Thomas Edison State College strives to uphold a Code of Conduct which requires the maintenance of a scholarly community that is both professional and respectful to all members of the College community. Actions and behaviors that disrupt this are known as violations, and are punishable by a number of sanctions imposable by the College. Students under suspicion of committing a violation will be subjected to the College's Disciplinary Process.
The Thomas Edison State College Disciplinary Process
Thomas Edison State College's disciplinary proceedings are ran by the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Learner Services (EMLS). This office investigates any allegations of misconduct, determines the actions and/or sanctions that fit the incident, adjudicates student appeals, and keeps records of all of this. This office also appoints a Student Conduct Committee of at least five members. If a case is referred to them, they will adjudicate and impose sanctions.
The Code of Conduct suggests that disputes should be attempted to be resolved with an informal approach, possibly with the aid of faculty or staff. If this done, a resolution will be sought according to college guidelines. If this cannot happen, a Student Conduct Committee Hearing might be in order.
Thomas Edison State College Student Conduct Committee Hearing
The hearing will begin once an appointed investigator deems that it is necessary. The student will be notified of what charges are being brought, and they will be given a time and date of their hearing. Students are given the opportunity to question the investigator's reports and witness, as well as the opportunity to submit their own evidence and witnesses in their favor. An attorney's presence is welcome at this hearing. After the evidence and witnesses have been presented, the Student Conduct Committee will review what they have heard and make the determination as to whether or not a violation has occurred. If they decide that a violation has occurred, they will also decide what sanctions to impose on the student for the violation. The Committee can impose all sanctions outright except for expulsion. If the Committee wants to impose expulsion, the decision must be reviewed by the vice president/provost, and the vice president/provost will officially impose expulsion if it is deemed necessary.
Thomas Edison State College Sanctions
Thomas Edison State College will impose disciplinary sanctions if an accused student is found responsible for violating the spirit or intent of the College's Code of Conduct. More than one of the sanctions listed below may be imposed for a violation, and the full range of sanctions is available depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Possible sanctions include:
- Written Warning
- Expulsion/Removal from University Activity/Event
- Probationary Suspension
- Dismissal and Expulsion from the University
- Postponing or Withholding of a Degree
- Revocation of a Degree
- Interim Suspension
For violations of the College's Academic Code of Conduct, possible sanctions include:
- Lower or Failing Grade for an Assignment
- Lower or Failing Grade for the Course
- Rescinding Credits
- Rescinding Certificates or Degrees
- Recording Academic Sanctions on the Transcript
- Suspension from the University
- Dismissal from the University
Regretfully, some Thomas Edison State College students, despite their and their parents' best intentions, proceed with the University disciplinary process without a full understanding of the possible consequences, both immediate and long-term. Those unfamiliar with the realities of the disciplinary process often do not realize until it may be too late that Thomas Edison imposes suspensions and expulsions as a sanction more often than would be expected; even in disciplinary matters that may seem to be less serious. The stakes are very high, and some consequences are unforeseen; even sanctions lesser than suspension or expulsion can greatly jeopardize a student's academic and professional goals.
Thomas Edison State College sanctions for Title IX sexual misconduct violations, which include sexual harassment and sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence, will always be severe, and Title IX sexual misconduct violations can have lifetime consequences. Thomas Edison will also promptly impose interim measures as deemed necessary to protect the complainant before the final outcome of a Title IX investigation and disciplinary proceeding involving Dating, Relationship or Sexual Misconduct or Violence.
Experience Matters - An Experienced Attorney's Role When Representing a Thomas Edison State College Student
Thomas Edison State College and a student's attorney may be able to work together to achieve an agreeable resolution before Code of Conduct disciplinary violations and/or academic misconduct charges are filed in certain instances. If charges have already been filed against a student, the accused student's attorney, also in certain instances, may be able to serve as an a liaison between Thomson Edison State College, the accused student, and other involved parties, in an effort to achieve a constructive resolution. Whether before or after Code of Conduct charges and/or academic integrity charges are filed, in working towards the prospect of an agreeable resolution, the extent of an attorney's involvement will be at the discretion of Thomas Edison State College. Every student's case is unique; an experienced attorney will understand what the College may be receptive to, and will approach the matter accordingly.
A attorney's involvement at Thomas Edison State College in matters involving Code of Conduct disciplinary charges and/or academic disciplinary charges should not be confused with Thomas Edison State College disciplinary cases involving Title IX sexual misconduct allegations. In Title IX student disciplinary proceedings, an experienced attorney must work both as the point of contact between the accused student and Thomas Edison State College as well as behind the scenes to defend against sexual misconduct and sexual assault allegations.
An experienced student discipline defense attorney will understand and use the most effective strategies when handling a student's case at Thomas Edison State College.
Thomas Edison State College Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students have the opportunity to make an appeal within 15 business days after receiving their disciplinary action. Letters of appeal must be submitted to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Learner Services. Appeals must also be made on specific grounds, meaning they must point out a procedural irregularity, present new evidence, argue that the sanctions are too severe, suggest the bias of a staff member, or suggest that the decision was not sufficiently supported by the evidence gathered. After the appeal has been reviewed, it will result in the sanctions being affirmed and executed, suspended, adjusted, set-aside, modified, or rejected. Students are only permitted one appeal, and the decision becomes final after the appeals process concludes.
Thomas Edison State College's disciplinary process can be confusing, and may cause you to face severe consequences for what may be minor violations. It is important to act quickly when facing disciplinary action. If you are currently facing disciplinary action from Thomas Edison State College, contact college student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
