Conduct Violations in College: What You Need to Know

As a college student, you’re expected to adhere to the standards outlined in your school’s student code of conduct. However, college conduct violations can happen for a variety of reasons, whether intentional or accidental. Understanding what constitutes a college disciplinary action, the student conduct hearing process, and the potential consequences can make all the difference. If you’re facing allegations, knowing your rights and how to defend yourself is crucial. This post will explore some common college conduct violations, their consequences, and how a student conduct violation defense attorney can help you navigate the disciplinary process.

What Are Conduct Violations in College?

Conduct violations in college involve breaches of college conduct policies and can range from minor offenses to serious allegations. Violations can be related to academic misconduct, substance abuse, theft, or disruptive behavior. Some of the most common college disciplinary actions for these violations include warnings, probation, suspension, or even expulsion. Here are several violations that may trigger a college student conduct hearing:

1. Vandalism: Damaging campus property, whether through graffiti, broken furniture, or destruction of personal belongings, is considered a conduct violation. These offenses are serious and can result in suspension or other significant penalties.
2. Theft: Taking property from another student, faculty member, or the institution itself, such as stealing textbooks or equipment, is a serious violation. College conduct violations related to theft can lead to expulsion or a conduct record that follows you long after graduation.
3. Cyberbullying: Harassment that takes place online, whether through social media or emails, is increasingly becoming a conduct violation on college campuses. Cyberbullying can have severe consequences, including suspension or expulsion, and should not be taken lightly.
4. Unauthorized Access: Gaining access to restricted areas of campus, such as academic buildings, dormitories, or laboratories, without permission is a violation. Colleges often take these conduct violations seriously, leading to potential disciplinary hearings.
5. Hazing: Participating in or supporting hazing activities that humiliate or harm other students is prohibited by law in many states and is a serious college misconduct violation. Schools impose strict penalties for these violations, often resulting in suspension or expulsion.
6. Failure to Comply with Staff: Disobeying instructions from campus officials or staff members, such as security personnel, residence advisors, or faculty, can escalate a minor violation into something more serious. Failure to comply may result in formal disciplinary action, such as probation or suspension.
7. Violation of Internet Use Policies: Colleges usually have strict rules about how students are allowed to use the internet. Violating these rules—such as downloading illegal content, using the network for illicit activities, or accessing restricted websites—could be classified as academic misconduct or another college conduct violation.
8. Disruption of Campus Events: Engaging in activities that disrupt campus events—such as protests, rallies, or classroom activities—is considered a conduct violation. Such disruptions can result in consequences ranging from warnings to expulsion, depending on the severity.
9. Public Intoxication: Being visibly intoxicated in public spaces on campus or during a college-sponsored event is a common conduct violation. Colleges have policies in place regarding the consumption of alcohol and drugs, and violating these policies could lead to serious disciplinary actions.

The College Conduct Violation Process

If you’re accused of a college conduct violation, the process typically follows these steps:

1. Notification of Allegations: The first step in any college disciplinary process is receiving formal notice of the violation. The notification will detail the specific conduct violation you are accused of and will likely include a scheduled student conduct hearing.
2. Investigation: After the allegations are made, the college will begin an investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess whether the violation occurred. At this point, having a student conduct violation defense attorney can help protect your rights and ensure a fair investigation.
3. Hearing: A student conduct hearing will take place where both sides—yours and the college—present their cases. A college hearing advisor may guide the process, helping to ensure fairness and adherence to the college’s policies.
4. Decision: After reviewing the evidence, a decision will be made regarding whether or not you violated the student conduct policy. Depending on the findings, the college will impose consequences such as probation, suspension, or expulsion.
5. Appeal: If you’re unhappy with the decision, you may have the right to appeal based on new evidence or procedural errors that occurred during the hearing. A college misconduct lawyer can assist with the appeal process to ensure your case is heard.

Defending Against College Conduct Violations

When accused of a college conduct violation, it’s crucial to build a strong defense. Here are several tips for defending yourself:

1. Review the Evidence: Carefully examine the evidence against you to identify any inconsistencies or flaws. If there are weaknesses in the case, these can be used to your advantage during the college disciplinary hearing.
2. Seek Representation: A college misconduct lawyer can guide you through the college disciplinary process, helping to protect your rights and provide expert defense against the violation.
3. Gather Supporting Evidence: If you have witnesses or documents that support your side of the story, make sure to present them during the student conduct hearing.
4. Appeal the Decision: If the outcome of the hearing is unfavorable, you may have grounds for an appeal. Appeals may be based on procedural errors, new evidence, or the disproportionality of the punishment. 

Consequences of College Conduct Violations

Depending on the nature of the college conduct violation, the consequences can be severe:

• Probation: A formal warning that you must adhere to the college’s code of conduct for a specified period.
• Suspension: Temporary removal from the college, meaning you’ll miss classes and activities for a set period.
• Expulsion: Permanent removal from the institution, which can affect your academic and professional future.
• Disciplinary Record: A violation could be recorded on your permanent student conduct record, which could impact future academic or employment opportunities.

If you’re facing an accusation of a college conduct violation, don’t navigate the process alone. Contact Richard Asselta of Asselta Law, he specializes in defending students against academic misconduct, hazing, theft, and other college misconduct violations. Richard will work with you to protect your rights and future.

Protect Your Future: Put Experience On Your Side Today

If you’re facing an accusation of a college conduct violation, don’t navigate the process alone. Contact Richard Asselta of Asselta Law, he specializes in defending students against academic misconduct, hazing, theft, and other college misconduct violations. Richard will work with you to protect your rights and future. 

Contact Richard Asselta by emailing [email protected], calling the office at 855-338-5299 or submit an online contact form.