College Park University Conduct Meetings
Attending university can be a thrilling time for students. Higher education can provide young adults with many opportunities. However, if students find themselves facing allegations of misconduct, it could jeopardize their future prospects.
If you were accused of wrongdoing and ordered to attend a College Park university conduct meeting, it may be beneficial to speak with a student defense lawyer. Our firm could help you prepare for a school disciplinary hearing.
Codes of Conduct at Universities in College Park
A university’s code of conduct refers to the written rules and expectations a school has regarding student behavior. Common activities addressed a code of conduct may include:
- Plagiarizing or cheating on assignments and exams
- Stealing from another student’s dorm
- Drug and alcohol use
- Sexual misconduct and other Title IX violations
These written guidelines might also outline the steps the school might take if a student violates any part of the code. Violations of the school’s code of conduct often lead to a university conduct meeting or disciplinary hearing. Students preparing for a conduct meeting at their university should reach out to a local attorney as soon as possible.
Process of University Disciplinary Hearing
The primary purpose of school disciplinary hearings is to review allegations of misconduct on school grounds. University conduct meetings are often led by a committee of representatives who review the allegations made against a student and decide if the accusations are founded.
During conduct meetings, the committee typically evaluates any available evidence, including testimonies or written statements from witnesses or the accused student. Young adults facing misconduct allegations at school are not afforded the same constitutional due process rights they would in criminal court.
Individuals may not be able to cross-examine witnesses, and they are not necessarily presumed innocent until proven guilty. Further, students may be found guilty despite only minimal evidence, as there is no legal requirement for a university to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Upon the conclusion of a school conduct meeting, the committee will determine if the accusations are true and determine what disciplinary action should be taken. A defense attorney could help a university student prepare testimony and gather evidence to defend their case in a conduct meeting.
Potential Disciplinary Measures Following a University Conduct Meeting
Universities have the right to penalize students who are found guilty of violating a school’s code of conduct. The specific disciplinary measures taken may depend on several factors such as the severity of the alleged offense. Potential disciplinary actions could include:
- Automatic failure in a course
- Removal from a course
- Relocation to alternate campus housing
- Suspended or revocation of extracurricular privileges
- Mandatory participation in substance abuse counseling, anger management, or another treatment program
- Suspension or expulsion from the university
Some disciplinary measures can have a lasting impact on a student’s academic or professional future. A lawyer could help an accused person avoid harsh punishments following a university conduct meeting.
Ask a College Park Lawyer about University Conduct Meetings
It is important to speak with a lawyer before attending any College Park university conduct meetings. A legal professional could help you prepare for any hearings and limit potential punishments.
Some universities may even allow students to bring an attorney to represent them in a conduct meeting. Contact our firm today for more information about what we could do for you.