Each university has a complex network of social, professional, and academic expectations it expects students to abide by. Even individual schools operating within the same university – a medical campus, for example, or a business school – can have honor codes that hold their students to unique expectations.
College students who violate the expectations of their university may find themselves facing disciplinary proceedings without fully understanding what they have been charged with. If you are facing allegations on campus, reach out to a Junction City student defense lawyer. A dedicated attorney could help you understand your legal rights, advocate on your behalf, and mitigate some of the potential ramifications.
Every college has its own honor code that outlines the behavior expected of students. Most of the time, these codes exemplify individual integrity, community-mindedness, and a commitment to honesty. Additionally, the codes can detail behaviors that the university deems inappropriate. Students caught engaging in these behaviors may be subject to university sanctions based on both the students’ academic history and the severity of the behavior in question.
Academic misconduct is not the same thing as general misconduct. Most universities consider academic misconduct to include behaviors such as plagiarism, cheating, or the sale of academic property. Alleged academic misconduct tends to result in academic sanctions, including failed course grades or dismissal from a certain class.
Students can also be punished for engaging in behaviors that their universities deem to be inappropriate, which is known as general misconduct. This can include trespassing, inappropriate use of university property, Title IX violations, or engaging in drug or alcohol use on campus. General misconduct allegations tend to have university-wide consequences as well as criminal ones, though each case is unique.
Certain schools, like medical schools, have additional honor codes that enforce professionalism. Failure to behave in a professional manner can result in a student being brought up on university charges. Students accused of unprofessional behavior will often have to go through remediation programs prior to the school considering their dismissal. This does not mean, however, that repeated allegations of unprofessional behavior cannot result in a student’s removal from their university.
A student facing university sanctions for violation of an honor code may be unsure of how to move forward. A Junction City attorney well-versed in student defense could assess the situation and advise an individual on their rights and potential next steps.
When a student faces charges of academic, general, or professional misconduct, universities respond by assigning them sanctions. Some of the most common sanctions students can face include:
Students accused of behaviors that the law classifies as criminal may also face fines, jail time, or even imprisonment. A criminal record can be devastating to students, interfering with their ability to get a job in the future. Students facing criminal charges should consult with a knowledgeable local attorney as soon as possible to begin building a robust legal defense.
Most of the time, students brought up on university charges will have the right to appeal. Universities note their students’ right to appeal within their code of conduct, though students may also inquire about it when attending university hearings.
To see an appeal through, most students must submit the appropriate paperwork in person or via email to the proper authority within a set deadline, usually between five to ten business days. Students who fail to submit their request for appeals will have to endure the sanctions leveled against them. A student defense attorney could help ensure that students file all necessary paperwork in accordance with the appropriate deadlines.
Student life is complicated enough as it is. Do not let unexplained allegations from university representatives stop you from pursuing your degree.
If you are facing disciplinary or criminal proceedings, a Junction City student defense lawyer could be your legal advocate. An experienced attorney could guide you through this process, helping you build a strong defense and laying a strong foundation for your future. Reach out today to speak with a skilled member of our team about your case.
