Strengthening Your Defense: Understanding the Student Disciplinary Procedures at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is a reputed medical school that upholds its values and principles through its Code of Student Conduct. The Code, which can be found in the student handbook, encompasses both honor and non-honor code violations that students may commit. However, if a student is found to have violated any of the given infractions or has been accused of misconduct, penalties will be imposed following LECOM’s Student Disciplinary Procedures.

Enforcement by the Office of Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs regulates the implementation of disciplinary procedures for students who violate LECOM’s Code. Upon receiving reports alleging misconduct, students named in those reports will be called in for an initial interview, and the Office will conduct a preliminary investigation.

Determining Full Disciplinary Procedures

At this point, a representative from the Office of Student Affairs assesses whether full disciplinary procedures are required. If necessary, penalties may be imposed without further action. However, students may argue their case before an administrative hearing panel with members from one or more of LECOM’s schools to dispute their case and respond to allegations made against them.

Authority Over Disciplinary Hearings

The Student Promotion and Graduation Committee holds exclusive rights over all disciplinary hearings related to student conduct. Comprising academic deans, administrators,and faculty members from across departments within the college; this committee’s purpose is to ensure fair judgment based on factual evidence presented.At such hearings, participants present evidence,witness testimony is heard as applicable towards relevant facts surrounding cases.The Chairperson presides over proceedings ensuring strict adherence to formal rules governing these matters while retaining respect for procedural integrity.

Student Accompaniment During Hearings

Notwithstanding what LECOM defines regarding accompaniment during hearings; without adequate representation,it could be hard for students defending themselves to argue their case effectively. Finding an attorney experienced with student disciplinary cases is vital for representation during the proceedings, and having Trustee approval provides strategic negotiation range along with the resultant restraining effect.

Understanding the Appeals Process

Appeals for disciplinary sanctions may come in two forms. Firstly, there is a primary appeal to a LECOM Dean who rules on that appeal within 3 working days of submission. Secondly,a secondary appeal can be made directly to the President of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine when the initial appeal has been denied by the respective Dean.This further opportunity for recourse should be approached with care—and should be made within 7 business days after receiving notification from your dean.

Expressing a Desire for Appeal

It is necessary to include written arguments detailing why an appeal is needed and any additional evidence that supports such appeals. During appeals made directly to the President, no new information can be introduced; thus, students must present all evidence at their initial hearings.

Partner with Todd Spodek for Your Defense

Engaging attorney Todd Spodek’s services if you find yourself or your student facing disciplinary action would give you valuable support during these trying times. Mr.Spodek has worked on behalf of numerous clients with collegiate disciplinary cases over his decades-long legal career, counseling clients on how best to represent themselves through all stages of mediation and hearing processes.Legal experience offers clients detailed insights about LECOM’s procedures and provides options based upon case facts.The guidance provided by seasoned professionals like Todd.Spodek can enable clients to navigate these delicate situations more strategically as well as understand their rights when facing potential negative outcomes on critical discipline matters.