The Akron School of Law is a public law school established in 1921 in Akron, Ohio. The law school is part of the University of Akron after its merger in 1959. Akron School of Law offers Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, with full and part-time options for better flexibility. The law school ranks high in trial advocacy and Intellectual Property fields. It is among the top 40 law schools in the nation for these programs. Upon graduation, students have many career opportunities state and nationwide. However, to remain enrolled at Akron, students must demonstrate strong ethical principles and behavioral standards and avoid academic misconduct.
Law school is a challenging yet rewarding part of your experience as a future attorney. Mistakes are common, and so are gains that allow you to flourish and learn from your errors. However, some violations are more impactful on your future than others, causing graduation delays that affect your progress. In worst-case scenarios, you may face suspension or expulsion, which becomes part of your permanent record and may pose employment challenges later. Because allegations impact your life, you need the help of a skilled attorney-advisor who works tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible case outcome.
Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
The Akron School of Law student handbook contains information about the expectations and requirements needed to graduate successfully. The manual states, “Students violate the code if they engage in conduct that is dishonest, deceitful unfair, or otherwise consistent with the high ethical standards of academic and professional responsibility.” The code of conduct, which is part of the handbook, also has an extensive list of examples of violations.
According to the code, the following actions are punishable offenses at Akron School of Law:
- Using material or items during an examination without the authorization of an instructor
- Using materials inconsistent with the instructions given by a professor on a paper or coursework
- Deliberately failing to mention sources or failing to cite a creator
- Seeking to obtain an unfair academic advantage over their peers through miscellaneous actions
- Misusing equipment and material provided by the school of law
- Deliberately making a false representation to a university authority
Students who commit these actions or similar infarctions as those mentioned above may face a panel if administrators believe there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. The Disciplinary Committee investigates cases of alleged wrongdoings and determines what sanctions are appropriate for the violation. After determining sanctions, the committee makes its recommendations to the Dean.
Hearing Process
Any member of the Akron University community may report a violation to the Chair. Once the Chair receives the complaint, they determine whether the issue warrants an investigation and appoint a disciplinary committee member to investigate the alleged violation. If the Chair finds probable cause that a student committed an offense, they schedule a hearing.
During the hearing, the accused may present evidence and has the right to cross-examine witnesses. After the session ends, the committee deliberates and decides on sanctions proportionate to the violation. The Dean decides whether to uphold or modify the sanctions against the accused and may add additional sanctions.
Appeals
Fortunately, students may appeal the committee's decision five days after receiving the sanctions recommendation. The accused must send the appeal to the Dean, who reviews the matter thoroughly and what happened during the hearing. They are responsible for making a final decision regarding the matter. Before making this decision, the Dean may ask the Committee Chair to expand on their findings beforehand. The Dean's decision is final and cannot be re-appealed.
Possible Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
All sanctions have an impact on a student's record and reputation. However, some are more damaging than others and have long-term implications that affect a student beyond law school. Some employers may ask for a student's records and transcripts, and a suspension or expulsion is a cause for concern. Some students mistakenly assume they can pick up where they left off at another law school after expulsion, but it is not that easy. Admissions officers prefer students with no prior offenses and will not accept their applications.
Possible sanctions for academic misconduct at Akron School of Law include:
- Placement on disciplinary probation
- Lower grade or failure of a course
- Verbal or written admonition
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Always remember that you are a student and that mistakes happen as you navigate law school. However, suppose a violation is severe, or you have chronic issues. In that case, it is likely to lose all the time, effort, and resources you spent on your program. Some students mistakenly assume that they can go through the process alone. However, with the right help and the assistance of a professional attorney-advisor, there is a higher chance of success.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
You worked hard to reach law school and spent countless days and hours studying to excel in your program. One mistake should not be the end of the road for you, especially with a lapse in judgment. Regardless of the infarction, you deserve an impartial process and the representation of a professional who understands your situation.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento is by your side when you face accusations of academic dishonesty. With years of experience working with students nationwide, advisor Lento understands how hearing panels work and can help you increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Since Attorney-Advisor Lento specializes in student defense, he can identify procedural errors and bias and help you gather evidence and witnesses before a hearing. The more you wait to take strong and decisive action, the less your chances of success are.
Don't wait until the appeal process to seek help. Every minute counts, especially when your degree and reputation are at risk. If you or someone you love face accusations of academic misconduct at the University of Akron School of Law, act now for better results. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a discreet and transparent consultation at 888-535-3686.
