Brandeis University is a private research university established in 1948 in Waltham, Massachusetts. It is classified as a high-research university with a prestigious reputation and rigorous curriculum for all majors. As part of this reputable university, you can benefit from graduating from this establishment and launching your career. But to stay enrolled, you must demonstrate high ethical standards and good behavior, avoiding all kinds of misconduct. Failure to do so causes multiple issues, like suspension and expulsion, that take you back to square one.
Every student embarking on a new path in college is excited about their prospects. While mistakes are part of the learning process, some behavioral misconduct allegations are far-reaching, leading to repercussions you may never have thought you might face. Since research colleges are stringent about their standards because they need to maintain a solid reputation, partaking in actions that reflect poorly on the university or may cause harm to others is a red line you cannot cross. When facing behavioral misconduct accusations at Brandeis University, don't approach the matter alone. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 for more information, or message through this link to learn more about the next steps.
Behavioral Misconduct at Brandeis University
Your behavior as a university student reflects on you and your institution. Even if you have outstanding grades, if your behavior goes against ethical standards and university policy, you may lose your placement or, at the very least, fail to graduate on time. Moreover, bad behavior that leads to sanctions is recorded in your final transcript, making it a permanent issue that potential employers will see during the hiring process.
According to the student handbook at Brandeis University, multiple behaviors constitute misconduct and may lead to the student conduct process. Some of these behaviors include:
- Not correctly identifying or representing oneself
- Falsification of documents
- Encouraging others to violate the policy
- Failure to comply with official instructions
- Obstruction of university functions
- Making threats against public safety
- Using or possessing weapons on university property
- Making excessive noise and disrupting the peace
- Threatening, intimidating, harassing, or bullying others
- Invading personal privacy or the health, safety, and welfare of others
- Discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence
- Hazing
- Retaliating against a person who makes a good faith report against a student who committed a policy violation
- The use of drones
- Engaging in community disturbances
Although this is not a comprehensive list of possible violations, it shows that any behavioral misconduct may lead to a formal hearing and sanctions if they are reported. Even if it was a genuine mistake or a lapse in judgment, it may be difficult to defend against these allegations, making it essential to contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team as soon as you learn of the charges against you.
Pre-Hearing Process
Any member of Brandeis University who believes that a student is displaying concerning behavior or has committed a violation may send a report to the Department of Student Rights and Community Standards (DSRCS). Once the DSRCS receives a report, they will vet it to determine whether it should be referred to the Student Conduct Process (SCP), the OEO Formal Complaint Process, or the Dean of Student Office. In some cases, Brandeis University decision-makers may implement a behavioral intervention. This intervention may include a wellness check, a student outreach meeting, or a referral to on-campus resources.
In initial pre-process procedures, once the SCP receives a report, they will gather all sufficient facts from the reporter. Then, they evaluate the facts to determine if there is enough information to warrant an investigation and if a violation happened. If it did, the case is forwarded to a formal adjudicating process. A Student Conduct Board (SCB) Hearing is possible only if the sanction may likely be suspension or expulsion from Brandeis University.
Student Conduct Board Hearing
The accused and reporting students or parties have a right to have an external advisor attend the SCB hearing. All witnesses, statements, and evidence are presented during this meeting. Once the hearing ends, the SCB will make one of the following decisions:
- The finding of “not responsible.”
- The finding of “responsible” based on preponderance of evidence
- Continuance of the case to obtain additional information or further consideration
If a student is found “responsible,” they will receive either suspension or expulsion as a sanction, with a right to appeal.
Appeals
Appeals can only be made if there are specific grounds, mainly that there was a procedural error or the existence of new information that wasn't available previously. To file an appeal, students must submit them within five days of receiving the conduct action. The Dean of Students reviews the appeal, determines if it meets the required grounds, and sends the case to the University Appeals Board (UAB). The UAB may:
- Uphold the original sanction.
- Re-engage the hearing body for an additional process
- Identity additional process requirements
Although appeals do not guarantee that a decision will be changed, having the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team by your side during this process increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome at this critical point.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
Misconduct allegations at Brandeis University may cause significant issues in your life in the short and long term. Your reputation may be permanently affected even if you start over at another establishment. With so much on the line, don't wait to call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with university students nationwide who are facing allegations of behavioral misconduct. The team is by your side throughout the adjudication process with your best interests in mind, helping you overcome obstacles and identify issues that can lead to a bad outcome.
If you or someone you care for faces allegations of behavioral misconduct at Brandeis University, now is the time to act. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 for a detailed and thorough consultation, or send a message here to learn more.
