Focused 100% On Education Law Matters

Defend Your Livelihood Against Charges Of Research And Disciplinary Misconduct

College and university students are not the only ones who can face disciplinary actions. College and university professors can also face misconduct charges. These typically involve two types of misconduct. One is disciplinary misconduct, which can involve matters such as claims of student harassment. The other is research misconduct.

Research misconduct is typically defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. May times this takes place in the context of a thesis, dissertation or other scholarly papers or articles published by the professor. While factors vary depending on the college or university, research misconduct typically requires the following:

  • There be a significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research community;
  • The misconduct be committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly; and,
  • The allegation need only be proven by a preponderance of the evidence.

Most universities have a process for investigating these claims, which include a preliminary investigation in which a panel could determine that no further action is necessary.

Asselta Law P.A. can help college or university professors prepare for the preliminary investigation by working with the professor to respond to the concerns both in written submission and preparing the professor for the interview or inquiry by the investigating committee. If the matter needed to proceed further, Mr. Asselta can work with the professor to prepare them for the hearing.

A finding of disciplinary or research misconduct can have devastating effects. This includes loss of grant money, the removal of scholarly articles attributed to the professor and possible loss of employment.  If you find yourself in this situation, please call our office at 855-338-5299 or email using our contact form to see if Mr. Asselta can help you defend against such allegations.