Belmont University is a private Christian university established in 1890 in Nashville, Tennessee. Belmont offers a BSN in nursing degree and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as part of its healthcare curriculum, with small classes and five nursing labs. As part of this historic institution, you can benefit from the information and knowledge you will gain from its strong reputation and commitment to diversity and inclusion. However, you must also meet the requirements established by Belmont, including academic, professional, and behavioral expectations to graduate. Failure to do so may lead to issues later, including facing harsh sanctions that detrimentally affect your future.
Being a nursing student comes with multiple opportunities to shine and gain knowledge. Yet, it also comes with responsibilities to maintain good grades, act professionally, and avoid ethical or behavioral issues. Although you may assume that making one mistake may not have significant repercussions, a suspension or dismissal for an egregious violation is possible. These sanctions affect your placement opportunities and may lead to awkward conversations when trying to enter the workforce. With so much at stake, never approach the matter alone if you receive word of allegations against you. Send the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team a message through the online form today or call the team at 888-535-3686 for more information.
Common Reasons for Sanctions
Receiving sanctions negatively affects your trajectory, reputation, and career options. As a future nurse, you hold a position of public trust and are responsible for acting ethically and professionally. These actions start at the education level, where your performance and behavior are evaluated while you are still in college. Some of the most common reasons for receiving sanctions include academic issues, behavioral issues, lack of professionalism, academic misconduct, and misrepresentation. Even if this is your first time committing a violation, it may be severe enough to warrant a suspension or dismissal, depending on the circumstances. Dismissal is one of the most damaging sanctions you may face, having multiple short and long-term effects on your education and career.
Adjudication Process
Belmont Nursing does not have explicit instructions on how the adjudication process occurs in its nursing handbook. However, it is most likely similar to other universities that have an adjudication process that starts with a report, then an investigation, and a hearing. Usually, a member of the university who witnesses an alleged violation sends a report to an authority figure or group responsible for investigating the matter. The investigation may occur with or without input from the accused student. If the authority believes that a student committed a violation, they may ask the accused student to attend an informal meeting to determine if they may have committed a violation. If the two cannot reach a decision or the student does not admit fault, then they have the right to ask for a hearing.
During the hearing, the accused student can defend against the allegations against them. They may make a statement to the panel members and provide evidence and information to refute the allegations. The hearing also involves the accusing party, which also makes a statement. Both sides may also have witnesses to bolster their claims. Once the students make their arguments and give their statements, the panel ends the hearing and discusses the matter privately. If they believe that the student is at fault, depending on the strength of their statements and the evidence, they recommend sanctions. The sanctions vary depending on the violation, ranging from a formal letter to expulsion or degree revocation. The panel then sends its recommendations to the dean or similar authority, who will decide on the outcome.
Appeals
In most cases, students have the right to appeal a sanctions decision, especially if it is severe or may lead to them being unable to graduate. However, appeals must be made on one of the following grounds:
- The student has new evidence that was not available during the hearing, which may alter the hearing panel's decision
- The sanctions imposed by the panel are too harsh or disproportionate to the alleged violation
- There was a significant deviation from standard protocol, which affected the hearing outcome
If the accused student's appeal meets one or more of the above criteria, they may send an appeal letter to the proper authority, who may call for a new hearing, an appeal hearing, or decide on the matter themselves. Once the authorities decide on the outcome, they write to the student within a designated timeframe. Depending on the university, students may appeal to a higher authority one last time, or they must accept the decision.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
A dismissal or expulsion from nursing school can change your trajectory and force you to take on a different major. Since dismissals are listed on your permanent record, these can leave a bad mark that follows you to other nursing schools and your career. With so much at stake, never take on a panel alone. Contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide who are facing sanctions and dismissal. With their compassion, knowledge, and passion for justice, the team leaves no stone unturned in your case in their pursuit of a fair hearing and outcome.
Although you may assume that this is the end once you receive notice of wrongdoing, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is by your side. They can help guide you through the adjudication process step by step, boosting your confidence and reducing the likelihood of a negative outcome.
You've worked hard and spent countless hours and funds to become a nursing professional. Don't let one mistake or lapse in judgment incriminate you to the point where you cannot pursue your passion and become a nurse.
If you or someone you love faces allegations of wrongdoing at Belmont Nursing, help is a phone call or message away. Send the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team a message today through the online form or give them a call at 888-535-3686 for more information about approaching your case.
