Getting accepted to Wake Forest University's (WFU) pre-med program is a huge accomplishment. However, being at one of the country's most competitive and prestigious pre-med programs comes with great stress and responsibility. Learning that you are being accused of misconduct at WFU is upsetting. Everything you have worked so hard for and your future as a pre-med student and eventually a physician could be on the line.
At the Lento Law Firm, we know how hard you have worked and how much your academic and future professional career means to you. As attorneys, we also spent years preparing to attend law school, so we know exactly how much you have to lose. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has helped numerous pre-med students face disciplinary action. We always fight to protect your rights and your future. Let us help you by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
Issues Wake Forest University Pre-Med Students May Face
There are a number of issues WFU pre-med students can face at school. With the overwhelming pressure of the pre-med program on top of the adjustments to college and adult life, it is understandable that issues arise. The types of issues we see pre-med students facing are:
Academic Misconduct
WFU has a strict Honor Code which prohibits academic misconduct. Every WFU student agrees to the honor system when they enroll at the university. Actions prohibited under the Honor Code 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
Unfortunately, one of the most common misconducts our Student Defense Team sees on college campuses is Title IX violations. Title IX is the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination on college campuses; essentially, any sexual misconduct will fall under the category of Title IX. 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
All WFU students (except the School of Medicine) are bound by the university's Student Code of Conduct. There are numerous types of behaviors prohibited under the Student Code of Conduct, including, but not limited to:
- Drug and alcohol violations
- Destruction of property
- Bullying or cyberbullying
- Assault
- Stalking
- Theft
- Hazing
- Gambling and sports betting
- Weapons possession
- Breaking the law
Wake Forest University Pre-Med Student Disciplinary Action Process
When WFU officials receive a misconduct complaint, they have complete discretion in handling the case, including whether to pursue formal or informal resolution methods. Depending on the nature of the misconduct, they may determine that interim action is necessary; this could include prohibiting you from attending classes, being part of student organizations, or even being on the WFU campus. Interim action can only be implemented for a maximum of 15 days, so if university officials suggest otherwise, your Lento Law Firm attorney will fight back. Interim action is usually reserved for the most severe cases and those involving conflict with another WFU student.
When a complaint indicates misconduct, the Dean of Students assigns the case to a Conduct Officer, who opens an investigation. The Conduct Officer may choose to attempt to resolve the case through an informal resolution meeting.
Informal Resolution Meeting
If an informal resolution meeting is requested, you will be required to make an appointment with the Student Conduct Officer to discuss the incident and attempt to come to a resolution. Your case will be considered resolved during an informal meeting if the following requirements are met:
- The student and the Conduct Officer agree that an informal resolution is appropriate for the case, and neither has requested a formal meeting
- The student and the Conduct Officer agree to the finding of Responsible or Not Responsible
- The student agrees to the outcome of the case
Following the meeting, you will receive a copy of the decision and proposed action, which you will have three days to decide whether or not to accept. You will move forward to a formal resolution meeting if you do not accept the informal resolution.
Formal Resolution Meeting
If you do not agree to an informal resolution, or the case is immediately referred for formal resolution, you will receive a Notice of the Conduct Process a minimum of five days before the meeting. Because you don't have much time to prepare, you must contact the Lento Law Firm immediately so your attorney can prepare you for making your case effectively and calmly.
The Conduct Officer will decide in advance if the formal resolution meeting will be presided over by a panel or if they will handle the meeting themself. At a formal resolution meeting, both parties can present evidence and call witnesses; it will proceed a bit like a trial with opening statements, case presentations, and closing statements.
Determinations
The Conduct Officer, or panel if involved in the case, can make a number of determinations in your case. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will zealously advocate for you to get the least severe outcome possible and mitigate any impact on your participation in WFU's pre-med program. Potential outcomes of misconduct cases at WFU include:
- Participation in educational programs
- Writing of educational papers
- Writing of reflective papers
- Substance abuse assessments
- Restitution
- Suspension
- Activities suspension
- Disciplinary warning
- Disciplinary probation
- University housing probation
- University housing suspension
- University housing expulsion
- On-campus living requirement
- Residency requirement extension
- House reassignment
- Restorative actions
- Community service
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Withholding degree
Appeals
If you disagree with the outcome of your case, you can file an appeal. You will only have 14 days to file your appeal after receiving your case outcome letter. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will handle drafting the appeal on your behalf. It isn't too late if you haven't been represented by our Student Defense Team; our seasoned attorneys frequently get our pre-med student clients better outcomes on appeals. When you have worked this hard to get into WFU's pre-med program, you must take every opportunity to clear your name.
Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team to Protect Your Future
One mistake or false allegation can threaten your future, but at the Lento Law Firm, we don't believe your goal of being a physician should end here. Our Student Defense Team will advocate for you to get the best possible outcome in your case and hopefully get you back on track to successfully finish WFU's pre-med program and get into a top medical school. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
