While some people have the option of attending college immediately after completing high school, others may be facing financial constraints or not be interested just yet. As we grow older, pursuing an education becomes more challenging, prompting numerous colleges and universities to establish continuing education programs. These programs enable adult learners to enhance their expertise in their respective fields, learn new skills, or obtain a degree.
Regardless of the motive behind enrolling in continuing education, it can prove to be a demanding task. Balancing responsibilities like work, family, and personal care can be extremely challenging and may lead to mishaps. Such incidents could result in disciplinary hearings that may have long-term consequences for students.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team know how hard you have worked to start, or re-start, your education. As such, they will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Call today.
Academics at the University of California Los Angeles
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension School offers a wide range of continuing education programs designed for professionals and individuals seeking to develop and boost their knowledge and skills. These programs include certificate programs, online courses, and custom training programs in various areas such as business, education, healthcare, technology, and the arts.
Some of the programs UCLA offers include:
- Accounting
- Business and Management of Entertainment
- College Counseling
- Cybersecurity
- Finance
- GIS and Geospatial Technology
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Public Policy
- Legal Studies
- Data Analytics
- Digital Media
- Architecture
- Education
- Real Estate
- Writing & Journalism
- Corporate Education
- Pre-Medical and General Science Studies
- Sustainability
These programs are designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals and offer flexible scheduling and customized learning options.
Degree and Certificate Programs
UCLA Extension School does not have a specific GPA requirement for admission into most of its certificate programs, but students are expected to have a certain level of academic proficiency. For example, many students have completed a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent level of education, prior to attending the Extension School.
While GPA requirements are not necessary for some programs at the Extension School, students are expected to fulfill all the requirements for their certificate or program. For instance, to receive the Certificate of College Counseling, students must take five required courses and two electives. But if the student is trying to gain admission to the Master of Public Health program through the UCLA Extension, they must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate coursework.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
UCLA Extension School continuing education require students to advance through their programs within a designated time frame, usually one to five years. Additionally, students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher in all required courses for their program.
If they are unable to meet the Extension School's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, they could be placed on academic probation for one quarter or semester. During this time, the student is expected to meet with an academic advisor to develop a plan for improving their academic performance. If the student does not improve their academic standing after one quarter or semester, they may be dismissed from the program.
When students get a notification of their academic progress, they should reach out to an academic attorney-advisor for help. By retaining Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team, students can rest assured that they are in good hands. Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Team will use their extensive experience to negotiate with the university on their behalf, which can help alleviate most of the stress and anxiety associated with these situations.
Attendance Policies
The attendance policy for UCLA Extension School courses may vary depending on the specific course and instructor. But usually, attendance and participation are often considered important parts of the learning experience. In most cases, students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions and arrive on time. If a student is unable to attend a class, they should notify the instructor in advance and decide to catch up on missed work. In other cases, instructors may have specific policies regarding missed classes or tardiness. For example, some intensive or accelerated courses may have stricter attendance policies due to the condensed nature of the program, while some certification or licensing courses will have a minimum level of attendance requirements.
Either way, it is important to review the course syllabus and communicate with the instructor about any concerns.
Academic Dishonesty
UCLA Extension School takes academic integrity and honesty very seriously and has policies in place to prevent and address academic dishonesty. The specific policies may vary depending on the program or course, but in general, academic dishonesty is defined as any action that violates the principles of academic integrity, including:
- Plagiarism: presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, without authorization or proper citation.
- Cheating: using materials, assistance, or communication during an examination, quiz, or other assessment without express permission to do so.
- Fabrication: using or inventing false data, sources, or results on an examination, quiz, or other forms of academic work.
- Misrepresentation: presenting false or misleading information to get an academic advantage over other students.
- Collusion: working with others to cheat or plagiarize on an examination, quiz, or other assignments.
- Multiple submissions: submitting the same work for multiple courses without permission.
If a student is accused of violating the academic dishonesty policy, they may be sanctioned. Sanctions vary depending on the severity of the conduct at issue. For instance, a student could receive a failing grade for the assignment or a failing grade for the course. They might also be subject to a suspension or expulsion from the program or the school entirely. It all depends.
Academics: What Could Go Wrong?
Accusations of academic dishonesty can severely impact your future prospects. For instance, students at UCLA Extension School who are facing such accusations while applying to undergraduate programs may face significant obstacles in gaining admission if they are found responsible. Moreover, being suspended or dismissed from school for academic dishonesty will be noted on their transcript, making it difficult to explain the punishment when applying to other programs or schools.
