Being a pre-med student at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) is a big deal. You likely chose this pre-med program because it is one of the best in the country, and if you successfully complete the program, you will be set up for acceptance to a top medical school. If you face disciplinary action at UCSD, your academic and future professional career could be on the line.
At the Lento Law Firm, we know that you have worked too hard to give up on your dreams. You shouldn't lose the right to excel in your pre-med program over a young person's mistake or a wrongful accusation. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and defend your future. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Common Issues University of California San Diego Pre-Med Students May Face
Even the most intelligent students can find themselves in trouble in their pre-med programs. High stress levels make students more susceptible to making bad judgment calls. Pre-med students face many issues, which generally fall into one of three categories: academic misconduct, Title IX violations, or code of conduct violations.
Academic Misconduct
Any type of academic misconduct will violate UCSD's Academic Integrity Policy. Common academic misconduct cases the Student Defense Team sees include:
- Plagiarism
- Unauthorized use of AI or use of deceitful educational software
- Unauthorized collaboration with other students
- Cheating
- Self-plagiarism (i.e., reusing exams or assignments)
- Falsifying data or research
- False citations
- Impersonation
- Bribery
Title IX Violations
Title IX is the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination on college campuses. If you are facing a Title IX violation, it is likely to violate UCSD's Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy. Violations of Title IX include:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault
- Stalking
- Making sexually suggestive jokes or comments
- Physical and/or aggressive sexual advances
- Revenge porn
- Dating violence
- Domestic violence
- Gender-based bullying
Code of Conduct Violations
Code of conduct violations occur when students violate UCSD policies, particularly those not academic or Title IX-based. Code of conduct violations can include:
- Assault
- Threats
- Drug possession and/or use
- Theft
- Property damage
- Stalking
- Cyberstalking
- Social media policy violations
- Cyber/digital crimes
- Hazing
The University of California San Diego Student Disciplinary Action Process
Which UCSD office will handle your case depends on the nature of the alleged misconduct. The processes of each office will differ slightly, and Title IX allegations must be investigated and decided according to federal law. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can walk you through the disciplinary action process that applies to your case in greater detail, but below is an overview of the process for each type of misconduct: academic, non-academic, and Title IX.
Non-Academic Misconduct
For non-academic misconduct, UCSD's Center for Student Accountability, Growth, and Education will review your case. The Center for Student Accountability, Growth, and Education has the authority to issue a Notice of Informal Warning. Receiving this document means you have not been found guilty of anything, and UCSD is not investigating the case further but tells you that you should become more familiar with certain Student Conduct Procedures, and if similar conduct is reported against you, you will likely be facing formal action. You can respond to the Notice of Informal Warning with your written response within five days of receiving the notice. You should not respond without first consulting with your Lento Law Firm attorney, who is equipped to draft such a response.
If the allegations against you are more serious, you may be sent a letter requesting you set up an Administrative Resolution Meeting. The letter should also contain an incident report and supporting evidence. You have five days to respond to the letter, so call the Lento Law Firm as soon as you receive it. While this meeting is theoretically informal, you should be well-prepped by your Lento Law Firm attorney to ensure the Student Conduct Officer doesn't violate any of your due process rights and you present your case professionally and effectively. You are entitled to have your Lento Law Firm attorney present at this meeting, so do not let UCSD officials convince you otherwise.
If you are innocent of the allegations against you, you can request a Student Conduct Review, which is a formal hearing. At the hearing, a University Representative will present the case against you. Then, you and your Lento Law Firm attorney can present your side of the story.
Academic Misconduct
If you are accused of academic misconduct, you will face an Academic Integrity Review before the Academic Integrity Review Board (AIRB). If the allegation cannot lead to being dismissed from UCSD, you will be entitled to an informal hearing. If you could be dismissed from the UCSD pre-med program, a formal hearing will be scheduled, where you can defend yourself using documentation, witnesses, and other evidence. Whether you have a formal or informal hearing ahead, your Lento Law Firm attorney will thoroughly prepare you.
Title IX Violation
When there is an alleged Title IX violation, a Title IX Officer will immediately review the case and decide whether to begin a formal grievance or alternative resolution process. The sooner you contact the Lento Law Firm, the faster we can advocate for your case to go to an alternative resolution, which can have fewer, if any, lasting impacts on your academic record.
If a formal process is started, there will be an investigation, and if the Title IX Officer decides it is necessary, a hearing. Title IX is ever-changing and incredibly complex, but your Lento Law Firm attorney is well-versed in Title IX amendments and is aware of all the changes that can be relevant to your case.
Consequences of Disciplinary Action Against Pre-Med Students
When you are found guilty of misconduct, UCSD can take a number of disciplinary actions, including:
- Transcript hold
- Administrative hold
- Degree withhold
- Formal warning
- Mandated educational programs
- Restitution
- Probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Any of these actions on your academic record can prevent you from getting into medical school or even finishing your pre-med program.
Protect Your Future by Retaining the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Being accused of misconduct is terrifying and overwhelming, but you never need to go through the process alone. The Lento Law Firm is here to support you through any violation, whether it be Title IX, academic misconduct, or anything else. Our Student Defense Team is seasoned in UCSD disciplinary action processes and has helped countless pre-med students get back on track. Let us help you; call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
