The University of Toledo College of Law is a public law school established in 1906 in Toledo, Ohio. The law school is part of the University of Toledo System. It offers the Juris Doctor degree, including Certificates of Concentration in Criminal, Environmental, or International Law. Moreover, UToledo Law enjoys full accreditation by the American Bar Association and is part of the Association of American Law Schools. Once students graduate, they have plenty of opportunities to seek exciting careers in the field of their choice – but only if they demonstrate high ethical principles.
To complete their programs, law students must balance multiple obligations. Over time, the strain of performance and the demands of peers, instructors, and parents leads to stress. Even if you anticipated these problems before starting your program, it might become harder to maintain your grades. To keep up, you may commit errors or show poor judgment, which ultimately hurts your chances of graduating. Without the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney-advisor, one mistake may prevent you from receiving your degree. Following your appearance before a hearing panel, you may receive sanctions, including probation, suspension, or expulsion.
Code of Student Professional Conduct
Law students must demonstrate the highest academic integrity principles while completing their programs. Their conduct at law school reflects the direction of their professional path. Since being a lawyer is a position of public trust, it is essential to maintain ethical behavior. The code of student professional conduct applies to all students attending the College of Law at the University of Toledo. The following actions listed on the law school's official page constitute violations:
- Failure to follow the instructions of professors during exam administration
- Starting a test before the allotted time or continuing to work on it after its official end time
- Receiving or providing other students with the contents of an exam before taking it
- Using unauthorized materials to complete exams of academic exercises
- Not following an instructor's rules concerning an academic exercise
- Plagiarizing by using the words or ideas of another person without giving them credit or including the proper citations
- Interfering with materials such as taking, converting, concealing, misfiling, or damaging property relating to academic assignments
- Intentionally misrepresenting materials concerning a student's performance
- Failure to report a violation immediately
- Conspiring with other students to violate the rules stated within the code
Students who commit one or more of the above face sanctions that harm their future and reputation. If you receive notice of an accusation, you must act to reduce the likelihood of receiving sanctions that negatively affect your future. Even if the action was an honest mistake or a lapse in judgment, the student might receive a suspension or expulsion if it is a severe infraction.
Hearing Process
Any person who believes a violation occurred must report the incident to the Dean. Once the Dean receives this complaint, they may consult with the accused student or dismiss the matter. If the accused admits wrongdoing, the Dean terminates formal proceedings and imposes appropriate sanctions. Suppose the student does not admit to wrongdoing. In that case, the Dean appoints two instructors and one student member to create a Disciplinary Committee Hearing Panel.
During the hearing, the accused student has the right to present evidence, question witnesses, and oppose particular sanctions. Once the session ends, panel members deliberate whether a violation occurred based on a majority vote. The Dean reviews the panel's findings and allows the student to respond. Once this process ends, the Dean makes a final decision regarding the case.
Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
The Dean imposes sanctions based on the student's history, behavior, and the gravity of the violation. Although not all mistakes result in a suspension or expulsion, any penalty negatively affects the student's academic trajectory and future career path. Moreover, the student may suffer reputational damage from the hearing. According to the code, the following sanctions are possible for academic misconduct:
- Degree withdrawal recommended by the Dean to the President and Board of Trustees
- Loss of College of Law privileges and services
- Placement on probation and denial of eligibility for all offices and positions under the Student Bar Association
- An anonymous public reprimand
- Restitution for damaged items belonging to the College of Law
- Loss of credit
- A failure on an exam or course
- Temporary suspension until revoked by the Dean
- Permanent expulsion from the College of Law
Some students assume they can handle the matter on their own without the help of an advisor. However, for a higher chance of success and a fair case outcome, the guidance of an advisor is an invaluable asset during this time. Moreover, the stress resulting from the hearing and allegations may disrupt a student's progress and cause them to lash out. It is crucial to stay calm and not take matters lightly once accused.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
It is no secret that law students are under significant pressure to perform well and succeed. The future of their legal studies depends on their activities during law school. However, no student is immune to making mistakes. Yet one error or lapse in judgment should not end your dream of becoming a successful lawyer. For the best possible outcome, you need the experience of a skilled attorney-advisor like Joseph D. Lento.
Attorney-Advisor Lento has years of experience working with students nationwide accused of academic misconduct. With an eye for detail and a passion for justice, advisor Lento goes over the case and offers expert guidance to decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. Even without his presence during the hearing, advisor Lento understands the process and works closely with you to create a defense strategy to help keep you enrolled.
If you or someone you love face accusations of academic misconduct at the University of Toledo College of Law, help is available. Call the Lento Law Firm now for a detailed and thorough consultation at 888-535-3686.
