Graduate Students and the Law

With the costs of higher education increasing faster than the cost of  health care  in the United States, graduate students should ensure that legal problems or contractual disputes with the university will not destroy their educational investment.     This can happen in one of several ways.

University policy defines needed academic requirements and performance for graduate students.  Such policies become contractual obligations between the graduate student and his university.  For example, the number of credits for graduation, the writing components to graduate (i.e., thesis and dissertation) course requirements, which are set forth in university policy are contractual concepts binding both the student and the university.  Policies may be named differently from university to university.

By matriculating and paying tuition, students and the university enter into a basic contract.   If the university fails to perform its contractual duties by arbitrarily changing requirements, or arbitrarily denying course credit, or arbitrarily grading, a graduate student has a potential breach of contract action against the university.   Students should be cognizant of their rights, duties, and responsibilities set forth in policy and official college statements.

Academic dishonesty allegations against graduate students in tests or papers including plagiarism, cheating, and facilitation can do great harm to the student’s academic career if the charge leads to a finding of responsibility. Dismissal by either suspension or expulsion, a grade of “F” for the course or an “XF” denoting a failing grade due to academic dishonesty can all derail a student’s progress towards graduation.  Graduate students are wise to learn about the policies dealing with academic dishonesty and to seek an attorney who can provide guidance, legal help and assistance if such a charge is ever brought.

Finally, misdemeanor traffic charges against the graduate student can have serious consequences on driving privileges including loss of driving privileges. Such charges can involve driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license or without insurance.  All violations carry jail time, significant fines, points, and a potential loss of license.

If any you are facing any of these legal problems, please call me for a free 30-minute consultation at 301-779-7858.