What is a college code of conduct violation?

Colleges and universities have their own set of rules that students must abide by. They are generally lumped into three categories: general code offenses, academic misconduct, and Title IX/sexual misconduct cases. Examples of general college code of conduct offenses are underage drinking or alcohol abuse, theft, property damage, failure to comply with directives, possessing a Fake ID or falsification, endangering behavior, and hazing. A violation of a college’s rules can result in disciplinary warnings, probation, suspension from campus and classes, or dismissal (which is getting completely kicked out!). A violation that does not result in separation from the university may still require disclosure and issues if a student is applying for graduate or professional schools following undergrad.

how will a college code of conduct charge affect me?

First, it is stressful to navigate a college disciplinary process. Many times this involves telling parents or friends what you are being accused of, so that you can get proper support. Sometimes an accusation can cause a profound effect on your reputation at school. A “conviction” or a finding of responsibility for a conduct violation can lead to serious consequences, such as being suspended in the middle of a semester or kicked out (dismissed) completely without the ability to ever return to class or campus. This also can hurt financially because typically there is no return of tuition or room/board. Sometimes, a conduct charge can result in the requirement to take educational workshops, get assessments performed, complete community service, pay fines, or suffer a grade penalty or course failure. Occasionally a college conduct sanction can affect your ability to travel abroad, or apply for your major if you are currently on disciplinary probation.

Who can see my college code of conduct violation?

Some good news though, you have the right to keep your education record confidential under a federal law referred to as “FERPA.” This means that no one should be able to obtain information on your conduct record unless you give them permission to do so through a written authorization. Generally, for college students that are graduating and entering the work force, your future employer will not ask for details on your conduct record. However, if you are moving from undergraduate to graduate school, you will be asked on program applications to disclose the existence of any college conduct violations, which could impact your admissions eligibility or changes of acceptance.

How can I defend myself in a college code of conduct case?

First and foremost, read your university’s code of conduct or student handbook so that you can understand the process you are involved in, and each step of what to expect. Secondly, if you have the right to have an advisor attend meetings and hearings with you, exercise that right! Defending a college code of conduct case involves experience, strategy, and sometimes, relationship building or mitigation efforts if the facts are stacked against you. Having an experienced attorney | advisor can make the difference in your ability to continue at your school or obtain a fair grade.

How do I appeal a college code of conduct violation?

Appeals of college code of conduct violations are not typically just asking for a re-do of your hearing or finding. Most universities have specific appeal grounds that your appeal must meet; for example, many school permit you to appeal a sanction that you believe is disproportionate. Colleges also generally permit an appeal based on a procedural error or defect that occurred in the process of your investigation or hearing, or if new evidence that was not available at the time of a hearing is discovered. Each college is different, which is another reason to read the code of conduct or hire an attorney to help. Typically appeals are written documents, and can result in a new hearing, a change of a sanction, or a finding of responsibility being vacated. It is also very important to note that college code of conduct appeals usually are due within a very tight time frame. Students sometimes only have 3, 5, or 10 days to submit their appeal.