College presents new challenges for young adults to live with their own independence alongside their peers. Colleges and universities write their own codes of conduct to govern and protect students and the community.
Violations of a code of conduct can result in serious academic and social consequences for a student – and often requires help from a compassionate college student defense attorney. When you or your child faces an alleged violation, a Seminole State College student code violation lawyer works with you to understand the code of conduct and prepare for the disciplinary process. Your academic life is at risk if you are suspended or expelled – and you might face criminal consequences from more severe allegations.
A university’s code of conduct lays out the principles and standards governing students and what constitutes a violation. Seminole State College posts the Student Code of Conduct on its website for students to access.
The Student Code of Conduct expects Seminole State College students to obey university regulations, as well as federal and state laws, and lays out a general principle of honesty, integrity, and respect for the community. The Code then states the many different types of prohibited conduct.
Some the conduct prohibited by the code should be expected in the higher learning environment. Prohibited conduct includes academic misconduct, such as plagiarism and cheating, copyright violations, misuse of university property (such as computer resources), and disruption of university activities and classes through dress or conduct.
Prohibited conduct at Seminole State College also includes actions more akin to crimes. Violent action, such as damage and vandalism, arson, hate crimes, and sexual assault are all prohibited, alongside drug use, unauthorized or illegal alcohol use, and hazing of other students.
Any of these violations can lead to disciplinary sanctions from the College. Sanctions can vary in severity and type:
A student charged with a student code violation at Seminole State College should consult an attorney to understand the alleged action and the potential consequences. A lawyer could also guide and advise a student through the disciplinary process.
Seminole State College details its disciplinary process for violations of its Student Code of Conduct, including the timing and procedures for a disciplinary hearing. The process begins with a student receiving a written notice of an alleged violation and of the time and date of the disciplinary hearing from the Office of Student Conduct. This notice must be sent 10 days before the hearing.
A student who receives a notice can accept an invitation to a “voluntary process review meeting” to discuss the process and ask questions. If, however, a student wishes to discuss their involvement in the alleged violation, they must waive their right against self-incrimination. A student can also choose to accept the alleged violation and move to an informal resolution meeting or choose to proceed to a disciplinary hearing instead.
A student can invite an advisor—such as a lawyer—to the initial review meeting and the eventual hearing, but they must inform the Office of Student Conduct at least two days before the review meeting. After the disciplinary hearing, the hearing officer or panel will make a determination and inform the student within seven days of the result and any sanctions they will receive.
Students can appeal sanctions in writing within five days of receiving notice of their punishment. The appeal goes to the Vice President of Student Affairs, whose ruling on the appeal is the final action of the College. Students should also note that the College conducts a separate investigation for alleged Title IX violations, which is handled by the Title IX coordinator.
An attorney familiar with Seminole State College’s code of conduct and disciplinary hearings can help an accused student manage this fast-moving process. They could walk a student through the College’s procedures and ask appropriate questions to support the student’s defense.
The entire disciplinary process of Seminole State College can take place within a short window of time, from the initial notice to the hearing, decision, and possible appeal.
A Seminole State College student code violation lawyer could help you prepare for your review meeting and hearing, and protect your rights along the way. Call our respected defense attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your case and prevent this mark from appearing on your record.
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