Protecting Your Rights on Campus
College and University Accommodations and Appeals
When undergraduate and graduate students face suspension, dismissal, probation, or course failure for allegedly violating school policies, they typically have the right to defend themselves or appeal a decision. The proper legal representation or advice can allow college and university students to remain enrolled in their programs and graduate on time without a mark on their permanent school records.
In addition to alleged discipline code violations like cheating and violations of other school policies in traditional settings, students face new issues related to the rise of online learning and testing. Students enrolled in online courses, for example, may face unfair accusations of cheating. They may be disciplined for their use of social media.
Opposing unfair or inaccurate accusations in a discipline hearing or appeal is critical for clearing your educational record and keeping negative information away from prospective employers, graduate schools, and certifying boards.
How Our Education Attorneys Can Help
We provide strategic representation for students facing serious academic and disciplinary challenges, including:
Writing appeals and preparing students for discipline hearings
Representing students (when permitted) during hearings or appeals
Advising students when attorney representation isn’t allowed
Defending students facing accusations of cheating or policy violations
Helping students navigate new issues related to online learning and testing
Clearing student records to protect future opportunities
Accommodations for College and University Students with Disabilities
Both undergraduate and graduate students may be entitled to protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, sometimes called “504,” or “Section 504.” Section 504 is a civil rights law that stops discrimination against people with disabilities in many different settings. These laws prohibit colleges and universities from discriminating against a student based on their disability.
Students with disabilities may be entitled to educational, housing, or other accommodations under these laws. Yet, students often struggle to get colleges and universities to acknowledge their need for accommodations or to provide appropriate adjustments.
We can help students work with their college or university’s office of access and disability services to secure the accommodations and adjustments they need. We can help students work with their college or university’s section 504 coordinator, ADA coordinator, or disability services office to secure the accommodations and adjustments they need.
If colleges and universities are not willing to provide the appropriate services, we can work with students to understand their rights, appeal school decisions, and put in place the accommodations required under the law.
Challenges We Support
You weren’t informed about your right to have an attorney in a disciplinary hearing
Your school does allow legal representation, but you need help navigating procedures and presenting your case
You’ve been accused of cheating, online misconduct, or other policy violations and want to protect your record
You’re facing academic probation, suspension, or dismissal and want to appeal the decision
Your school isn’t following its own policies or safeguarding your due process rights
You need help drafting a written appeal or preparing key talking points
You’re unsure how to interpret school policies or defend your rights effectively
Your child is not learning to read at the same rate as their peers
You want guidance on negotiating with your school or clearing your academic record
You’re trying to stay enrolled and graduate on time despite disciplinary actions
Get the Legal Support You Need to Stay on Track
If you’re facing a disciplinary issue or struggling to secure needed accommodations in college or graduate school, we can help.