The Widener University Delaware Law School is a Second-Tier private law school established in 1971. Previously, the law school was officially the Delaware Law School. Before that, it was the Widener University School of Law. The law school is part of the Widener University complex and sits on a 40-acre campus in Wilmington, Delaware. The legal program emphasizes legal clinics specializing in family law and assisting veterans with benefits cases. Moreover, WUD Law also offers study abroad programs in Italy, Switzerland, and Kenya.
As a law student at WUD Law, you can access many educational opportunities to hone your skills as a future attorney. And because law school isn't easy, you must work hard and demonstrate sound ethics and impeccable behavior because you are responsible for the law and the public in the future. However, mistakes commonly happen, and it's a regular part of your college experience. However, not all errors are similar, and some may cause more trouble than expected. You may have to face a hearing panel; their sanctions include suspension and expulsion.
Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
As a member of WUD Law, you must consistently demonstrate the highest principles of academic integrity. The most recent student handbook contains the Code of Conduct that guides students on the proper behavior expected of them and gives examples of the most common violations. Academic integrity is high on the list of expectations at WUD Law. Some examples of conduct that goes against this code include:
- Cheating: This action involves gaining an unfair advantage over one's peers by performing prohibited activities in academic exercises. Examples from the code include giving or securing information without authorization, using prohibited tools during a test or quiz, and copying the work of others.
- Plagiarism: When a person plagiarizes, they use another individual's work without giving credit to the person who made it. This action includes paraphrasing or rephrasing another person's work without ambiguous acknowledgment.
- Misrepresentation: When a student misrepresents their work, they knowingly provide false data or fail to disclose certain information. For example, a student may fail to disclose or provide inaccurate data about something that impacts their chances of acceptance into law school.
- Tampering: This action involves doctoring documents and changing data on documents, files, exams, papers, and journals without authorization.
- General Unfair Academic Advantage: This class of violations includes miscellaneous conduct that does not fall within one of the above categories. It is a general term used to describe any action that lets a student gain an unfair advantage over their peers due to unethical activity.
The law school takes these matters seriously and severely deals with transgressors. It is understandable as it's necessary to maintain a level playing field and their reputation for future students. However, sometimes the accusation is untrue, inaccurate, isn't supported by evidence, or results from a misunderstanding. Without a proper strategy, you may face considerable drawbacks to your future.
Consequences of Violations and Hearing Process
Any member of WUD Law can report a suspected violation to the Registrar or the Office of Student Affairs. After reviewing the complaint, the Office of Student Affairs determines whether it holds enough merit to warrant an investigation. If it does, it assigns an investigator who takes a deeper look at the issue and provides a summarized report to the Dean's Office.
Once the Dean receives the summary, they summon the accused student for an informal conciliation to determine the truth of the complaint. If both parties cannot agree on the Dean's findings, the Dean's designee assembles an honor code hearing. During the hearing, the student presents evidence and challenges the charges. Once the meeting concludes, the members deliberate and recommend sanctions.
There is no appeals process after the Dean approves the hearing panel's sanctions recommendation. Due to this rule, an accused student must have the best defense strategy ready when facing panel members. Because the sanctions may include suspension or expulsion, students have a better chance of success if they work with a skilled attorney advisor.
Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
WUD Law imposes harsh sanctions for academic misconduct and code violations. The severity of these sanctions ultimately depends on the gravity of the offense, the student's general history, and the number of times a violation occurred. As mentioned in the handbook, the following penalties are the result of violating the code:
- Restricting the student from accessing the library or receiving law school privileges
- Receiving a warning or placement on disciplinary probation
- Reducing the student's grade on an assignment or the course
- Not awarding the student credit for the course
- Dismissal from the law school
- An oral or written reprimand
- A reprimand that becomes part of the student's file
- Restitution when applicable
- Temporary Dismissal
- Permanent Dismissal
- Degree Revocation
Any sanction that becomes part of your transcript impacts your reputation negatively and causes professional problems. These penalties affect your life beyond law school when you receive a suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation. You may not graduate on time, incurring additional expenses and wasted time. Moreover, a dismissal or no longer having a degree affects your career permanently.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Harsh sanctions have an undeniable negative impact on your life. Even if the violation was a lapse in judgment or a genuine mistake, the effect determines the outcome. When you face these life-altering sanctions, you need the help of a skilled Attorney-Advisor who understands the gravity of what you're going through.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense. With his years of experience and unique approach, advisor Lento helps law students nationwide face demanding hearing panels. Advisor Lento expertly identifies critical evidence that makes all the difference in your case. Whether there is bias or the charges don't hold up against the evidence, advisor Lento handles your case with care for the best possible outcome.
Don't let an accusation end your dreams of becoming an attorney. Every minute counts when your degree and future are at risk. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a confidential, no-nonsense consultation at 888-535-3686.