In such situations, seeking help from an academic attorney-advisor is crucial. Attorney-advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team have extensive experience in assisting students in similar predicaments. They understand the hard work and sacrifices involved in pursuing academic goals and the potentially devastating impact of a false or excessive punishment.
Disciplinary Misconduct
Colleges and universities prioritize creating a safe and nurturing environment where students can grow academically and personally without fear of judgment or misconceptions from the outside world. Maintaining safety and well-being is crucial to fostering an environment where students can flourish. When students feel unsafe, their participation in academic activities may decline, which can harm the school's reputation, lead to fewer applications for admission, and reduce tuition revenue.
At UCLA Extension School, the following behaviors are strictly forbidden:
- Theft, damage, or destruction of property
- Computer misuse
- Violation of copyright laws
- Unauthorized use of university resources or name.
- Violations of university parking policies.
- Conduct that threatens the health and safety of others.
- Sexual harassment
- Stalking
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Hazing
- Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other university activities.
- Disorderly or lewd behavior
- Disturbing the peace
- Unlawful assembly
- Failing to comply with the directions of a university official or other public official.
- Attempting to, or actually, manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, using, or selling controlled substances, including marijuana.
- Attempting to, or actually, manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, using, or selling alcohol.
- Possessing, using, storing, or making explosives, firebombs, or other destructive devices.
- Having, using, or selling weapons or replica weapons.
- Violating disciplinary conditions
- Violating suspension or expulsion conditions
- Using or selling university materials without permission.
- Violating local, state, or federal laws
- Making unwanted personal contact with another person.
- Violating the expectation of privacy.
Student Conduct Procedures
The disciplinary procedures at UCLA Extension School usually begin with an investigation. If an instructor or administrator suspects a student of violating the school's policies or standards, they will initiate an investigation, which includes collecting evidence and interviewing any relevant witnesses. Once the university reviews the information they have gathered and decides there is enough evidence to support the accusations, it will notify the accused student in writing.
The student will be given an opportunity to meet with the Dean to discuss the alleged violation and respond to the accusations. The Dean will review the accusation and the student's statements and determine how to proceed. The Dean can decide:
- To write the student a Letter of Admonition and put them on notice that the behavior violated a university policy or regulation and, if repeated, would be subject to disciplinary process.
- Impose sanctions – if the student acknowledges that their behavior is prohibited by the conduct code.
- Refer students to the Student Conduct Committee for a formal hearing.
- That there is insufficient information to proceed.
- To make an Agreement of Resolution because the Dean and accused student have agreed that the other dispositions are not appropriate.
If the student is referred to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) for a formal hearing, they will be given an opportunity to present their side of the story, as well as evidence and relevant witnesses to bolster their argument. Once the student and the university have had a chance to present their arguments, they will be able to cross-examine the other side's witnesses and evidence.
At the end of the hearing, the SCC will retreat and review the information presented. If they decide that there is enough evidence to prove that the student is responsible for the accusation conduct, they will issue a sanction to the student. Sanctions might include:
- Excluding a student from an area of campus or campus housing.
- Community service
- Restitution
- Loss of privileges
- Participation in a restorative justice conference
- Letter of apology
- Withholding of a diploma or certificate
- Warning
- Disciplinary probation
- Deferred suspension
- Deferred dismissal
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Revocation of degree
Students who receive a suspension or dismissal sanction, whether it is imposed by the Dean or the SCC, have the option to appeal the decision. Appeals must be made within five days of the notice of the decision to the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, via email or in writing. The Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, or their designee will review the appeal and determine whether the matter should be referred for another hearing, the sanction should be modified, or the entire punishment should be rejected altogether. Whatever their decision, it is final and cannot be appealed further.
If the idea of filing an appeal seems overwhelming to you, Attorney-advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team will be able to help.
How an Academic Attorney Can Help
If you are a continuing studies student at UCLA Extension, violating the university's code of conduct may jeopardize your future. For example, if you are enrolled in a professional development program or a certification course, being dismissed from the program or having a disciplinary record could significantly impact your chances of advancing in your career, particularly since employers typically cover the cost of such programs. Additionally, if you fail or receive sanctions for misconduct, you may not be eligible for reimbursement of the course fees.
Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team have spent years helping students across the country navigate disciplinary proceedings. They will work tirelessly to ensure you have every chance to present your side of the story. In addition to providing excellent counsel, the team at Lento Law Firm will be able to negotiate with the school on your behalf, ensuring you are not being punished unnecessarily. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
