Every student who starts their college education has intentions of one day walking across their college or university stage with their degree in hand. However, there are a number of things that can happen along the way that may either prolong the time it takes to graduate or prevent students from graduating altogether. Being accused of violating your school's code of conduct have serious consequences that can affect you immediately or down the road. This is why it's important to retain an attorney who can defend your charges and ensure your academic record stays squeaky clean.
Common Misconduct Allegations
Each student should have access to their school's code of conduct. This code consists of a broad range of actions that are forbidden for students to commit and the potential repercussions that will be imposed when this code is violated. Here are some of the most common student code violations in New Jersey:
Hazing: Students who receive these violations typically are involved in Greek life organizations at their prospective colleges and universities. Hazing involves the reckless intentional or unintentional endangering of the mental, physical or academic health of another student. Any activities or events hosted by a student or organization that results in the degradation, humiliation, embarrassment or discomfort of another student could lead to disciplinary action.
Academic misconduct: A student may be guilty of violating their code of conduct if they fail to comply with their college or university's ethical academic standards. Individuals who are caught cheating, fabricating, plagiarizing, submitting duplicate submissions and misusing academic materials will be disciplined for academic misconduct.
Residential conduct: Living on campus entails following the residential guidelines imposed by a college or university. Although residential standards vary from school to school, most higher education institutions require students to adhere to drug and alcohol restrictions, noise guidelines, cleanliness principles, assault policies, etc.
Sexual misconduct: Any instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, etc., is considered sexual misconduct, which falls under the category of federal Title IX policy. Schools take these allegations very seriously since they are given specific instructions as to how to handle these cases. If they fail to mitigate sexual misconduct cases properly, they could ultimately lose federal funding as a consequence.
Code of Conduct Violation Consequences
Whether you consider the alleged violation you're facing to be serious or minor, it's important to remember that any violation, regardless of how you perceive its severity, can potentially jeopardize your chances of continuing your education and finding a career. If you are planning to land a government job, take the bar exam, further your education or pursue a career in academia, violations on your academic record can hinder you from achieving these goals. Schools and certain employers will be able to see a suspension, expulsion, and the charge you acquired on your disciplinary file during hiring and admission processes. The implications of a charge could prevent you from being granted entry to a school or hired for a job.
New Jersey Student Misconduct Attorney
If you are a student at a college or university and are facing allegations of misconduct, you should consult with an attorney. Skilled legal professional Joseph D. Lento has experience successfully representing students who have been in your shoes. Contact him today for assistance.
The following links provide specific information as to the respective New Jersey schools' Code of Conduct disciplinary procedures in cases involving accused students:
