Lackawanna College: Maintaining Order through its Student Code of Conduct

Lackawanna College’s Student Code of Conduct governs the actions and behaviors of all its students. The code can be accessed via the college handbook which all students have access to. It is expected that anyone found in violation of this code will suffer consequences through Lackawanna College’s Discipline Process.

Only staff members or those in the administration department are permitted to report violations made by students under the Code of Conduct. If reported, a formalized discipline process will ensue.

College Discipline Process

For incidents that happen within residence halls, members from the Residence Life staff may issue a citation on-the-spot upon identifying any wrongdoing. In other situations, when a violation is brought to light by the Dean of Students, there will be an inquiry and investigation into what took place before the final decision is reached. The decision-making committee will usually consist of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Director of Public Safety or someone from Residence Life Staff along with others who might also hold sway on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, after conclusion, notice for students’ decisions will be sent out in writing with very little room for input barring appeals.

Appeals

Students may appeal dismissed disciplinary action imposed on them within 3 business days from notifications sent out by their respective school authority figures. Students who admit guilt or accept dismissal waive their rights to benefit from policies that grant them another hearing if ever they’re dissatisfied with how their previous case was handled or concluded.

Fallouts from decisions made cannot always be adequately addressed through legal solutions alone. However, by hand delivering letters of appeal directly to the office headed by the Dean of Students, an environmentally sound way of appealing penalties upheld against individuals caught violating codes emerges as a final solution.

In cases where appeals would be formulated, an Academic Dean from among five personnel including 1 student government member; an Associate Dean of Students; 1 business office member and 1 student wellness program staff member will form part of the College Appeal Board.

The Appeal Hearing

At all levels during the appeal proceedings, The Dean of Students would act as the Chair while maintaining impartiality. He or she would open the hearing formally and launch right into presenting applicable charges against each student while producing evidence in support of their case objectives. Essentially, at this point, they function as prosecutors more or less.

During evidence presentation phases and witness interrogations within hearings, board members will have an opportunity to gain clarity when asking insightful questions. Failing to attend any scheduled hearings will likely mean forfeiting any chance for further appeals in the future unless there happens to be a pre-approved excuse issued ahead of time.

Student psychology has shown that moral support can improve outcomes considerably during legal hearings such as those carried out by Lackawanna College disciplinary committees. Advisors can provide invaluable insights into courtroom strategies such as constructing compelling arguments or cogent reasoning based on evidence provided which makes them essential resources for students who find themselves in these situations.

To that end, reputed attorneys like Todd Spodek should always be the first port-of-call for students who find themselves battling allegations leveled against them by authorities working within Lackawanna College’s strict disciplinary process structures. It could very well be a much-needed lifeline when all other methods seem discouragingly hopeless beforehand.

Contact attorney Todd Spodek now if you found this article relevant!