Attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is an exciting time. Not only does it offer an opportunity to advance your education and begin a successful career, but it also provides a chance for you to “spread your wings” and start enjoying your independence. But with this newfound freedom as a Golden Gopher, you might make a mistake or find yourself doing something that gets you into trouble.
Depending on the misconduct accusations made against you, this isn't a big deal. It's something you can handle on your own because any punishment is minor and won't keep you from graduating or achieving your professional goals. But there are allegations that if UMN, Twin Cities were to find you responsible, it could lead to costly discipline. Maybe it takes an extra semester or a year to graduate. Or perhaps you receive a written reprimand that you must explain to future employers or graduate school admissions offices.
If you're facing the prospect of costly sanctions, you need to contact the Student Defense Team from the Lento Law Firm. We have years of experience defending students against various charges from their schools. We can step in at any time, even if you've already been found responsible and want to appeal your school's decision. However, the sooner you contact us, the more effective our help can be. Call us at 888-535-3686 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Types of Misconduct That Can Get You into Trouble at UMN, Twin Cities
The Board of Regents Student Conduct Code exists to ensure a safe and effective learning environment. It establishes behavioral expectations of its students and student groups. Types of misconduct that might lead to student discipline include:
- Lying to UMN officials
- Academic dishonesty
- Disrupting the academic environment
- Illegal or unauthorized possession of weapons, drugs, alcohol, or controlled substances
- Theft
- Misuse of school services and facilities
- Hazing
- Vandalism and other forms of property damage
- Breaking a school rule or regulation, even if it only applies to a particular college or department
- Violation of state, local, or federal law
- Retaliating against a student or student group for reporting prohibited behavior
- Doing anything to jeopardize the welfare of another person, such as stalking, assault, intimidation, harassment, and threats
- Discrimination
- Bullying
- Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and relationship violence
This is not an exhaustive list, and one thing to keep in mind is that the code also bans “disruptive behavior.” This is defined very broadly and can theoretically apply to almost any action or conduct that could infringe on someone else's rights or obstruct the learning of other students. You can think of this as a “catch-all” provision to give UMN, Twin Cities officials, and administrators discretion and flexibility to prosecute students for a broad array of behaviors.
The Disciplinary Process at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The university has both a formal and informal disciplinary process. The latter is encouraged as much as possible and could include something like a professor asking a student accused of cheating to retake a test, redo an assignment, or accept a zero as a grade. However, all instances of cheating, even if resolved informally, must be reported to the school's Office of Community Standards (OCS).
Allegations of student misconduct that can't be handled informally will go through the formal resolution process. The exact steps can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the complaint. Additionally, some departments, colleges, and university administrative units (like Housing and Residential Life) may have their own student disciplinary process. However, at a minimum, if you or a student group is accused of violating the Student Conduct Code, you can expect:
- Written notice of the alleged violation(s), including the factual allegations leading to the complaint.
- Written notice of the time, date, and place of the hearing, which will be scheduled within a reasonable timeframe.
- An explanation of the potential sanctions and consequences of the disciplinary proceeding.
- An opportunity to present your defense, including calling witnesses and questioning adverse testimony.
- The right to confront your accuser.
- Have an advisor (including an attorney) accompany or represent you through the disciplinary process.
- Receive a written copy of the disciplinary decision, including an outline of appeal rights.
Despite these rights and privileges as the accused, the traditional rules of evidence and court procedures do not apply. The reasonable doubt standard also doesn't apply, and instead, the school must only provide enough evidence to show that it was “more likely than not” (the lower preponderance of the evidence standard) that you violated the Student Conduct Code.
Potential Sanctions if Found Responsible for Violating the Student Conduct Code of UMN
The nature of the punishment depends not just on the seriousness of the violation but also on the incident, which can result in a teachable moment for those involved and whether the allegations relate to the safety of the student body and community. Potential forms of discipline include:
- Warning: This can be oral or written.
- Probation: For a set period of time, certain conditions will be in place that, if breached, can result in additional punishment.
- Required compliance: the school may require the student to satisfy certain requirements, such as community service or additional academic work.
- Confiscation: The school has the right to take away certain property of the student, such as weapons, drugs, or fake identification.
- Restitution: The student may have to pay for any losses or damages they cause.
- Loss of privileges: In addition to losing access to certain student benefits (like access to on-campus housing), students may be unable to receive an official copy of their transcript until a specified amount of time has passed.
- Suspension: The student can't continue their studies or access student services for a set period of time. At the end of the time, they may automatically be allowed to return or may have to reapply for admission.
- Expulsion: The student is permanently removed from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
- Withholding or revocation of a degree, diploma, or other academic credential.
- Revocation of admission to the school
How the Lento Law Firm Can Help
Being accused of student misconduct can be a scary and jarring moment during your academic career. In some cases, you can handle whatever comes on your own. However, there are some accusations that you must take seriously, as any finding of responsibility could result in dramatic changes to your future and goals. The good news is that you can get help to guide you through this difficult and stressful time. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team knows how these university disciplinary proceedings work and understands that they prioritize protecting the school and not the accused student. This is why you must contact us the moment you learn that you've been charged with misconduct at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. You can tell us what happened by using our online contact form or by calling 888-535-3686.
