With a nationwide presence and multiple locations, Chamberlain University, a private, for-profit institution, focuses on preparing students for successful careers in nursing. The university takes pride in providing one of the most sought-after BSN programs in the nation. The Charlotte campus of Chamberlain University is strategically situated in the Ayrsley community, a walkable mixed-use community of residential, retail, dining, and schools in southwest Charlotte.
While it's true that private universities generally have steeper tuition fees, this isn't necessarily a drawback, provided the standard of education justifies the cost. Unfortunately, there are instances where certain for-profit schools may put financial gain ahead of their student's well-being, sometimes even bending the rules of disciplinary proceedings to unjustifiably expel students on allegations of misconduct while keeping their tuition fees.
If you're a nursing student at Chamberlain University in Charlotte, North Carolina, and you find yourself faced with misconduct charges, it's in your best interest to seek guidance from an experienced education law attorney to protect against any potential unscrupulous actions by the school. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team holds extensive nationwide experience in assisting students facing disciplinary action, and we will work tirelessly to help you obtain a favorable outcome. To schedule a consultation, please contact Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.
Types of Misconduct at Chamberlain University
The Charlotte campus of Chamberlain University in North Carolina upholds the codes of conduct adopted by all campuses of Chamberlain University, as detailed in the university's Student Handbook. Student misconduct effectively falls into three primary categories.
Academic Misconduct
The Student Handbook specifies multiple forms of academic dishonesty that could lead to disciplinary proceedings, such as:
- Plagiarism: The act of intentionally or unintentionally presenting someone else's work as your own.
- Copying: Unlawfully acquiring and duplicating information from a fellow student or enabling another student to duplicate your work.
- Collusion: Unauthorized cooperation between students on assignments, including impersonating another student during exams, projects, or other academic activities.
- Use of Prohibited Materials for assignments or tests.
- Manipulation of Records: For example, forging signatures or modifying completed tests/assignments to misrepresent the original work.
- Unauthorized Use of Proprietary School Materials.
- Bribery: Offering incentives to gain an unfair academic advantage.
- Deceptive Practices: Examples include fabricating statements or documents for academic profit or providing false details related to assignments.
Professional Misconduct
The Professional Conduct policy of Chamberlain University delineates additional forms of misconduct that could result in disciplinary actions. These include:
- Theft or damage to university property or possessions of university students, faculty, or staff.
- Hazing: Endorsing, initiating, or partaking in any activity that inflicts severe mental, physical, or emotional stress on a student.
- Bullying and/or cyberbullying.
- Noncompliance with instructions during exams.
- Disruption of school functions: For example, creating disturbances in the classroom or obstructing research, administrative responsibilities, or other university tasks.
- Aggressive conduct: Examples include physical or verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation towards any university student, faculty, or staff.
- Provocative behavior: Examples include uttering racial slurs, making contentious comments about personal, political, or religious beliefs, or using derogatory language.
- Gambling at university events or utilizing university resources.
- Violations related to drugs and alcohol: This includes unlawful possession, distribution, or sale of drugs, or selling/distributing alcohol contrary to school rules.
Title IX Offenses
Similar to other federally funded schools, Chamberlain University is legally obligated to comply with current Title IX federal regulations. These rules encompass various forms of sexual misconduct, which are strictly prohibited by the university's Title IX policy. The prohibited behavior includes:
- Sexual Misconduct: This includes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
- Quid-Pro-Quo Harassment: Promising benefits in exchange for sexual favors.
- Creation of a Hostile Environment: This pertains to engaging in unwelcome behavior that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive to the extent that it hinders equal access to education based on sex.
Procedures for Handling Misconduct at Chamberlain University
The approach to addressing allegations of misconduct at Chamberlain University is methodical and varies depending on the nature or category of the alleged misconduct.
- Academic Misconduct Procedure: Faculty members are authorized to manage instances of academic misconduct by administering penalties, up to and including failing a student from the course. In more serious instances, the issue may be referred to a Hearing Panel. Students accused of misconduct are granted the opportunity to present their defense during this hearing. If found to be at fault, students have the right to request an administrative review prior to the imposition of penalties.
- Professional Misconduct Procedure: In cases of alleged professional misconduct, a designated conduct administrator is responsible for investigating the claim and finding a resolution. If initial attempts at resolution fail, the matter is forwarded to a Professional Review Committee. Again, the accused student has the right to present a defense, cross-examine witnesses, and appeal any decision they deem unfair.
- Title IX Violations Procedure: Upon receipt of a Title IX sexual misconduct allegation, the university follows current federal regulations in its investigation and handling of the alleged misconduct. A three-member Decision-Maker panel, chosen by the Title IX coordinator, oversees the hearing, applying a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Students have the right to appeal unfavorable decisions.
Potential Consequences of Misconduct at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University takes all forms of misconduct very seriously. If you are adjudged guilty of violating the school's codes of conduct, you may encounter one or more of the following repercussions:
- Receipt of a warning note or reprimand;
- Probation;
- Revocation or denial of admission to the university;
- Loss of campus privileges;
- Imposition of fines or restitution demands;
- Mandatory additional training;
- Restrictions on contact with any alleged victims;
- Suspension from the university;
- Expulsion; and/or
- Revocation of degree.
How We Can Help
As a student facing allegations of misconduct at Chamberlain University in Charlotte, North Carolina, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and fearful. You're likely entering the disciplinary process at a disadvantage due to lack of knowledge of your rights, time constraints, or being at a loss as to how to defend yourself. Without the advice of a skilled education attorney, your rights could potentially be violated, and the disciplinary sanctions levied could have enduring negative impacts on your academic journey and subsequent nursing career.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has successfully helped students facing disciplinary action all across the country. We will carry out a thorough examination of the accusations against you, procure relevant evidence in your defense, help you in devising a persuasive defense strategy, assist in negotiations, and, if required, back you in filing an appeal--all while making sure your rights are protected.
Your chances of obtaining a favorable resolution in student disciplinary procedures improve considerably with the Lento Law Firm Team in your corner. Reach out to us at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation or complete our online form.
