The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center College of Nursing (UTHSC) is a public graduate health sciences college founded in 1928. UTHSC offers degrees in nursing and other health-related programs and is located in Memphis, Tennessee. UTHSC has a longstanding history of helping students achieve their goals of becoming healthcare professionals upon graduation. However, to maintain your standing and benefit from the training and experience you receive, you must demonstrate excellent academic and behavioral performance. UTHSC implements strict standards to maintain its reputation, with sanctions ranging from probation to expulsion.
Although it is an exciting new phase in your path to becoming a nurse, being a nursing student also comes with its trials. You are under significant pressure to perform well, succeed, and maintain the standards imposed by UTHSC. However, pressure also leads students to make mistakes or act in ways that are unlike them. Whether you are struggling academically or have committed a violation, you deserve due process and a chance to defend against allegations. With your degree and future at stake, making the right decision is essential when faced with possible expulsion or dismissal from your program. Don't approach the issue alone – call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 for more information, or send the team a message through this form for more information about approaching your case.
Common Reasons for Sanctions and Dismissal
Getting suspended or expelled from your nursing program takes you back to square one. This sanction is the most severe and damaging to your reputation and progress. Some of the most common reasons for dismissal include lack of academic progress, professionalism issues, behavioral mishaps, and code violations. The following actions may lead to sanctions as mentioned in the Student Code of Conduct:
- Academic dishonesty
- Providing false information to a University official
- Misuse of information connected to a university investigation or hearing
- Misconduct connected to student records and identification
- Causing harm to others
- Harassment
- Sexual harassment, assault, dating violence, stalking, retaliation
- Invasion of privacy
- Misconduct on private or public property
- Lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior
- Attempting a violation
- Failure to respond or comply or identify to a university official
- Violating administrative actions, disciplinary sanctions, or conditions of re-enrollment
Because public colleges rely on their reputation and finding to grow and expand, they must implement strict measures to level the playing field for all students. Some students sometimes receive disproportionately harsh sanctions or face accusations without solid evidence. Regardless of the violation, every student deserves due process and a fair chance to defend themselves when their degree and future are at stake. This is where the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can help.
Adjudication Process at UTHSC
The Student Code of Conduct at UTHSC contains information about the adjudication process and the sanctions imposed against those who do not follow the code. UTHSC members who believe a student committed a violation must send a complaint to the Chief Student Affairs Officer or their designee. The officer then reviews the details to determine if a possible issue occurred and investigates whether to impose a disciplinary action. If they do, they notify the student of the charge, the disciplinary action taken or proposed, the student's right to challenge the charges or actions, the student's right to a hearing, and their right to be accompanied by one advisor during the hearing.
During the hearing, the hearing panel and examiner consider both parties' evidence, statements, and witnesses and allow them to question witnesses. Once the hearing ends, the panel or examiner considers the evidence and information within a reasonable timeframe and recommends sanctions, including:
- Disciplinary warning
- Disciplinary reprimand
- Loss of privileges
- Requirement to attend extra classes at the student's expense
- Restitution
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Permanent dismissal
- Revocation of a degree
Students do not have the option to appeal disciplinary sanctions. This is why you must speak to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team as soon as you learn of the charges against you. With their guidance and knowledge, the team helps you prepare before the hearing and decreases the chances of receiving an unfavorable outcome.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
As a graduate nursing student, you are taking the extra steps to succeed. That means putting in significant time, effort, and funds to make your dream of becoming a nurse a reality. But when sanctions threaten your placement, degree, and future, it's essential to act fast to protect your reputation and peace of mind. The more you wait, the less likely you can look forward to a positive outcome after the hearing.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team understands what is at stake and the repercussions of dismissal on your future and goals. With years of experience working with nursing students nationwide accused of academic or behavioral issues, they guide you through every step of the process. Although being charged with wrongdoing is stressful and places more pressure on your mental health, it doesn't have to be the end of your career before it starts.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can help you navigate the complex hearing process and instill confidence. With their dedication to you and their compassion, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team works closely with you to help increase the chance of a positive outcome.
Never approach a hearing panel without the right team by your side. You worked too hard for your dreams to crumble before getting the chance to graduate. If you or someone you love face allegations of academic or behavioral issues at UTSHC, help is a message or phone call away.
Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or send the team a message through the online form to learn more about how to approach your case.
