Being accused of an academic dishonesty, integrity, or Code of Conduct charge at a nursing school in Utah can have serious consequences if a student is found responsible. Suspension or dismissal possible even for seemingly minor offenses. Nursing is a profession involving trust because it involves patients and access to prescription drugs. If found responsible, this can have a major potential impact on your ability to complete your nursing program and to become licensed. Schools often seek to hold a student accountable with little or no evidence.
Schools also do not often follow their own policies which can lead to an unfair outcome. Without an attorney advisor to guide you through the process, you can be found responsible unfairly. If you are found responsible even if you have the right to appeal the finding, appeal grounds can be limited and you do not want to find yourself at a disadvantage. Areas of concern can include, is the school following its disciplinary policies and procedures? Were you properly notified of the charges? Did you have the opportunity to review the evidence? Did you have a meaningful discussion with the instructor? For example, are you being accused of cheating using an online resource?
Is there an alternative explanation to the alleged misconduct? Were the academic resources and accommodations that were promised by the school provided to you? Having the answers to these questions is critical to successfully defending against allegations. An experienced attorney advisor will be able to help you present the strongest possible defense to the charges of misconduct and they should be involved from as early as possible in the case. Even if the allegations are true, an attorney advisor can help resolve the case. They can also help in seeking the least possible sanctions.
