The University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (UNLV) requires its students to excel in general dental practice, as well as other aspects of oral health. Students are expected to participate in research projects, achieve stellar grades, and put patient-centered care ahead of everything. When students are subjected to such high standards, they may begin to act in ways they normally wouldn't. Even the most moral of students could start to cheat on exams if it meant being able to pass and return the following year.
If you or someone you love has been accused of a behavioral issue, notified of a potential dismissal, or is having trouble completing a remediation plan, an attorney-advisor can help. Call Lento Law Firm today.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine Code of Conduct
At UNLV School of Dental Medicine, the health, welfare, and safety of their community is of the utmost importance. As such, students are expected to follow a particular code of conduct that governs both their academic and professional behavior. The code of conduct includes such things as:
- Using computers, access codes, or keys appropriately
- Refraining from theft, trespassing, and class disruptions
- Not providing the university with false information
- Not destroying property or acting mischievously with such property
- Providing required information to a University official
- Only report fires, bombs, or other emergencies if they are real
- Evacuating a building during a fire drill or real emergency
Additionally, UNLV dental students must uphold the academic integrity of the university. Academic integrity is a moral code educational institutions expect students, teachers, researchers, and every member of their academic community to maintain – including honesty, fairness, and respect. When you violate academic integrity, you are committing academic misconduct. The definition of academic misconduct changes from school to school. But generally, it encompasses any action that violates academic integrity and gives a student an upper hand over their classmates without their teacher's permission. Examples of academic misconduct at UNLV School of Dental Medicine include:
- Plagiarism: using the words or ideas of another and passing them off as your own
- Giving or receiving help in connection with an academic assignment
- Using or possessing electronics to help you cheat during an exam or assignment
- Working with others on graded work, in-class work, or take-home exams without the instructor's permission
- Possessing, selling, or buying any materials that are meant for an academic evaluation or assignment before it has been distributed
- Turning in the same work for more than one class without prior permission
- Falsifying or misrepresenting attendance in a class, externship, field trip, etc.
- Attempting to influence your grade on an academic evaluation, assignment, or academic records
If you are accused of violating the code of conduct, you could be made to present your side of the story at a disciplinary hearing. Working with an attorney-advisor is the best way to guarantee a positive outcome in this proceeding.
Remediation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine
When the school year ends, student records are reviewed by a special committee in charge of student progression. This committee will determine whether a student should remediate a course. Generally, a remediation plan is created to allow students to retake an exam, course, or clinical in the summer between academic years. The hope is that the student will successfully remediate and return to join their class in the fall. Most of the time, remediation grades are also noted on your transcript beside your original grade.
Unfortunately for some students, remediation can be difficult. If they are unable to successfully complete their remediation plan, they could be sent to a dismissal hearing. An attorney-advisor will be able to advise you on how to best present your defense to ensure your due process rights are upheld.
Dismissal Proceedings at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine
There are several reasons why a UNLV dental student might get dismissed, including:
- Failing to progress in the program successfully
- Earning two or more grades below a B- in the same semester
- Failing an academic milestone that inhibits them from adequately progressing in the program
- Failing to engage with their advisor or graduate coordinator
- Failing to be enrolled in six graduate level credits in an academic year
If you are notified of a dismissal hearing, you will have an opportunity to present evidence and witnesses to defend your side of the story. A committee will meet to oversee the dismissal hearing and determine whether dismissal is appropriate given the evidence presented.
When they make their decision, a notice will be sent to the student. This notice will also include instructions on how to appeal their decision. Appeals usually must be made quickly, sometimes in less than ten business days. And they must be made on particular grounds to be valid. These grounds are typically the following:
- There is new evidence available now that would have affected the outcome of the matter if it had been available before
- The committee overseeing the dismissal hearing has a clear bias toward the student
- A procedural error that affected the outcome of the matter
A new decision maker will review the appeal and decide whether they should uphold it, strike it down completely, amend it, or have it reviewed again by another committee. This decision is final and cannot be appealed further.
How an Experienced Attorney-Advisor Can Help
It can be extremely overwhelming to face the ramifications of your alleged violations of the student code of conduct. You may not know who to turn to – who can you trust? It is important to work with an attorney-advisor from the moment you know of the impending hearings. There are several consequences that can overshadow the rest of your life if your hearing goes sideways. For instance, if you are found responsible for a disciplinary action, suspended, or dismissed, those punishments will be noted on your final transcript. If you try to apply to another dental school to continue your education, you will have to tell them of the incident, which could negatively impact your ability to get in.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm are experienced attorney-advisors who have helped hundreds of students across the country defend themselves from unnecessary campus proceedings. They will work tirelessly to create a strong defense, gathering evidence and presenting witnesses to advocate on your behalf. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation or visit us online.
