Northern Kentucky University is one of the premier colleges in the state, with a storied history going back nearly a hundred years. Every one of the 16,000 students worked hard to get to where they are, including you.
After doing everything right during high school to secure enrollment at NKU, anything threatening your place at the university is something to take seriously. Some student conduct violations introduce this risk by opening up dismissal from NKU as a potential disciplinary punishment, meaning you will no longer have the opportunity to obtain a degree at the school.
If you are facing dismissal from NKU or are worried that current disciplinary proceedings will result in dismissal as a punishment, you must act fast to protect your enrollment. The Lento Law Firm can assist you in defending your name, preparing for hearings, and avoiding dismissal from NKU altogether. Call today at 888.535.3686 or contact us through our website to get started on your dismissal defense.
Dismissal Reasons at NKU
Dismissal is an ever-present risk anytime NKU alleges you acted inappropriately, inside the classroom or out. While most punishments don't start at the level of dismissal, repeated instances of misconduct or the failure to maintain high standards after initial violations can eventually result in severe punishment for minor issues.
Academic Concerns
Students at NKU must maintain satisfactory academic progress to avoid potential dismissal on academic grounds. Dismissal isn't always the first step, as failing to meet academic standards usually results in initial probation. However, if you continue to struggle to maintain your GPA above the required levels or fail to meet minimum course requirements, dismissal may be on the table.
Academic Misconduct
Any form of cheating, from plagiarism to unauthorized use of materials, violates NKU's academic integrity policy. School officials take academic violations seriously, and repeated violations increase your risk of dismissal.
Conduct Violations
In addition to academic violations, NKU's Code of Community Standards outlines expected behaviors for students that, if broken, can lead to punishment and dismissal. Severe violations, such as sexual misconduct and bullying, can place your future at NKU at risk, but even minor violations, like disruptive conduct, carry this same risk if repeated.
Sexual harassment or misconduct violations are actually subject to their own investigation processes through Title IX, typically resulting in more scrutiny and greater punishment. It isn't rare for a proven Title IX violation to result in dismissal, even for a first-time offender.
NKU investigates all incidents thoroughly, but students maintain the right to defend themselves throughout all investigations and potential dismissal proceedings. The only issue is that these complex, often emotional situations can cause students to make mistakes, incriminate themselves, or fall even further behind with any academic or behavioral agreements.
The Lento Law Firm Team can help Northern Kentucky University students regardless of their stage of the disciplinary process. Whether you fear dismissal from the university or are aiming to appeal a hearing, we are here to help.
NKU Adjudication Process
At NKU, there are ample opportunities to defend yourself from accusations of violations. However, that doesn't mean the student conduct process is simple, as it involves multiple steps over the course of weeks or months. If you are currently facing dismissal or seeking to appeal a previous decision, you already understand how the ability to defend yourself doesn't guarantee success. When facing dismissal, you need the help of experienced Student Defense Attorneys to protect your enrollment in NKU.
After initial investigations determine a violation may have occurred, students at NKU receive notice and are asked to schedule a meeting with school staff. This is your opportunity to present your side of the story, so if you already missed your meeting, you are in an even more challenging position.
For minor cases, initial meetings with staff or faculty where you explain your side of the story may be enough to end the entire process. However, violations or misconduct that threaten dismissal may end up before an Administrative or University Conduct Board.
In cases involving Serious Misconduct Violations as defined by NKU's community standards—those that could result in suspension or expulsion—the Office of Student Conduct conducts formal disciplinary hearings. What can you expect?
- Timing: NKU aims to resolve cases within 45 days, and students are only given notice of ten weekdays before their hearing date. Without a Student Defense Attorney to help them prepare, it is extremely difficult for students to understand their rights, responsibilities, and avenues for defense during hearings.
- Hearing Process: Before a Conduct Board or Hearing Officer, both the student and the University can present evidence, call witnesses, and make their case regarding whether dismissal from NKU is warranted. Students have the right to an attorney for advice and support during meetings and hearings, but they must represent and speak for themselves.
- Decision: After the hearing, the Board or Officer will deliberate to determine whether the student violated NKU's stated policies. If found responsible for a violation, the student receives formal notice of their sanctions and their ability to appeal after the fact.
One significant issue with this process is that NKU uses the Preponderance of Evidence standard, meaning they only need a slight conviction—more than 50% chance—to find you responsible. This makes working with experienced Student Defense Attorneys even more important, as the legal rights and standards you are accustomed to in criminal proceedings do not apply to NKU proceedings.
Northern Kentucky University Decision Authorities
NKU distributes decision-making powers for disciplinary proceedings across multiple offices and roles, and the authority overseeing your case can be a sign of the risks you face.
The Office of Community Standards and Care manages cases relating to typical conduct violations, with minor offenses resolved through a mutual resolution process. However, as we discussed prior, serious violations that may warrant dismissal often go through the University Conduct Board for a formal hearing.
Probation is possible, allowing you to remain enrolled and subject to specific behavioral guidelines, but this, too, depends on the specifics of your dismissal. If dismissal is due to severe Title IX concerns, for instance, it will be harder to argue for probation during initial meetings with faculty. Whatever the result of hearings or resolutions, the Dean of Students may play a role in reviewing findings to ensure a fair process.
If resolving your situation without dismissal through a mutual resolution isn't possible, and school officials are considering dismissal as an outcome of upcoming hearings, now is the time to contact the Lento Law Firm. Our Education Law Team can spring into action, prepare you for upcoming hearings, and help you avoid dismissal from NKU when the future looks grim.
Appealing Dismissal at NKU
If you already received dismissal as punishment for violations at NKU, it's not the end of your story. Students have a short window, around five days, to cite specific grounds for appeal to the Office of Student Conduct, Rights, and Advocacy. But even after a rejected appeal, more options remain.
NKU offers students facing dismissal more opportunities to plead their case or resolve issues with their initial hearing. If the Dean of Students rejects an initial appeal, students can appeal again to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Next, they can appeal to the Board of Regents. If a dismissal involves sexual discrimination and Title IX issues, the student can appeal directly to the Board of Regents, but this process still operates on a short timeframe.
Dismissal Defense at Northern Kentucky University
If you need to protect against or appeal dismissal at NKU, time is of the essence. With enough time to review your case, the Lento Law Firm can give you the best shot at beating your violation allegations or negotiating for a lesser punishment that doesn't threaten your enrollment at NKU.
If dismissal is on the table, there's no reason to slow down or give up hope. Appeals remain an option, and dismissal is already the worst-case scenario; continuing the fight can't do additional harm. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or fill out our online form to get the help you need to remain at NKU.
