Asselta Law P.A. Legal Blog

Many students believe that what they post on social media or share in private group chats has nothing to do with their university life. But the reality is that colleges are increasingly opening conduct investigations based on online behavior, even when it happens off...

Many students assume that if they are involved in a criminal case off campus, it’s strictly a matter for the courts. But universities often open separate disciplinary proceedings when they learn about an arrest, investigation, or criminal charge. This means students...

Students are often shocked to find out that something they thought was “private” — like text messages, group chats, or Discord conversations — ends up in a university misconduct hearing. But the truth is, colleges regularly use digital communications as part of their...

Across the country, more students are participating in protests, demonstrations, and activism, both on and off campus. While many assume this is a protected right, the reality is that universities sometimes take disciplinary action against students who participate in...

Transferring from one college to another is stressful enough, but for students with an academic misconduct violation on their record, the process can be even more complicated. Many students assume that misconduct findings stay at their original school, but in reality,...

For decades, college students thought they knew what counted as cheating. Copying from another student’s exam, turning in a plagiarized paper, or paying someone to complete an assignment were the classic examples of academic misconduct. But with the rise of AI tools...

For many college students, the pressure of exams, deadlines, or attendance requirements can feel overwhelming. Some may think that submitting a doctor’s note, medical excuse, or other documentation - even if it’s fabricated - will solve the problem. But universities...

Every semester, students contact me after receiving an academic misconduct charge, honor code violation notice, or conduct hearing letter from their university. Unfortunately, too many wait until the situation has already escalated. By the time I hear from them,...

Getting through one academic integrity case is stressful enough. But when a student is found responsible a second time, the stakes often become much higher. Many colleges treat repeat violations as serious offenses, even if the incidents were completely unrelated....

If you’ve gone through a college conduct hearing and received a decision you don’t agree with, you might be wondering if it’s over or if you have the right to appeal. In many cases, students can appeal a disciplinary decision. But the process can be confusing, the...