Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a private Jesuit and Marymount research university established in 1865 in Los Angeles, California. LMU has a long and rich history, with the distinction of being the first institution of higher learning in Southern California at its founding. Today, LMU offers multiple academic majors, including a Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureate Program. Being a pre-med student at LMU comes with a great deal of responsibility as you begin your path toward becoming a doctor and understand the gravity of your chosen educational field. There is much to learn and many rules to abide by, ensuring that LMU maintains its reputation and standing in society. But in some cases, mistakes or lapses in judgment can lead to multiple issues, among them sanctions that can destroy your chances of becoming a future doctor.
Being a medical student is no walk in the park, with steep learning curves, competition, and pressure to succeed. With so much going on in this new phase of your education, you may partake in activities that go against your principles and are unlike you. The most common violations that have the most severe consequences include academic, behavioral, and sexual misconduct issues. If you are accused of one or more of these violations, you will face a hearing and possibly receive a sanction that can upend your life. These sanctions include suspension and expulsion, placing you at a significant disadvantage and destroying your career before it starts. With so much at stake, speaking to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is essential. Call 888-535-3686 to talk with the team about your case, or send a message through the online portal for more information.
Conduct Standards at LMU
The Student Handbook at LMU applies to all attending students. It contains information about conduct and community standards enforced at the university. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Responsibility oversees compliance with these standards and may amend any policy when necessary. Sexual, behavioral, and academic misconduct are handled in separate processes depending on the gravity of the issue and the student's overall behavioral history at LMU.
Academic Misconduct
The Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures Segment of the Handbook details what behaviors are considered academic misconduct and the procedures to deal with policy violations. The policy emphasizes the importance of academic honesty and integrity, deeming the following actions as a form of dishonesty:
- Plagiarism
- Fraud
- Cheating or facilitating cheating
- Unauthorized access or alteration of privileged or proprietary information
- Acts of academic sabotage
- All other means of violating academic honesty standards not mentioned in the policy
For academic misconduct, the course instructor who believes a student committed a violation begins with initial communication with the student within 5 days of the alleged violation. The instructor also sends a message to the Dean, Associate Dean, or Core Director. The message does not contain a final decision or pending sanction. It only includes a statement of the nature of the suspected violation, a request to confer with the student, and a grade of “IP” if the grades are due before the conclusion of the 5 days.
During the meeting, the instructor and student discuss the alleged violation, evidence, and any matter related to the issue. The instructor makes a sanctions recommendation and sends it to the Provost. Students may appeal the instructor's decision to the Provost.
Behavioral Misconduct
The Student Conduct Code segment of the handbook details the behavioral standards expected at LMU. It includes a list of prohibited conduct and explains the adjudication process for behavioral misconduct violations. Some examples of violations listed in the code include:
- Violating or attempting to violate federal, state, or local laws
- Intentional or negligent conduct causing physical or psychological harm to others
- Conduct that violates state and local public health guidelines
- Retaliation
- Failure to comply with university official directions
- Vandalism or tampering with university security or technology
- Unpermitted interference with lawful freedom of expression on university grounds
- Possessing or distributing fake identification cards
- Intentionally making false reports
- Property theft
- Use or possession of controlled substances
- Forgery
- Disorderly conduct
Participating in these or similar actions may lead to a Student Conduct Code Hearing.
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
LMU takes sexual misconduct seriously and takes multiple steps to prevent and address any such cases on campus. The student handbook has a separate Student Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy. It has assigned a coordinator that explicitly deals with sexual harassment violations.
Once a sexual harassment report is filed, LMU will conduct an investigation, and the Complainant may choose to pursue the Title IX conduct process or an informal resolution process. However, the Title IX coordinator may still elect to sign a Formal Complaint on behalf of the university if sufficient evidence exists.
Depending on the investigation, you may need to undergo the Title IX hearing process. Once the hearing ends, your sanction depends on the hearing results, including dismissal from the university.
Adjudication Processes at LMU
The adjudication process differs depending on the type of misconduct involved. Regarding academic misconduct, sanctions depend on the instructor, and students have the right to appeal if the sanctions include dismissal. There is no formal hearing process for these types of violations.
Sexual and behavioral violations do have a hearing process to determine the outcome, but each process differs. Title IX violations have sexual misconduct hearings that may lead to more severe consequences. In contrast, behavioral hearings are similar to those conducted on campuses nationwide.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm
Whether you are facing a sexual, behavioral, or academic misconduct charge at LMU, you are still entitled to due process and for your voice to be heard. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team understands precisely what is at stake for you and your future career.
With years of experience working with pre-med students nationwide, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is a shoulder to rely on when you need them most. Never approach your case alone; having the team by your side increases your chances of a positive outcome and puts your mind at ease.
If you or someone you care about are facing allegations of academic, behavioral, or sexual misconduct at LMU, help is a phone call or message away. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for more information, or send a message through this online contact form to learn more.
