Creighton University School of Law is a private law school established in 1904 in Omaha, Nebraska. The law school is part of Creighton University, a Jesuit institution. The law school offers the Juris Doctor program and an accelerated JD program with full and part-time options depending on the student's preference. The law school also offers six certificates and four joint degrees, allowing students to receive a well-rounded education with multiple clinics and activities. Upon graduation, students can look forward to numerous career opportunities – but only if they demonstrate the highest standards of academic integrity.
Academic honesty is high on the list of expectations for law students. As future attorneys, students are in positions of public trust and must have high standards. However, law school is also notorious for its rigorous stud requirements. Many students slip and make mistakes with high expectations and the pressure to keep up with peers. Errors are a regular part of your experience as a law student, but not all mistakes are the same. Some can lead to debilitating consequences such as delays in graduation, suspension, or expulsion. Without the help of an experienced attorney-advisor, students may not graduate on time because of the implications of these allegations.
Honor Code and Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is a punishable offense that leads to severe sanctions. The student handbook applies to all students enrolled at the university, including its separate colleges. Per the rules, all students must conduct themselves with high ethical standards and avoid actions compromising their integrity. The handbook provides the following examples of activities that constitute misconduct:
- Unauthorized collaboration with other students
- Using external information not authorized by a professor during an exam
- Providing the university with false information and documents
- Plagiarizing by providing information without giving a proper source
- Obtaining test materials and distributing them before administration
- Falsifying academic records and clinical reports
- Tampering with, misusing, or defacing library resources
- Altering an academic record
- Soliciting or offering unauthorized information
As per the code, every school has a different procedure for addressing cases of academic misconduct. This procedure depends on the nature of the violation. However, suppose a student disagrees with the manner in which their school implemented sanctions. In that case, they have a few options regarding the appeals process.
Resolution Process and Appeals
The code states that if the student and the Dean consent, the adjudication process does not have to be formal. The student's school also looks at multiple factors before making a final decision, such as the student's overall conduct, previous offenses, and the severity of the infarction before making a decision. If the student disagrees with the resolution, they have a right to appeal the decision, especially if it involves a harsh sanction such as suspension or expulsion.
If you are a law student facing a possible severe sanction, do not wait until the appeals process to speak to an attorney-advisor. The longer you wait, the less likely your chances of receiving a positive and fair case outcome. An attorney-advisor can also help with the appeals process to reduce the likelihood of a severe consequence.
The law student may appeal to the university two times, but only if they are facing a severe sanction such as that mentioned above. Because every case is unique, students need a professional who understands how these processes work. An attorney-advisor specializing in student defense understands what is at stake and identifies issues before ruining a student's progress and future career.
Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
Creighton University lists multiple sanctions as possible penalties for academic dishonesty. All sanctions harm a student's progress and career. These punishments can cause numerous issues, such as reputation damage, graduation delays, and cause the student to lose focus and morale. Some students believe they can start over at another law school, but it is not that simple. Most admissions officers prefer students with unblemished records to join the institution instead of one that may cause potential issues.
Sanction severity depends on multiple factors. Examples include how often a student committed an offense, their overall behavior, and the severity of the infarction. Cheating on a test is not the same as tampering with a document. However, if a student commits a specific action multiple times, they may also receive a harsh sanction.
According to the handbook, the following penalties apply to students who engage in academic misconduct:
- A verbal or written reprimand
- Repeating an exam or assignment with a different format
- Reduction of a grade on an assignment
- Failing a course
- Suspension or expulsion from a course
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension from the university
- Expulsion
- Request for withdrawal
If you receive notice of an academic dishonesty charge against you, do not get angry or panic. Every action you take may exacerbate your issue further. Instead, speak to an advisor who understands what you are going through and specializes in student defense.
Contacting an Attorney-Advisor
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense. With years of experience working with students facing allegations of academic misconduct, advisor Lento understands what is at stake for students and their families. Advisor Lento handles each case with care and attention, working in your best interests to help you reach a favorable outcome. With his guidance and expertise, advisor Lento enables you to navigate this complex situation.
You are a law student, and mistakes are a learning experience and a way to improve. Don't let this mistake be why you no longer want to practice law.
Every minute counts, and getting in touch with advisor Mr. Lento as soon as you learn of the allegations dramatically improves your chances of a positive outcome.
If you or someone you love face allegations of academic misconduct at Creighton University Law School, don't wait. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a discreet and thorough consultation at 888-535-3686.
