Allegations of university misconduct against students and faculty are often brought without educational officials providing clear evidence of the charges. Furthermore, universities make decisions without informing the student or faculty that they have the right to a defense and a due process hearing.
When you or someone close to you are facing allegations of campus misconduct, a Lawyer familiar with the process of a Boca Raton University conduct meeting can provide advice and represent you at the hearing. Reach out to one of our student defense Attorneys today to learn more.
Common University Misconduct Allegations
Common kinds of university misconduct students and faculty tend to face that warrant a hearing are:
- Academic dishonesty
- On-campus theft & robbery
- Sexual assault & harassment
- Off-campus criminal charges
- On-campus disorderly conduct
- Underage drinking or illegal drug use
An on-campus disorderly conduct charge could come with an on-campus breach of the peace offense. Often, this originates from a noise complaint under the assumption a party is going on, and disorderly conduct includes a situation where allegations of a fight are happening on campus.
Offenses of this nature could come with city, county, or state criminal charges of assault and battery. Also, a campus code of conduct violation and adjoining hearing will likely occur.
A Boca Raton Attorney can offer advice on the campus disciplinary hearing process and help craft the best possible defense.
Format of a Conduct Hearing
University conduct hearings are where the school decides if the misconduct allegations against the student merit punishment. The hearing format typically begins with the university disciplinary representative stating the formal violations of the student code of conduct levied against the student or faculty member.
Next are opening statements by the university and then the student or faculty member. After, both sides present evidence in the form of physical, testimonial, and circumstantial evidence. Physical evidence can come in the form of actual documents and items. Testimonial proof is when witnesses provide testimony. It is common for universities to allow a witness to submit a written statement without being present.
There may be time for direct questions, but in some situations, the university puts limitations in place. The hearing will end with closing statements. The student or faculty member will receive notification of the hearing decision via a formal letter or email days or weeks after the meeting. If the university moves forward with sanctions, the person has the right to appeal.
A Student Defense lawyer in Boca Raton could offer more insight and information on the format of a university conduct hearing.
University Hearing Sanctions
Punishment can range from probation, suspension, expulsion, rescinding scholarship, and other educational sanctions.
Probation
University probation is where the student or faculty member is allowed to remain enrolled and attend or teach classes, with the requirement to regularly check in with the director or dean of discipline. If there are new allegations raised against the student or faculty member, it will typically result in a suspension.
Suspension
A suspension can either be interim, deferred, or actual. A temporary suspension is where the university temporarily bans a student or faculty person from being on campus and attending or teaching classes, depending on the outcome of a conduct hearing.
Deferment
Deferment is where a student or faculty person can remain on campus and attend or teach classes until a disciplinary determination, or it can be an addition to on-campus probation. Typically, a person in this situation will be subject to actual suspension if they receive any other complaints against them that merit discipline. Actual suspensions can last from one to multiple semesters.
Expulsion
An expulsion is the most severe penalty a student can face because it is a permanent removal from being on campus and attending classes. This sanction is for on-campus complaints that are felonious or severe misdemeanors. In the context of a faculty member, this will be a termination of employment.
An expulsion typically happens when the student or faculty member has been arrested and faces severe Jail or Prison time. However, they could have a progressive discharge based on the university’s disciplinary policy. They can expel a student or faculty person for a second finding of academic dishonesty or violating the student or faculty code of conduct.
For questions regarding how sanctions can impact scholarships and potential employment, students or faculty should speak with a Boca Raton attorney about a university conduct meeting.
Contact a Boca Raton Attorney for Representation During a University Conduct Meeting
University conduct hearings happen fast and can leave a Defendant feeling hopeless without proper representation. A Lawyer can not only combat the allegations of misconduct but also protect your rights during every step of a Boca Raton university conduct meeting. Call one of our diligent Attorneys today to schedule a consultation.
