School’s Code of Conduct
Every college and university in California has a code of conduct. Students must follow that code throughout their academic careers.
Violating a rule in a school’s code of conduct can result in a misconduct charge and a disciplinary hearing. Penalties run the gamut from probation or suspension to expulsion. In addition, there may be a referral for a criminal investigation. Schools even retain the right after graduation to revoke a diploma.
Accusations of misconduct are serious. They can have severe repercussions for a student’s future.
The education attorneys at The Hahn Legal Group have extensive experience working with students through disciplinary proceedings and beyond. It is vitally important that if you even suspect you are being investigated for an infraction, you contact us immediately.
Codes of Conduct Offenses and School Actions
Codes of conduct are implemented to create and maintain a safe and supportive campus community. These codes also define behaviors that are considered student misconduct. If a student is accused of a violation, they may face a disciplinary hearing. That hearing can result in a wide range of possible penalties.
Codes of conduct change frequently and should be reviewed by students periodically to ensure they are being followed. They are comprehensive and are strictly enforced.
Colleges and universities in California have their own codes of conduct, and they each have different methods of conducting investigations as well as procedures followed once a student is charged.
Offenses, however, are virtually the same across every campus.
They include:
- Academic Misconduct: This may include cheating, fabrication, or plagiarism. In most schools, cheating also applies to helping another student cheat. Some schools have honor codes that penalize a student for not reporting cheating they were aware of.
- Underage Drinking: This may be common on college campuses and is often an overlooked violation, but it can get serious very quickly, particularly when a student becomes ill or injured at a party. A violation for underage drinking can lead to eviction from on-campus housing, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, or suspension from school.
- Hazing: Any initiation ceremony for a team, organization, or fraternity that appears dangerous in any way is grounds for disciplinary action.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexual harassment, assault, stalking, rape are not only violations of a college’s code of conduct but are also a violation of federal law under Title IX. These are serious accusations – for the student and the school. How a school responds to Title IX has implications for its federal funding. For many schools, this means they must vigorously and quickly adjudicate sexual misconduct accusations.
There are dozens of additional possible offenses in every school’s code of conduct. A violation of any of them can result in disciplinary action.
When a student is found in violation of the code of conduct, the school can impose sanctions such as:
- Letter of admonition
- Agreement of resolution
- Warning
- Exclusion from areas of the campus or official university functions
- Loss of privileges and exclusion from activities
- Community service
- Restitution
- Letter of apology
- Housing exclusion
- Withholding of diploma or awarding of degree
Immediate and Future Repercussions
Each of these actions has ramifications, which can last for years.
Every action has immediate and future repercussions. There are substantial financial losses associated with many of them. There is always the specter of losing eligibility for financial aid. There are costs involved in losing on-campus housing and having to move off-campus. When a student is suspended and/or dismissed they lose whatever tuition and fees they paid for the current semester.
Each action also has consequences that may resonate beyond college. Disciplinary measures often appear on transcripts and student records. They can affect being accepted by a graduate or and professional school. They also have the potential to affect future employment.
With this much at stake, it is imperative that students and their families get professional advice as soon as possible, ideally before the process begins.
Codes of Conduct Offenses and School Actions
The Hahn Legal Group has extensive experience helping college students navigate the disciplinary process. While every college has their own procedures, we know that they are not always as fair and evenhanded as they should be. We know that in many cases, it is in the school’s best interest to move quickly. What looks like due process in the student handbook isn’t always so in practice.
We also know that events are rarely clear cut. Universities frequently act on matters over which they have no jurisdiction, including off-campus activities and social media posts to name two.
We will guide you through the university disciplinary process. At some educational institutions, The Hahn Legal Group can appear and defend you at every hearing. At others, accused students are allowed attorneys in supporting roles – in the hallway if need be – while the student attends the hearing.
Whatever the institution of higher learning, we will clearly explain your school’s process and your rights. We will review the charge and the possible outcomes with you. Together we will decide on the proper approach to take and develop the strategy to be successful.
Throughout the process, we will fiercely protect your individual freedoms and rights. We will ensure that you are aware of every step of the process and are never blindsided. We make certain that you respond promptly and properly to the school’s timeline.
Regardless of the path we must take, our goal is to for you to obtain a degree with a clean record. We strive to have you advance to the next level of academia or employment.
Contact Us Today
The Hahn Legal Group has represented students of all ages in San Diego, and Southern California including Los Angeles, Imperial, Inyo, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura counties, as well as Northern California. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
