Established in 1799, the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law (UK College of Law) is a public law school with multiple degree offerings. It is one of the oldest law schools in the United States with a prestigious history, impressive alumni list, and a diverse student body. Graduates can look forward to multiple career opportunities upon graduation, and many go on to secure high-ranking positions in Kentucky and beyond.
Due to its rich history and reputation, the UK School of Law emphasizes principles of academic integrity. Students must demonstrate high ethical standards and avoid behavior that jeopardizes their goal of becoming attorneys. Those who face allegations of misconduct risk facing sanctions, including suspension or expulsion. Fortunately, every person has the right to due process – and with the help of an attorney advisor, they can fight back against allegations that damage their future career.
Honor Code at UK School of Law
The UK School of Law's honor code stresses fostering integrity and honor to inspire trust and confidence within the university. The code contains information on what constitutes academic misconduct, the honor council and its composition, and the procedures taken by the administration after receiving a report of a violation.
The code prohibits the following actions:
- Lying: Students may not deliberately misrepresent facts or present data and information as accurate when they know it is not. Additionally, omitting information falls within this category.
- Cheating: This violation involves using unauthorized means to gain an unfair academic advantage over one's peers. Receiving or giving aid to others without permission is also a form of cheating.
- Plagiarism: UK Law school takes plagiarism violations seriously. When a student plagiarizes, they “take the words and thoughts of others” and attempt to pass them off as their work. Additionally, rewording another person's idea is prohibited.
- Stealing: In the context of academic misconduct, this violation means that a student is deliberately taking property from university grounds, such as documents or information that allows them to gain an unfair academic advantage.
- Interference with academic pursuits: This violation entails any action that a law student takes that makes it difficult or impossible for other students to perform their work correctly.
- Falsification and misuse: Students must not tamper with academic records or knowingly submit transcripts, admission credentials, or falsified applications.
- Failure to report: Every law student at the UK School of Law must report honor code violations or face sanctions.
As mentioned in the policy, students and faculty members must implement the standards of the code. The honor council is responsible for administering its tenets as per its purpose and scope.
The UK School of Law Academic Misconduct Policy
Any member of the UK School of Law who suspects that a student committed an honor code violation must send a report to the Chair of the Honor Council within 30 days. The complaint must include details about the suspected breach and a summary of the incident.
The Chair reviews the report with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine if a violation occurred. If the chairs conclude that the student is not at fault, they do not pursue the issue. If they believe a violation did occur, they inform the accused of the complaint and convene an informal hearing.
Informal Hearing
The informal hearing occurs before the dean, the council chair, the hearing committee, and the student. The purpose of this hearing is to determine if the offense is valid and to question the respondent and witnesses. Fortunately, the accused may have a legal representative present during the proceedings.
After the hearing ends, the hearing committee deliberates and recommends a suitable punishment to the dean. The dean has the final say regarding the sanction and informs the student of the decision.
Appeals Process
If the student does not accept the honor council's decision, they can appeal to the Academic Ombud within ten days of receiving notice from the dean. The University Appeals Board and the Academic Ombud review the details of the incident and make a final decision regrinding the matter. Students may attend classes during the time of the appeal.
Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
Sanctions depend on the seriousness of the violation and the student's behavioral history at the institution. They include:
- A written reprimand from the dean
- A failing grade for the course
- Loss of privileges
- Suspension for a definite period
- Permanent expulsion from the university
Although not all sanctions are as damaging as a suspension or expulsion, they have the potential to harm your reputation. Moreover, having the sanctions listed on your permanent transcript poses challenges for your future. You need an experienced professional to help you get through this stressful process during times like these.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Having an attorney-advisor by your side increases your chances of a favorable outcome. Although you may assume that dealing with the issue alone gets you the same results, an experienced advisor understands how panels and hearings operate. An advisor identifies when there is bias working against you, pinpoints procedural errors, and negotiates with the committee to decrease the likelihood of unfair sanctions.
But not just any advisor will do – you need the help of a professional with experience working with law students nationwide. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student discipline defense. With years of experience working with the most challenging cases, attorney-advisor Lento understands what's at stake and works tirelessly to reduce the impact of an academic misconduct violation.
You work hard and spend countless hours and time actualizing your dream of becoming an attorney. Even an honest mistake can lead to a permanent expulsion if you cannot defend yourself properly against accusations.
Don't let an academic misconduct charge at the UK School of Law derail your future and destroy your dream of becoming a successful attorney. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for a thorough and discreet conversation regarding your options.
