The University of Kansas School of Law (KU Law) is a private law school established in 1878. The law school is part of the University of Kansas, a public research university in Lawrence, Kansas. Wheat Law Library, the law school's prestigious law library, is one of the state's oldest and largest law libraries. KU Law School offers multiple programs, including torts, civil procedure, constitutional law, and criminal law. Upon graduation, students can look forward to several career opportunities in Kansas and beyond, but only if they demonstrate the highest principles of academic integrity.
Being a law student is an exciting time in your life. However, it also comes with challenges like the pressure to stay ahead and perform well. Although most students expect rigorous training and prepare for it mentally and physically, some buckle under pressure, leading to mistakes. And while your professors and administrators understand that errors are part of the learning process, some have severe consequences. Sanctions for academic misconduct include suspension and expulsion, ruining a student's chances of a fruitful career. When everything is at stake, you need the help of an experienced attorney-advisor specializing in student defense to reduce the likelihood of severe penalties.
Honor Code and Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is high on the list of expectations at KU Law School. The Honor Code, published on the law school's website, emphasizes the importance of high standards due to the legal profession's nature. When you engage in academic dishonesty, the law school has a procedure to investigate the claims before imposing penalties. Because you are in a position of public trust, clients must trust your character and judgment.
As per the Honor Code, the following actions are violations of academic misconduct standards:
- Exam Violations: Students may not knowingly violate the law school's rules by giving, receiving, or using unauthorized help to gain an advantage over peers. Examples provided by the law school include not turning in an examination once the allotted time ends and keeping a copy of the exam to give to others.
- Cheating: Law students should avoid all actions connected to this violation. This avoidance includes using devices not authorized by professors and giving or receiving assistance. The offense falls under this category if it allows students to gain an unfair advantage over their peers.
- Plagiarism: Since Kansas University is a public research university, the institution's reputation is important to administrators. The act of plagiarizing academic work and passing it off as one's own goes against the school's principles. Similarly, paraphrasing content and rewriting it without crediting the original author is also a form of plagiarism.
All members of the KU Law may report a suspected violation to the faculty member responsible for administering the program or academic exercise. Alternately, students may outline the infarction to the Academic Associate Dean. Although this list is not exhaustive, it briefly explains the actions that may lead to sanctions.
Procedures and Hearing Process
Upon receiving a complaint, the Honor Committee reviews the allegations and investigates the matter. The investigation determines whether the student did commit a violation and the part of the Honor Code violated.
Upon completion of the investigation, the committee decides on appropriate sanctions and recommends them to the Dean. Unlike other law schools, KU Law also publishes a memorandum of the proceedings in the Law School Newsletter or another medium of public notice with the following information:
- Date of proceedings
- Names of the Honor Committee members
- What section the accused student violated
- The committee's decision on the matter, including whether a violation happened and the reason for that decision
- Recommended sanctions based on the violation
Although the law school publishes this information, it does not disclose the violator's name. Additionally, it makes an effort to remove details that allows others to identify the violator.
Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
The law school imposes sanctions for violations of its Honor Code. Although some of these penalties don't have a long-term effect on a student's life, not all include leniency. Suspension and expulsion are the most damaging sanctions students face, with the latter being the most severe. Since the law school is part of the Association of American Law Schools, an expelled student cannot reenroll in another law school. The committee considers multiple factors before making this decision, such as the student's overall history and previous offenses.
Sanctions for academic misconduct include:
- Notifying the administrator of a program of the violation
- Receiving an incomplete or failing grade for the course
- An oral reprimand, administered by the Dean
- A written reprimand by the Dean that stays on a student's transcript permanently
- Placement on disciplinary probation
- Suspension from the law school for one or multiple semesters
- Permanent dismissal from the law school
If you are accused of academic misconduct violations, do not attempt to tackle the issue on your own. Instead, work with an attorney-advisor who understands the gravity of your situation and has your best interests in mind. With so much at stake, students must immediately contact an advisor once they receive notice of a complaint against their conduct.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento understands how challenging allegations are for law students. With years of experience helping law students nationwide, advisor Lento approaches each case with care. When facing harsh sanctions and stern honor committees, advisor Lento is by your side when all seems impossible to manage.
Advisor Lento specializes in student defense. With his unique and thorough approach to every case, you can rest easier knowing that a professional is standing by you and your family during this stressful time.
You are a law student and have the right to defend yourself against allegations that can ruin your future. Even a suspension negatively impacts your reputation and leads to questions once you start your career.
If you or someone you care for experience academic misconduct accusations at KU Law, don't wait until it's too late to act. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a discreet consultation at 888-535-3686.
