The pre-medical program at the UC Davis School of Medicine, aka the School, is demanding and designed to allow only the best and brightest students to proceed. Students must invest a few years studying hard and passing exams, including the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), to be admitted into the School's full medical program.
However, a combination of rigorous school schedules, time demands, and other extracurricular activities means that students may make mistakes that may violate the School's code of conduct. Following a misconduct allegation and disciplinary hearing, the School of Medicine's disciplinary actions may reduce the aspiring medical student's chances of getting into the School's medical program or diminish their chances of pursuing a medical career.
If allegations of student misconduct have been leveled against you at the UC Davis School of Medicine, contact our experienced Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm to ensure your rights are protected during the disciplinary procedure.
Contact us at 888-535-3686 or fill out this contact form to speak to a lawyer today.
Student Policies at the UC Davis School of Medicine
The School of Medicine runs UC Davis' pre-medical program. The School's code of conduct is pretty much the same as the university's general guidelines. Therefore, pre-medical students must adhere to these guidelines while engaging in school-related activities. Pre-med students accused of misconduct must understand the rules or policies they may have violated.
Here's a quick breakdown of the policies:
Academic Conduct
Under the UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct (COAC), all pre-med students are required to avoid all instances of academic dishonesty and disruption. These include:
- Plagiarism
- Cheating during exams
- Misusing course materials
- Collaborating with unapproved entities
- Fraudulent activities
- Threatening or intimidating actions
- Disruption of academic activities
Character Requirements
This part of the code applies explicitly to dishonesty, theft, and forgery. Students should avoid all activities involving the fabrication or use of false information, altering or forging university documents, and stealing or other activities that may destroy or damage school property.
Discrimination and Harassment
To promote a welcoming and safe learning environment for pre-med students, UC Davis' anti-discrimination policy bans discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. This also applies to hazing activities that are not allowed on the UC Davis campus. Physical assault, threats of violence, or other forms of mistreatment involving actions or harmful behaviors are not allowed.
Sexual Violence and Harassment
Per the university's sexual violence and harassment policy, all pre-medical students at the School are barred from engaging in any form of sexual violence, harassment, retaliation, and other related Title IX-related activities. Examples include:
- Forced sexual contact
- Relationship violence
- Sexual exploitation
- Stalking
- Sexual intercourse with a minor
- Indecent public exposure
Possession of Illicit Substances and Dangerous Weapons
Sections 102.17–102.20 of UC David's Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline disallow the possession, use, and sale of illicit substances and alcohol on campus. Students are also barred from carrying firearms, explosives, or other destructive objects on campus, even with the proper permit.
Penalties for Policy Violations at UC Davis School of Medicine
Disciplinary actions involving misconduct and policy violations in the School are typically handled by the Committee for Student Promotions (CSP) – which oversees academic misconduct – or the Vice Dean of Medical Education, which oversees other non-academic misconduct.
If culpable, the student may face one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
- Academic or disciplinary probation
- Warning or censure
- Violation notice on student file
- Loss of privileges and exclusion from activities
- Interim or extended suspension
- Dismissal or expulsion
Disciplinary Procedures at UC Davis School of Medicine
All disciplinary measures are expected to be appropriate to the offense or violation. To ensure a fair hearing, the procedure for implementing disciplinary actions is as follows:
- Written notice: After the initial report and investigation by relevant entities – the Title IX Officer handles all sexual violence and harassment cases, the CSP notifies the pre-med student of the charges leveled against them in cases of academic misconduct and fixes a reasonable time and date for a formal hearing.
- Disciplinary hearing: The pre-med student will appear before the committee to defend themselves. Designated members of the disciplinary committee may also question the accused student.
- Written summary and decision: Based on the evidence provided and facts of the case, the committee will reach a decision and issue a verdict. This is usually sent to the student via a Notice of Decision Letter.
- Appeals: Students who are unsatisfied with the verdict can appeal the decision. This appeal is filed with the Associate Vice Chancellor based on inadequate evidence, unfair sanctions, procedural error, or new evidence.
- Final decision on appeal: After the appeals process, a Notice of Decision on Appeal detailing the new resolution will be sent to the appellant.
However, disciplinary measures may be enhanced if the university determines that the victim was harassed because they belonged to a “protected category.” In all, accused UC Davis pre-med students are allowed to have a legal representative to guide them through the process.
What to Do if You're Accused of Policy Violation at UC Davis School of Medicine
Whether you think there's some merit to the allegation or not, talk to an experienced student defense attorney. Because the CSP is not mandated to share the full details of the accusation – they can only provide the facts of the accusation in the written notice – it's better to be prepared so you're not blindsided at the hearing.
Gather as much evidence as you can for your defense. If possible, find witnesses, alibis, and all relevant information. This can make a big difference in the outcome of the hearing.
Get Legal Help from a Student Defense Attorney
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is experienced in dealing with cases like pre-med student misconduct at medical schools like the UC Davis School of Medicine. We'll help you navigate the process, prepare for the hearing, provide legal support, and ensure your rights are protected during the hearing.
Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out this contact form to discuss your case.
