For over 100 years, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry has combined world-class academics and hands-on training using state-of-the-art technology to develop an impactful, community-minded curriculum. As Illinois' largest dental care provider, the college offers various DMD, Ph.D., and MS program degrees to its 500 enrolled students. The UIC College of Dentistry also boasts its status as a Level-1 research institution, with more than one-third of its full-time faculty actively engaged in research supported by over seven million dollars in annual funding.
An impeccable academic and professional record in a dentistry program can lead to a student's choice among the best placement opportunities for graduates. Maintaining perfection, however, is not easy as the UIC College of Dentistry holds its students accountable for maintaining its standard of patient dental care and reputation in the research sector. The slightest error in academic performance, dental care, and personal behavior will be scrutinized and may lead to long-lasting negative consequences.
In reality, honorable students can land themselves in front of a disciplinary board. The college grievance process is intimidating whether you're notified of academic failures or minute ethical violations. Nevertheless, you can obtain peace of mind to focus on your progression by hiring a professional advisor with specific experience in student rights and discipline issues.
UIC College of Dentistry Academic and Clinical Standards
To remain in good academic standing, dental students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the final 60 credit hours of the degree, according to the UIC College of Dentistry 2022-2024 Graduate Catalog. Students must also refrain from any prohibited academic conduct. The UIC Student Disciplinary Policy details the following constitutes a violation of their standard of academic integrity:
- Abuse of academic materials
- Cheating
- Engaging in academically dishonest activities
- Fabrication of research
- Grade tampering
- Offering bribes, favors, or threats
- Plagiarism
- Unauthorized collaboration
If a student's GPA drops below the minimum graduation requirement or they violate academic integrity policies, they will be subject to a Referral Committee Review or a Student Conduct Hearing at the discretion of the Dean of Students. The committees will determine if academic probation, remediation, or dismissal is an appropriate course of action.
UIC College of Dentistry Behavioral and Professional Standards
Along with academic requirements, students must abide by strict behavioral and professional standards in the UIC College of Dentistry Code of Professionalism for Students. Since dental students represent the institution to the public, the UIC College of Dentistry prohibits:
- Breaches of patient data privacy
- Emotional instability
- Excessive tardiness
- Illicit substance abuse
- Improper use of social media
- Public acts of indecency
- Refusal to treat patients due to demographic characteristics
Academic and Behavioral Hearing Process at UIC College of Dentistry
Misconduct is managed via two processes: Administrative Hearings for minor infractions and Student Conduct Hearings for all others. Regardless, both proceed identically unless the misconduct violates the school's sexual misconduct or Title IX policy, which requires additional administrative personnel.
Although the school states it attempts to resolve all infractions within 60 calendar days, they often move much faster. The process will proceed as follows:
- The Chair of the Student Conduct Committee or Dean of Students, or their designee of the Referral Committee, will convene the hearing and state the allegations.
- The complainant (accuser) and respondent (accused) will make opening statements.
- Both parties will present evidence and witness testimony.
- Parties and the committee may question the complainant, respondent, and witnesses.
- The complainant and respondent will make closing statements.
- The hearing committee or dean will enter into an executive session to determine responsibility based on a preponderance of the evidence standard.
Within five calendar days of the conclusion of the hearing, a written decision will be issued to the respondent and all appropriate parties. The decision will include a determination of responsibility, rationale for the sanctions imposed, and notice for an opportunity to appeal the decision.
UIC College of Dentistry Sanctions
The UIC College of Dentistry states the following sanctions may be levied.
- Academic probation
- Class or assignment removal
- Remediation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
If students require remediation in their first three years, they will be dismissed from joint degree programs. Dental students on academic probation or under remediation obligations are prohibited from representing UIC College of Dentistry. If probationary requirements are not met, the student risks dismissal from the school.
Appealing UIC College of Dentistry Disciplinary Action
The respondent may file a request for an appeal no later than five calendar days after receipt of the hearing outcome. Complainants may appeal only in cases that heard allegations of sexual misconduct or Title IX violations.
An appeal must be based upon one or more of the following conditions:
- Procedural errors occurred substantially affecting the outcome of the hearing.
- New evidence emerges sufficient to alter a decision not available at the original hearing.
- Sanctions imposed are substantially disproportionate to the severity of the violations.
Following a review by the Appeal Committee, the following will be decided:
- Affirm the decision
- Refer the matter to the Remand Committee
The Remand Committee will follow the same procedures used in formal hearings. Within five calendar days after the original hearing, the matter will be reviewed and a written decision sent to the appellant. Decisions rendered by the Remand Committee are non-appealable.
Hiring Joseph D. Lento to Defend Against UIC College of Dentistry Discipline
No dental student facing misconduct allegations should face the matter without the help of an experienced professional. Pressure from accrediting boards and the public to maintain a pristine reputation can sometimes lead disciplinary boards to levy unfair sanctions, severely harming a student's prospects.
Joseph D. Lento has years of experience in student rights and discipline matters. He and his team at the Lento Law Firm have helped dental students nationwide achieve positive outcomes in student disciplinary hearings, appeals, and other conflicts so they can continue their studies. They have often brokered beneficial resolutions on behalf of their student clients with a school's Office of General Counsel (OGC).
There is no excuse for facing remediation, suspension, or dismissal alone. Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 to get the extra help you need, or visit the online consultation form.
