2024-2025 Student Handbook

13. Upon appeal, the Dean shall review the Factfinding Subcommittee’s findings of fact to determine if the findings are arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise an abuse of discretion. If the Dean makes such a finding, the Dean shall return the matter to the Factfinding Subcommittee with a request for specific reconsideration and shall inform the student. The Factfinding Subcommittee will reconvene a hearing where they will consider the Dean’s request and any additional, relevant information. The Chair of the Factfinding Subcommittee will draft amended findings of fact in order to resolve the Dean’s request for reconsideration and submit the amended findings of fact. If the D ean does not determine the findings of fact to be arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise an abuse of discretion, the Dean shall affirm the findings of fact. 14. Regardless of whether the student appeals the findings and recommendations, the Dean shall review the recommended sanction(s). In reviewing recommended sanction(s), the Dean may consider all relevant information, including, but not limited to, previous sanctions imposed in similar situations; the charged student’s acceptance of responsibility and remedial measures taken; past disciplinary or criminal record; the nature of the misconduct; and the severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from the misconduct. 15. The Dean shall determine the sanction to be imposed and shall inform the student, the Chair(s) of the Administrative Committee, the Chair of the Factfinding Subcommittee, and the Assistant Dean for Academic Services of the Factfinding Subcommittee’s findings of fact and the sanction imposed, unless the Dean imposes a sanction that differs from that recommended by the Factfinding Subcommittee. 16. If the Dean imposes a sanction that differs from that recommended by the Factfinding Subcommittee, the Dean shall make a written decision and explanation of the reasons for the sanction imposed. A copy of this report and notification of the sanction imposed shall be provided to the Chair(s), the Chair of the Factfinding Subcommittee, the student, and the Assistant Dean for Academic Services. 17. The Dean shall meet with the student concerning the Factfinding Subcom mittee’s findings, its recommended sanction(s), and the Dean’s decision about the sanction to be imposed. The student may bring an advisor to the meeting. 18. The decision of the Dean shall be (1) reflected in a letter authored by the Dean, or the Dean’s desig nee, (2) sent to the student, and (3) delivered to the Assistant Dean of Academic Services for inclusion in the student’s transcript. The Dean’s decision is final. There is no appeal from the decision of the Dean of the Law School. Sanctions 19. Sanctions which may be imposed include but are not limited to a written reprimand, probation, suspension, or dismissal from the Law School. 20. The Office of the Dean shall maintain a file of all student disciplinary proceedings. Such file shall include a copy of the Complaint of Student Misconduct and all findings of fact and reports issued by the Factfinding Subcommittee, and the Dean’s report, if any. 21. If a student withdraws from the Law School while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending, the followin g entry shall be made on the student’s transcript: “Withdrew while disciplinary proceeding pending.” A student who withdraws while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding for sanctionable conduct is pending will not be readmitted to the Law School except in extraordinary circumstances. 22. If the student requests an official transcript after the issuance of a Complaint of Student Misconduct but before final resolution of the matter, the transcript shall bear the legend “Complaint of Student Misconduct Issued – Decision Pending.” 23. No degree will be conferred upon the student subject to a disciplinary complaint until such time as either (1) the Factfinding Subcommittee finds no sanctionable conduct or (2) the Dean issues a final sanction, and that sanction is completed. General Provisions 24. Sanctionable conduct shall include any violation of the Suffolk University Law School Rules and Regulations including all conduct described in Regulation XI of said Rules and Regulations. 25. Actions required by the Dean under these rules may be delegated by the Dean to an academic dean. 26. As used in these rules, the terms “Law School Faculty” or “Faculty,” refers to faculty members entitled to vote at faculty meetings of the Suffolk University Law School Faculty. 27. Any person who serves as advisor to the student as provided for in these rules may not be an employee of, or instructor at, Suffolk University.

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