Disciplinary Action University of Pennsylvania

The U Penn website has information on Understanding the Disciplinary Process.

The Center for Community Standards and Accountability (CSA) oversees the resolution of complaints involving alleged misconduct by students. The document which describes the principles and explains the process which govern the disciplinary system is the Charter of the University of Pennsylvania Student Disciplinary System.
The Center for Community Standards and Accountability has jurisdiction over all four of Penn’s undergraduate schools and many graduate programs (see individual school procedures for details regarding jurisdiction). The primary regulations enforced are the Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity. However, CSA also has responsibility for complaints arising under the policies governing computing use, open expression, alcohol and drug use, recognized student organizations and others. CSA does not investigate alleged violations of the University's Sexual Misconduct Policy, such cases are handled by the Office of the AVP of Equity and Title IX Officer.

If you are facing disciplinary action at the Univeristy of Pennsylvania:

If you are facing disciplinary action from the University of Pennsylvania, it is important to understand your rights and options. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

Know your rights: The University of Pennsylvania has a Code of Student Conduct that outlines the rules and standards of behavior expected of students. It is important to understand what you are accused of and what the potential consequences may be.
Review the evidence: You have the right to review the evidence against you, including any witness statements or documents. It is important to understand the case against you and to consider what evidence you may have to refute it.
Seek legal advice: Depending on the nature of the disciplinary action, you may want to consider seeking legal advice. An attorney can provide guidance on your rights and options and can represent you in any disciplinary proceedings.
Attend any required meetings or hearings: If you are required to attend a meeting or hearing as part of the disciplinary process, it is important to attend. This is your opportunity to present your side of the story and to defend yourself against the allegations.
Understand your options for appeal: If you are found responsible for a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, you have the right to appeal the decision. It is important to understand the appeal process and to consider whether it may be appropriate in your case.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, it is a good idea to contact an attorney to seek guidance.

The “Pennbook”

“The Pennbook is a collection of policies that relate to student life at the University of Pennsylvania. These policies govern academic activities such as grading and exams, provide guidance on the use of campus resources, and explain expectations for membership in the university community.”

The Pennbook can be downloaded here.

The Pennbook lays out student rights and responsibilities:

Rights of Student Citizenship

Membership in the University of Pennsylvania community affords every student certain rights that are essential to the University’s educational mission and its character as a community:

The right to have access to and participate in the academic and non-academic opportunities afforded by the University, subject to applicable standards or requirements.
The right to freedom of thought and expression.
The right to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran.
The right to fair University judicial process in the determination of accountability for conduct.

Responsibilities of Student Citizenship

Students are expected to exhibit responsible behavior regardless of time or place. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the University. Responsible behavior is a standard of conduct which reflects higher expectations than may be prevalent outside the University community. Responsible behavior includes but is not limited to the following obligations:

To comply with all provisions of the University’s Code of Academic Integrity and academic integrity codes adopted by the faculties of individual schools.
To respect the health and safety of others. This precludes acts or threats of physical violence against another person (including sexual violence) and disorderly conduct. This also precludes the possession of dangerous articles (such as firearms, explosive materials, etc.) on University property or at University events without University authorization.
To respect the right of fellow students to participate in University organizations and in relationships with other students without fear, threat, or act of hazing.
To refrain from conduct towards other students that infringes upon the Rights of Student Citizenship. The University condemns hate speech, epithets, and racial, ethnic, sexual and religious slurs. However, the content of student speech or expression is not by itself a basis for disciplinary action. Student speech may be subject to discipline when it violates applicable laws or University regulations or policies.
To refrain from stealing, damaging, defacing, or misusing the property or facilities of the University or of others. This also precludes the disruption of University computing services or interference with the rights of others to use computer resources.
To be honest and truthful in dealings with the University, about one’s own identity (e.g., name or Social Security number), and in the use of University and other identification.
To cooperate fully and honestly in the Student Judicial System of the University, including the obligation to comply with all judicial sanctions.
To comply with all contracts made with the University, such as Residential Living Occupancy Agreements and Dining Services contracts.
To comply with policies and regulations of the University and its departments (e.g., the University’s Guidelines on Open Expression, Anti-Hazing Regulations, Drug and Alcohol Policies, Sexual Harassment Policy, etc.).
To comply with federal, state and local laws.

Do I need a lawyer if I am facing disciplinary action at the University of Pennsylvania?

Joseph Montgomery arguing with success in Federal Court

If you are facing disciplinary action or legal trouble at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), an attorney can provide legal guidance and representation throughout the process. Here are some specific ways in which an attorney may be able to help:

Advise you on your rights and options: An attorney can explain your rights and options to you and help you understand the disciplinary or legal process.
Review the evidence against you: An attorney can review the evidence against you and help you determine how to best defend yourself against the allegations.
Represent you in meetings and hearings: An attorney can represent you in any meetings or hearings related to the disciplinary action or legal matter and advocate on your behalf.
Help you prepare for the disciplinary or legal process: An attorney can help you prepare for any meetings or hearings and advise you on what to expect.
Assist with appeals: If you are found responsible for a violation of the UPenn Code of Student Conduct and wish to appeal the decision, or if you wish to appeal a legal decision, an attorney can help you understand the appeal process and represent you in any appeals proceedings.

It is important to note that the specific role that an attorney can play in the disciplinary or legal process will depend on the nature of the matter and the specific circumstances of your case. It is always a good idea to seek legal advice if you are facing disciplinary action or legal trouble and are unsure of your rights and options.

Legal and Disciplinary Issues to Avoid:

There are a number of potential legal or disciplinary issues that University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) students may face. Some common examples include:

Violations of the UPenn Code of Student Conduct: The Code of Student Conduct sets forth the standards of behavior expected of UPenn students. Students may face disciplinary action if they are found to have violated the Code of Student Conduct, which could include actions such as plagiarism, cheating, harassment, or theft.
Off-campus legal issues: Students may face legal consequences for actions taken off campus, such as criminal charges related to drug or alcohol offenses, assault, or vandalism.
Academic misconduct: Students may face disciplinary action for academic misconduct, which could include actions such as plagiarism, cheating, or fabrication of research.
Harassment or discrimination: Students may face disciplinary action or legal consequences for engaging in harassment or discrimination, either on or off campus.
Violations of UPenn policies: Students may face disciplinary action or legal consequences for violating UPenn policies, such as rules related to alcohol or drug use, use of UPenn resources, or residence hall policies.

If you are facing any of these issues or are concerned about a potential legal or disciplinary issue, it is important to seek guidance from a lawyer or other legal professional as soon as possible. An attorney can provide advice on your rights and options and can represent you in any legal proceedings.

Disciplinary Action University of Pennsylvania