At Spodek Law Group, we understand the gravity of academic misconduct allegations and the consequences they can bring. As a nationwide law firm, we want to ensure that all students are aware of their rights and options in situations like these. Attorney Todd Spodek and our team of legal professionals have a deep understanding of the law and the experience to handle any legal situation that may arise.
Academic misconduct is a serious offense that violates the academic guidelines upheld by schools like the University of Pennsylvania. The institution values academic integrity and expects all members to abide by these regulations. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in corrective actions being taken against you. As a UPENN student who has been accused of academic misconduct and plans to challenge these charges, it is crucial that you understand all of your options.
Let’s take an in-depth overview of the disciplinary processes in place at UPENN. Any member of the UPENN community who suspects that a student has violated the institution’s academic integrity policy can file a complaint in writing with the Office of Student Conduct (OFC). Once the complaint is processed, the OFC will evaluate if the code of conduct, Code of Academic Integrity, or any applicable regulations have been violated.
If the OSC decides that there isn’t any sufficient evidence of a violation, the matter will be dismissed without further investigation. However, if it is likely that a violation may have occurred, the OSC will decide between two resolution options: mediation or an investigation.
Mediation is a non-adversarial and informal way of resolving academic misconduct conflicts that preserves relationships between all parties involved in these cases. UPENN encourages each party to resolve conflicts through mediation, providing complainants and respondents with the option of solving problems on their own terms. In order for mediation to work, both parties must first agree to engage, and both parties must be able to come to a resolution. If an agreement cannot be reached, the OSC will likely proceed to the investigation process.
During the 60-day investigation process, the OSC will conduct interviews with you, the complainant, and any other relevant people to the case. This is your chance to tell your side of the story. If your actions were a genuine mistake, or the whole debacle was a misunderstanding, you can explain this to investigators. However, it’s important to remember that everything you say could be brought up as evidence in a hearing. This is why it’s important you make sure your version of events is consistent.
If the investigation concludes that you are responsible for a violation, you will be notified of your determination and sanctions. Insufficient evidence of a violation will lead to a dismissal. A finding of responsibility, on the other hand, will leave you with options of either accepting this finding and going through with the imposition of sanctions, or resolving these charges by means of a disciplinary hearing.
Resolving charges by disciplinary hearing is another chance for you to defend yourself. Retaining a student defense attorney, like those at Spodek Law Group, can be useful in hearings. An attorney can help you prepare a presentation to the hearing panel that is effective and compelling. A panel comprised of staff members will ultimately deliberate and present whether a student is found responsible or not responsible for an academic misconduct violation. If the panel finds that a student is responsible for a school policy violation, they will provide recommended sanctions.
For many respondents, a finding of responsibility is considered the end of the road. However, you can request an appeal within ten days of a disciplinary hearing. In order for it to be granted, it must contain reasonable grounds as to why a school should reassess its decision. An attorney will be able to help you in this area too, and maximize your chances of being granted an appeal.
If you are a UPENN student facing the consequences of a program withdrawal, suspension, or expulsion due to academic misconduct charges, it is in your best interest to retain an experienced attorney to help you prevail in a hearing. At Spodek Law Group, we have a team of legal professionals who specialize in student defense and have been helping students facing dire repercussions in intercollegiate settings for over 15 years.
Attorney Todd Spodek has a deep understanding of the law and can help you navigate the disciplinary processes at UPENN. Our legal team can help you gather evidence, prepare for interviews and hearings, and develop a compelling defense strategy to help you fight these charges. We understand the emotional toll that academic misconduct allegations can bring and are committed to protecting your rights and reputation.
In conclusion, academic misconduct allegations are a serious matter that can have severe consequences for UPENN students. It’s important to understand your options and have a legal team on your side that can help you navigate the disciplinary processes at UPENN. Contact Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek today for help with your academic misconduct case.