigate university processes in the following ways:
- Sorting through policies: Pitt's policies can be complex and involved. Our team can cut to the chase and highlight the areas of the code of conduct in question to help you determine if a violation actually occurred.
- Explaining your rights: Whether you feel you committed an infraction or not, you have rights, including the right to state your case to investigators and school administrators.
- Assisting with communication: At Pitt, often, your best chance at being heard is through written responses to investigators and school administrators. The LLF Law Firm Team can help you craft those responses and gather any requested documentation as it's requested.
- Building your defense: Whatever the allegation, the LLF Law Firm Team can help by reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses to create a solid defense.
- Preparing for hearings: When you're appearing in front of school administrators, it's important to be as well prepared as possible. Our team can help with that.
- Negotiating: In some cases, a student can suggest a resolution or negotiate reduced sanctions. The LLF Law Firm Team has the experience necessary to come up with the best solution for any charges against you.
- Appeals: When an investigation leads to an unfavorable final decision, you have the right to appeal. Our team can ensure you're given the opportunity to appeal and rush to craft a strong appeal before the deadline.
Disciplinary action at the University of Pittsburgh can vary in severity, depending on the alleged offense, a student's disciplinary history, and other factors. You may face everything from a reprimand to suspension or dismissal. The LLF Law Firm Team will do everything possible to reduce sanctions and minimize permanent damage.
The LLF Law Firm Team and Pitt Misconduct Accusations
A misconduct accusation at the University of Pittsburgh can have serious repercussions. It may lead to lost job opportunities post-graduation and can even result in being kicked off campus altogether. The LLF Law Firm Team understands the stress that comes from potential disciplinary action and can help you navigate the process.
If you're a Pitt student facing misconduct allegations, the LLF Law Firm Team can help. Give us a call at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form with some details about your situation to get in touch.
