Grand Canyon University is a for-profit university in Phoenix, Arizona. With over 60,000 full-time students, it is the largest Christian university in the United States. Grand Canyon University offers a mix of in-person and online classes for more than 200 academic program offerings.
Like other for-profit institutions, Grand Canyon University markets itself as an affordable and flexible alternative to traditional public universities. The school has come under fire for deceptive advertising. Grand Canyon University was the subject of numerous class-action lawsuits. These lawsuits alleged that recruiters committed fraud by misrepresenting the accreditation of its professional programs. While Grand Canyon University claims to have low tuition rates, estimates show that the annual price to attend the school is over $32,000 when including all fees. Students also suffer from low graduation rates, with roughly two-thirds of students failing to graduate within eight years of enrollment.
In many cases, Grand Canyon University students face unfair disciplinary proceedings that lead to their dismissal. Dismissal can leave you with student debt and limited career prospects. National academic misconduct attorney and advisor Joseph D. Lento is here to educate you on your rights should you face misconduct allegations at Grand Canyon University.
Misconduct Policies at Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University prohibits various forms of misconduct. Its university policy handbook provides information regarding academic regulations. Grand Canyon University has academic integrity, student conduct, Title IX compliance, and academic progress standards. We have summarized each policy below.
Academic Integrity. Grand Canyon University's academic integrity policy requires students to uphold high standards of conduct and personal integrity in the classroom. The policy prohibits academic dishonesty — or any act of deception in an academic setting. Examples of academic dishonesty include:
- Cheating
- Fabricating, forging, or altering information
- Plagiarizing
- Submitting working prepared by another student or person
- Using unauthorized materials
- Collaborating in an unsanctioned manner
- Violating copyright laws
- Selling or providing course work to others
- Violating university rules regarding curriculum, computers, or networks
Sanctions for academic integrity violations include in-class penalties or limited to no credit for assignments. Grand Canyon University also assesses university-level penalties for academic dishonesty. Examples include disciplinary warnings, failing grades, class removal, suspension, expulsion, and revocation of credits or degrees.
Code of Conduct. Grand Canyon University students must also abide by conduct policies outlined in the university policy handbook. Students who violate the Code of Conduct also face in-class and university-level penalties. The university policy handbook states that students must accept disciplinary action for any conduct violations. The full list of infractions is on page 106 of the university policy handbook. Examples include:
- Forgery or falsification of university documents
- Disrupting the educational process
- Failing to comply with university requests or investigations
- Possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs on university property
- Recording classroom activities without permission
- Sharing or using someone else's university password
Title IX. Universities must follow Title IX regulations when responding to sexual misconduct complaints. Federal rules forbid sex discrimination and harassment. The university policy handbook includes a list of prohibited behaviors. Students may not commit sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and other forms of misconduct. Violating Title IX policy can lead to sanctions, including a warning, required counseling, probation, suspension, expulsion, denial of commencement, loss of organizational privileges, and other disciplinary actions.
Academic Progress. Grand Canyon University students must also meet satisfactory academic progress standards. To remain compliant, students must meet degree requirements, such as minimum GPA requirements for their academic program. In general, the university requires a 2.0 GPA for undergraduates, 2.5 GPA for nursing students, and 3.0 GPA for graduate or doctoral students. Failing to meet standards can result in an academic notice, suspension, or dismissal.
Misconduct Procedures at Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University responds to misconduct allegations based on the type of infraction. The university policy handbook outlines the disciplinary steps for investigating conduct violations. Consider this outline of Grand Canyon University's student misconduct procedures.
Academic Integrity and Code of Conduct. Staff members must forward academic integrity and conduct violations to the office of academic compliance. The office will review the allegation and student's record to determine sanctions. If the office charges a student with a violation, they will allow them to defend themselves. Students may respond to allegations via a written statement, teleconference, or in-person meeting. The Code of Conduct committee will review the evidence and determine university-level penalties.
Title IX. The University Title IX Coordinator investigates and resolves all allegations of sexual misconduct. They must offer supportive measures for the complainant, an informal resolution, or a formal grievance process. The formal grievance process includes an investigation and hearing. During the hearing, students may present witnesses and evidence for review. Following the hearing, the Title IX Coordinator will write a report detailing their findings and sanctions.
Academic Progress. The university policy handbook details the program procedures for dealing with academic progress infractions. In general, the university places undergraduate students on warning if they drop below a 2.0 GPA or they have not earned at least 67% of their cumulative credit hours. If they fail to meet standards during the next interval, the university places the student on suspension. Students who continually fail to meet performance requirements face expulsion for a minimum of two academic years.
An Attorney-Advisor's Role
Grand Canyon University's disciplinary procedures may seem intimidating. If you face a misconduct allegation, you must take action to defend yourself. Attorney Joseph D. Lento of the Lento Law Firm is an experienced academic misconduct advisor for students across the country. He can challenge allegations and create a defense that leads to a reduction or dismissal in charges.
Grand Canyon University allows students to use an advisor of their choice during disciplinary proceedings and grievance processes. Joseph D. Lento will provide support and advisement throughout the resolution process, whatever specific concern a student may face at the school. He can also identify opportunities to appeal or challenge biased decisions.
An experienced attorney advisor can make all the difference in your misconduct investigation. When you face disciplinary action from your university, your academic and financial future is at stake. Don't leave your fate in the hands of a disciplinary board. By using Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm, you can give yourself a fighting chance at a favorable outcome. Call 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today.
