Your Simplified Guide to Navigating College Disciplinary & Academic Integrity Proceedings
Presented by DC Student Defense
Why You Need a Student Defense Lawyer
College disciplinary proceedings are stressful, confusing, and the outcomes impact on your academic and professional future. In order to best protect your future and the investment you’ve made in your education, it’s critical to understand the kind of system you’re up against.
While specific processes differ slightly by schools, this guide, made by our student defense attorneys, gives you an overview of the typical process, highlights your rights, and explains why having a lawyer can help you understand your rights, build a strong defense, and protect your future.
Types of College Violations You May Be Charged With
- Academic Violations: AI violations, Plagiarism, Cheating, Collaboration, Failing minimum grade point requirements, Failing minimum practical clinical evaluations, etc.
- Conduct Violations: Alcohol (underage drinking, possession), Drugs, Hazing, Harassment, Racial Discrimination (including Antisemitism), DEI policy violations, Protesting violations, Unsafe/Reckless behavior
- Sexual Misconduct Violations: Sexual harassment, assault, DEI violations.
What the Process Typically Looks Like
First things first, you will probably get an email or phone call from your school’s administration letting you know that an investigation is commencing. In more serious offenses, you may also be contacted by local or campus police or even by the regular police.
Important: If you are contacted by the regular police, you should assume you may face separate criminal charges in addition to the university process. In these situations, it is very important to contact an attorney immediately before you speak with the police. Even conversations you believe are helpful to you may end up being used against you in criminal cases.
What to Do If You're Accused
- Find the Handbook: Find your college’s student conduct code. Make sure you have the version that was in effect when the alleged incident occurred.
- Understand the Alleged Violations and Charges: Know exactly what you’re accused of and the possible penalties (including whether the disciplinary charge being brought against you can also be considered a criminal charge)
- Know the Process: Your school’s conduct code should outline the steps involved with disciplinary proceedings, including general timelines and your rights.
- Get an Advisor: Even if not required, now is a good time to reach out to a trusted advisor, preferably a lawyer experienced in handling student defense cases, who can give you advice on the best path forward.
What the Process Will Look Like
Notice: First contact is typically via email notice informing you of the potential violations and offering you a chance to meet with an administrator from student conduct, Title IX, DEI offices or Academic Integrity.
The notice will typically set forth the accusations and give links to the different parts of the student handbook that outline procedures and penalties and ask you to attend a first meeting at which you can ask questions and be questioned. Even though this may be pitched by the school as an informational meeting, it will be important to have prepared your strategy ahead of time.
Processes: Depending on the kind of violation, you will have to choose what process you want to use to defend yourself. Choices may include immediately accepting responsibility, informal resolutions or hearings. Knowing the pros and cons of making these decisions in light of the particular facts of your case, what stage of your education you are in, and your future plans for education and career are all critical factors in your defense. Investigations and hearings will follow.
Appeals – If the outcome of your case is negative then you will have a chance to appeal. Typically, the appeals are only allowed on very specific narrow grounds. In order to make sure you meet these requirements, it’s really important to have an experienced advisor such as student defense attorney who can analyze how best to structure your appeal.
Don't Go It Alone
At DC Student Defense, we know that navigating these processes can be stressful and confusing. That’s why we’re here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of student conduct codes, Title IX regulations, the mindsets of university administrators, the academic and legal complexities of college disciplinary actions, and the experience and resources to help you move your educational and professional career successfully forward.
Contact us or give us a call at (202) 860-3082 to schedule your consultation.
