Deciding to become a physician is a big deal, and enrolling in the University of Florida's (UF) pre-med program is an important first step. Successfully graduating from UF's pre-med program can set you up for acceptance at the country's top medical schools. While being part of this program is exciting, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Other students may have their sights on just graduating, but you must excel academically to secure your future.
Extreme pressure can lead anyone to make a mistake, and in college, where emotions run high, false accusations can also be made that could lead you to face UF disciplinary action. At the Lento Law Firm, we believe that your participation in the pre-med program and future medical school career shouldn't be threatened by a college mistake or miscommunication. Our Student Defense Team works to protect your due process rights and preserve your future. We walk you through the disciplinary action process and ensure you have the best defense possible. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Issues University of Florida Pre-Med Students May Face
Pre-med students can face various issues if accused of violating UF's Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code. This document outlines all of the infractions that can trigger the disciplinary action process on campus. UF misconduct falls into the following three categories:
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is common among all students, but when you're a pre-med student with an overwhelming academic load, you may be more vulnerable to this type of misconduct. Examples of academic misconduct our Student Defense Team frequently see our pre-med students accused of 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 violations are synonymous with sexual misconduct; they are referred to as Title IX because that is the name of the federal law that dictates how your school must address sexual misconduct training and allegations. Title IX violations 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/Non-Academic Misconduct
Several non-academic and non-Title IX actions violate UF's policies. Behaviors UF prohibits include, but are not limited to:
- Hazing
- Harassment
- Fraudulent behavior
- Theft
- Illegal drug and alcohol use
- Property damage
- Weapons possession
University of Florida Pre-Med Student Disciplinary Action Process
The University of Florida has a different disciplinary action process for offenses that can result in dismissal from your pre-med program and UF overall (separable offenses). Complaints of disciplinary action are addressed by UF's Office for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR).
Code of Conduct Violations: Non-Separable Offenses
When a complaint is filed against you for a non-separable offense, SCCR will review the complaint and determine if charges are appropriate. If so, you and the faculty member involved in the situation will receive a letter detailing the allegations and next steps.
First, you will attend an information meeting where SCCR will review the disciplinary process and the options they are proposing for resolution. You then have the option to either accept responsibility or not accept responsibility for the allegations against you. You should never decide without consulting your Lento Law Firm attorney. You do not want to admit to anything without fully understanding the consequences.
If you accept responsibility, SCCR will determine the appropriate sanctions in your case and send you a letter containing their sanction determination. If you do not accept responsibility, a Student Conduct Committee Hearing will be scheduled, or you will meet with an Individual Hearing Officer. Hearings are similar to trials; you can present your case, including putting forth evidence and witnesses. After the hearing is concluded, the Student Conduct Committee or Hearing Officer will send you a letter with their determination.
Code of Conduct Violations: Separable Offenses
For potentially separable offenses, your case will be handled slightly differently. SCCR will review the complaint against you and then choose to jump right into the informal conflict resolution process or open a full investigation. The informal conflict resolution process allows you and the Lento Law Firm attorney to present your case before things get too far in the weeds; essentially, we can do damage control to try and keep SCCR from issuing formal charges.
Alternatively, if SCCR opens an investigation, relevant parties will be interviewed, and evidence and documentation will be collected to help SCCR understand the incident. If SCCR decides a violation has occurred, it will then issue charges and schedule an information meeting. As mentioned above, at the information meeting, SCCR will walk you through the disciplinary process and the options for resolving your case.
Because your future status as a pre-med student at UF is incredibly serious, a hearing will be scheduled so you can defend yourself and your right to stay in the pre-med program and at UF. The hearing will be scheduled as either a Student Conduct Committee or University Officials Board Hearing. The Lento Law Firm attorney will walk you through the full hearing process, but it generally looks a bit like a court trial. Hearings typically begin with opening statements; each side will defend their case, including calling witnesses and presenting evidence, and then conclude with closing statements.
After the hearing, the Committee or Board will recommend whether or not you are responsible and what the appropriate sanctions are in your case. The Dean of Students will then review the recommendation and uphold, modify, or overturn the recommendation. The outcome will then be sent to you.
Determinations and Appeals
There are a variety of disciplinary sanctions UF officials can impose due to disciplinary action against you. The Lento Law Firm attorney will talk to you about which are the most likely considering the severity and nature of your case, but sanctions can include:
- Assignment grade penalty
- Course grade penalty
- Education Sanctions
- Housing transfer or removal
- No contact directive
- Written reprimand
- Limitations on activities
- Probation
- Loss of University privileges
- Deferred Suspension
- Suspension
- Expulsion
If you disagree with UF's decision in your disciplinary action proceeding, you may be able to file an appeal. If you haven't been working with the Lento Law Firm attorney up to this point, it isn't too late. Our Student Defense Team frequently successfully takes pre-med student cases on appeals. You only have ten business days after receiving notice of UF's determination to file an appeal, so call the Lento Law Firm immediately.
Protect Your Future by Retaining the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
When your future as a pre-med and future medical school student is on the line, the Lento Law Firm is here to help. Let our Student Defense Team assist you in getting the best possible outcome and minimizing any damage to your academic record. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
