NKU Chase College of Law, the law school of Northern Kentucky University, is a highly-ranked law program in Highland Heights, Kentucky. This school offers several courses of study, resulting in Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees and various combined programs, including Business Informatics and Health Informatics.
As this school offers an excellent education and a great location near a social metro area (and diverse legal market), NKU Chase's program is rigorous. Its standards are high. If any students exhibit prohibited behavior, NKU Chase may reprimand them quite harshly.
The various activities prohibited at NKU Chase are itemized within the NKU Chase honor code, which starts with the following oath:
I do hereby acknowledge the existence of the NKU Chase Honor Code. I understand that the Honor Code supports an environment that values integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct for all NKU Chase students. I understand that by my enrollment at NKU Chase, I confirm my agreement and understanding of the policies and procedures outlined in the Honor Code.
NKU Chase College of Law takes its honor code very seriously, making any accusations of dishonesty anxiety-inducing. As a law student, there's a lot at stake; it's easy to feel that you're one mistake away from seeing your future crumble before your eyes.
What Does the Honor Code at NKU Chase College of Law Include?
Students matriculating at NKU Chase should start their education by knowing exactly what they agree to within the school's Honor Code.
Examples of behavior specifically called out in the Code as problematic include:
- Academic deceit, dishonesty, or misrepresentation
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Completing an assignment for another student (or having another student complete an assignment for you)
- Preventing other students from accessing school resources
- Failing to report known violations of the NKU Chase Honor Code
- Reporting another student for violations of the NKU Chase Honor Code without good faith reasons for doing so
What Happens After NKU Chase College of Law Receives an Allegation of Honor Code Misconduct?
NKU Chase's disciplinary procedures include several steps. You may experience the following:
An investigation. As the Chase Honor Code Council receives the central allegations and reviews the initial materials, representatives from the school may reach out to you, your teacher, or even other community members to learn more about what allegedly occurred. This will include a preliminary meeting between the accused student and the Chair of the Honor Code Council to review the accused student's rights.
A hearing. The Honor Code Council will hold a hearing within ten working days of this preliminary meeting. At this meeting, the student can address the Honor Code Council. The evidence the school has compiled will be presented as well.
A decision. The members of the Honor Code Council will deliberate and then vote on the sanction to be imposed. Once the Council reaches a decision, it will provide a written report relaying that decision to the Dean, who will approve it and update the student.
If the case does not involve suspension or expulsion, the student cannot appeal.
What Possible Sanctions Might an NKU Chase College of Law Student Face?
At the end of its investigation, NKU Chase College of Law will determine the student's responsibility for the alleged misconduct and recommend punitive measures. Per the school's Honor Code, the sanctions on the table include:
- Oral or written admonitions or reprimands
- Failing grades
- Suspension (with a notation on the student's transcript)
- Expulsion (with a notation on the student's transcript)
- Revocation of an offer of admission
- Revocation of a degree
While a suspension may not seem like the most severe sanction on this list, it's critical to understand the ramifications of a transcript notation. Such a notation can make it very difficult for a student to apply to another school or even get a job in the future.
Appeals Procedures at NKU Chase College of Law
As part of the disciplinary process, a student facing suspension or expulsion can appeal to the Dean. They must submit their appeal in writing within ten business days of the Honor Code Council's previous decision.
After receipt of an appeal, the Dean will work with the Honor Code Council to assess the entire case based on the documentation available. Within fifteen business days, the Dean will provide an updated decision (generally, to impose a lesser sanction or uphold the Council's recommendations.)
If the Dean upholds the original recommendations and NKU Law proceeds with a student's suspension or expulsion, students may be able to file a further appeal with the Provost. If the student is not satisfied with the result of this process, the student can submit a final appeal to the Board of Regents.
At each of these steps along the way, your student defense attorney-advisor can help ensure that the rationale for your requests is as strong as possible.
What a Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Do for You
When facing academic misconduct allegations at NKU Chase College of Law, you may be in for a confusing and stressful time. To give yourself the best possible chance of a favorable outcome, you need to understand your school's disciplinary policies inside and out, develop a strategic defense, know the best way to navigate hearings, and more.
Having an experienced student defense advisor to guide you each step of the way can be transformative.
Joseph D. Lento uses his specific experience to support hundreds of law students through complex disciplinary procedures. He can do the same for you. As an attorney-advisor specializing in law student defense, Joseph D. Lento can help you gather evidence, keep your school accountable to due process, and delve through your school's code of conduct and case to help you find and leverage crucial details. Reach out to the Lento Law Firm today by calling 888-535-3686 or filling out this form to get the support you need.
