Being part of the pre-med student body at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a massive accomplishment in itself. You selected UIUC's pre-med program because completing this top-tier program will significantly increase your chances of attending one of the nation's top medical schools. UIUC's program is prestigious, and with prestige can come pressure and overwhelm. Participating in UIUC's pre-med program is likely drastically different from all of your previous academic experiences. As a college student, you aren't just dealing with academics; you are adjusting to the pressures of adult life and the responsibilities and freedoms that come with it.
With the social and academic pressures of college life, mistakes can easily happen, but unfortunately, as a pre-med student, you have a lot to lose. While other students may be just trying to graduate, you have a whole next chapter of medical school, internships, residency, and more that all require applications, interviews, and a thorough review of your educational career. Undergraduate disciplinary actions for issues such as academic misconduct, Title IX violations, or code of conduct violations can follow you and prevent you from getting into the medical school and subsequent programs you are reaching for.
At the Lento Law Firm, we understand how much is on the line for UIUC pre-med students. The seasoned attorneys on our Student Defense Team believe that your future shouldn't be threatened because of a young person's mistake or if they are wrongfully accused of misconduct. You have worked too hard to get into UIUC's pre-med program; let the Lento Law Firm fight for you and help preserve your goal of becoming a physician. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Common Issues University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Pre-Med Students May Face
While you need to be highly intelligent to be accepted into UIUC's pre-med program, everyone, especially people in their late teens or early 20s, sometimes makes poor decisions. The stress of being in such an academically rigorous program could take a toll on anyone, even the most prepared student. Intense pressure can lead to behavior that may be out of character and can cause issues with the university. Common issues with see pre-med students face include:
- Academic Misconduct
- Title IX Violations
- Code of Conduct Violations
If you participate in any behavior prohibited by law or UIUC, you could face disciplinary action.
Academic Misconduct
The overwhelming pressure to succeed academically leads many students to commit academic misconduct. When there is so much to learn in what feels like a short time, cutting corners can be tempting. Common acts of academic misconduct 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
When you started at UIUC, you went through a series of Title IX trainings, where you learned in detail what Title IX is and how to avoid violating it. If the details are a bit hazy, what is important to remember is that Title IX is a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination on college campuses. Title IX dictates what is and how UIUC handles sex-based misconduct. This type of misconduct includes:
- 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 are any violations of UIUC policies that do not fall into the category of academic misconduct or Title IX. When you were admitted to UIUC, you were likely sent a copy and told to read UIUC's Student Code, containing the school's rules and regulations. There are numerous behaviors prohibited in the Student Code, including, but not limited to:
- Assault
- Threats
- Drug possession and/or use
- Theft
- Property damage
- Stalking
- Cyberstalking
- Social media policy violations
- Cyber/digital crimes
- Hazing
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Disciplinary Action Process
Every school has its own disciplinary action process, and UIUC is no different; UIUC's disciplinary action proceduresare detailed in an official school document. The disciplinary action process may differ slightly depending on the nature of the misconduct. For example, Title IX has certain procedural requirements, burden of proof standards, and other things that are set by federal law and which UIUC must follow. Non-Title IX cases can be handled differently according to the school's policies. While not every case will be handled the same, disciplinary action will generally follow this trajectory:
- Complaint
- Notice to the accused student
- Investigation
- Administrative meeting
- Hearing
- Determination
- Appeals
Consequences of Disciplinary Action Against Pre-Med Students
Disciplinary actions are part of your academic record, which is why it's so important to act fast when you learn that disciplinary action is being taken against you. When you go through the disciplinary action process at UIUC, you could be facing any of the following outcomes:
- University reprimand
- University censure
- Conduct probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Education sanctions
- Behavioral restrictions
- Deferral of the degree
- Revocation of a degree
Medical schools will only take the best, so it's important to have the Lento Law Firm attorney fighting to clear your record from the start. As soon as you learn a complaint has been filed against you, call our Student Defense Team so we can start fighting to reduce and mitigate the charges against you.
Protect Your Future by Retaining the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Don't let a mistake or miscommunication threaten your academic career as a UIUC pre-med student. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will protect your rights during the UIUC disciplinary action process and vigorously fight for your innocence. You never need to go through the disciplinary action process alone. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.
