The University of Minnesota Medical School, founded in 1888, is a Minneapolis-based medical education center with a strong reputation for academic excellence. Through this school, aspiring physicians can achieve MDs, dual degrees, and several different types of research, fellowships, and residencies. The Medical School's Medical Discovery Teams are world-renowned; the faculty is highly-trained; the students are eager to earn their degrees and make a difference for the patients in their care.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has very high standards for its students. Unfortunately, if a student doesn't appear to be meeting those standards, the school can be extremely swift in recommending life-changing sanctions.
One of the more severe consequences the University of Minnesota can recommend is an expulsion. If you're a medical student and you get expelled at this stage of your burgeoning career, it can be very hard to recover. Having a dismissal on your record makes it more difficult to pursue further education or get a job in the medical field.
When a recommendation for dismissal from the University of Minnesota Medical School is looming, it's time to call in a professional. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team are ready to help you negotiate with your school to retain your status as a student and protect your future.
What are Typical Reasons for Dismissal at the University of Minnesota Medical School?
While every school has its own reasons for dismissing students (and checking out the University of Minnesota Medical School's code of conduct is a good idea), there are several types of problematic behavior that may universally merit a steep consequence.
These behaviors include:
- Plagiarism
- Behavioral concerns (e.g., hazing and bullying)
- Cheating
- Unauthorized collaboration
- Sexual misconduct
- Consistent failure to progress academically
- Professionalism concerns
If the University of Minnesota learns that you are associated with any of these actions, it could launch an investigation into your recent behavior. This can involve speaking to your educators and peers, checking out your recent assignments, surveying your social media, and more.
When you learn that your school is investigating you, you need to retain the services of Attorney-Advisor Lento and his team immediately. Investigations can get out of hand quickly, and even though your school may not issue a decision until your disciplinary hearing, your school representatives could make their decisions about your responsibility for the alleged behaviors as early as the investigation.
What Will the University of Minnesota Medical School Do After Its Investigation?
After the University of Minnesota Medical School conducts its information, you should receive an invitation to a hearing.
At this hearing, the school will go over all the evidence collected during the investigation. You will also have a chance to make your case. This can be stressful, but Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team will prep you with everything you need to say.
Your school will issue its decision and provide a recommendation for a sanction at the end of this hearing. If your sanction involves any type of exclusionary discipline — e.g., a suspension or a dismissal — you need to take immediate steps to request a lesser sanction.
The Student Conduct Code at the University of Minnesota makes it clear that you have the right to an appeal. However, you only have one shot at your appeal, as the Medical School's decision after your appeal will be final. If you haven't already retained Attorney-Advisor Lento and his team at the time of your appeal, you must do so before filing.
To be successful, your appeal must contain the strongest possible basis for your school to reconsider its recommendation. Typically, this involves demonstrating that your school did not follow its own rules, or highlighting new information that is pertinent to your case. Finding this type of information and framing it in the best possible way is very difficult — and you'll only have a few days to make it happen. At the University of Minnesota, you'll need to file your appeal within 5 business days of your school's previous decision.
What Happens if the University of Minnesota Denies My Appeal?
If the University of Minnesota denies your appeal, you could be tempted to think that's the end of the road.
That's not the case. With the help of Attorney-Advisor Lento and his team, you can pursue further actions. These may include:
- Negotiating directly with your school's office of general counsel. Often, these lawyer-to-lawyer conversations are much more productive than your school's normal disciplinary process.
- Filing an appeal with the Minnesota Department of Education, or similar regulatory authorities. Filing this type of complaint may not directly have an effect on your dismissal, but it will show your school you mean business and could aid with your other efforts. At the very least, it will form a basis for any other legal actions you may need to take.
- Filing a lawsuit. This is an expensive step, and could result in the permanent termination of your student status at the University of Minnesota, anyway — but if it's the best step for your future and reputation, Attorney-Advisor Lento and his team will assist with this process.
Retain the Education Defense Team to Protect Your Future
After the years of hard work and extensive resources you've invested into your medical degree, getting expelled from the University of Minnesota Medical School is devastating.
So you need to make sure that doesn't happen. Your school may recommend dismissal, but that doesn't mean you have no options to protect your degree.
Whether you require assistance with managing an investigation against you or you're looking for help with a strategic argument for an appeal, Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Education Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm are ready to provide support. Retain their services, and you'll have a much higher chance of achieving a lower sanction and a clearer record! Call now — giving your team as much time as possible to build your defense and prepare for negotiations is critical. The number is 888.535.3686, or you can contact the Lento Law Firm online.
