Reported By Your Roommate? What Could Happen Next
Living in close quarters with complete strangers is one of the many challenges of college life. Some students luck out and get a roommate they click with right away; others learn to tolerate one another and make the necessary accommodations for sharing a small space. Of course, there’s always that chance that you and your roommate will butt heads repeatedly and possibly even become vindictive over slights—perceived or otherwise.
Anyone whose roommate has reported them for a student conduct code violation—whether or not they committed the infraction—needs the services of the Student Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm. Don’t let heedless accusations get in the way of your education and your future. Instead, get in touch with us by filling out this online form or by calling 888-535-3686.
Minor Infractions Between Roommates
To be clear, we’re not talking about roommates arguing, having difficulties getting along, or even reporting one another’s minor infractions to the Resident Advisor (RA). Squabbles over who gets to use their stereo and when, one roommate returning to the room late and making undue noise, or having friends over when the other person is trying to study aren’t the issue here.
These behaviors can be annoying, but as long as they remain relatively small conflicts, they’re usually considered part and parcel of the whole college experience. After all, learning to get along with people you’d otherwise avoid can teach a young student many important skills. Such skills include conflict management and resolution, cooperation, the ability to look at situations from a different perspective, and even self-reflection.
That said, the type of reporting we’re referencing involves much more serious matters. What happens when a roommate accuses another of college Code of Conduct violations?
When More Is At Stake
Examples of serious accusations from one’s roommate include:
- Unauthorized guests who are engaging in conduct code violations, such as underage drinking or illicit drug use
- Fights that lead to threats of physical harm or retribution
- Destruction of property
- Dangerous behavior involving violence or threats thereof
- Evidence of academic violations such as plagiarism
In some cases, these are the types of situations in which a roommate might take more drastic measures than trying to discuss things privately or looping in the RA. No matter what the impetus behind your roommate’s reporting you may have been, it’s crucial to take these accusations seriously.
Violating the college’s Code of Conduct can result in devastating consequences, including being suspended from the school, losing financial aid, becoming ineligible for college athletic programs, loss of campus employment, and even expulsion.
Part of taking such accusations seriously means preparing yourself for Code of Conduct violation hearings. For this, you’ll need the services of a Student Defense Team.
Where To Turn During Roommate-Related Troubles
If two college roommates can’t resolve their relatively minor conflicts themselves, then it may be necessary to take them up the chain of command, usually to the dorm manager or Resident Advisor (or Assistant).
However, if one roommate has reported another for more serious behavior that might violate the school’s Code of Conduct and result in suspension, loss of student loans, ineligibility for college athletics, or expulsion or dismissal, it is absolutely necessary to contact the dedicated Student Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or send us a message here.