School’s Code of Conduct
Every college and university in California have 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 charge of misconduct 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 Hahn Law Group APC has extensive experience working with students through disciplinary proceedings and beyond, if necessary.
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 were implemented, as the UCLA code cites: “to create and maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive campus community.” They define behaviors that are considered student misconduct. A student accused of a violation may face a disciplinary hearing. That hearing can result in a wide range of possible penalties.
Codes of conduct change often. They are comprehensive – UC Berkley’s code is twenty-seven pages long – and they are enforced.
Colleges and universities in California have their own codes of conduct. They each have different methods of conducting investigations. They each have their own procedures once a student is charged.
Offenses, however, are virtually the same across every campus.
They include:
- Academic Misconduct. This includes 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 may be common and often overlooked but it can get serious, 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. At the very least, that has financial repercussions.
- Hazing. The days of Animal House style frat hazing are long past. Any initiation ceremony for a team, organization, or fraternity that appears dangerous in any way is grounds for a 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. USC lists over forty separate offenses. 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 from 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 have ramifications. Sometimes for years.
Serious actions include Suspension or Dismissal.
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 have the potential to affect future employment.
They do not go away.
With this much at stake, it’s imperative that students and their families get professional advice as soon as possible. Before the process begins, if possible.
Codes of Conduct Offenses and School Actions
The Hahn Law Group APC has extensive experience helping college students navigate the disciplinary process. While college has a procedure, we know that they are not always as fair and evenhanded as they should be. We know that in many cases it’s 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. Off campus activities and social media posts to name two. Events are frequently taken completely out of context.
We will guide you through the university disciplinary process. At some educational institutions, The Hahn Legal Group APC 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.
Finally, if needed, The Hahn Legal Group APC stands ready to take the matter to a state or federal court. It’s perfectly understandable for anyone accused of an offense to immediately want ‘their day in court.’ That cannot occur in a code of conduct matter until the institution’s administrative remedies have been exhausted.
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.
The Hahn Law Group APC 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.
