dealing with disciplinary probation

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I've read college confidential for several years but I've never posted until now. I was hoping some of the users on this forum could offer me advice. I made a very stupid decision at the end of the fall semester and I'm worried about my academic future. I realize that I've broken the student code of conduct, but I'm not sure how to deal with this situation. I am a junior at a public school in the Northeast. I believe I will be facing charges of disciplinary probation at the beginning of the spring semester. </p>

<p>During finals week, I was caught under the influence by the university police because of the smell of marijuana. I am not a regular user of marijuana but I was offered some by a friend because I was so stressed about finals. I understand that this is not a good excuse but that was my reasoning at the time for smoking. I did not smoke on school grounds but I was found high in my dorm room by UPD. My roommate is a fairly frequent smoker and previously in the evening she had been preparing her stash to be smoked later on that night. I'm not sure if people noticed that smell or if it was because of me. </p>

<p>At the time I was confronted by UPD, I had half of an unsmoked joint in my possession. I did not want to lie to the police officer so I admitted that I had smoked that night and I handed over the rest of the joint when he asked if I had anything on me. Some people have told me this was a stupid thing to do, but I didn't want to risk having the officer search my room or discover that I was lying.</p>

<p>UPD told me I wasn't going to be arrested. Since the evening of the incident, I have not heard anything official from my university. The incident happened mid-december and the semester ended on December 20th. Apparently it takes 5 business days after the incident has been reported to be notified by the RD/judicial affairs. I'm assuming there was not enough time in the semester for the report to be filed. I'm assuming that I will hear from the judicial affairs department at the beginning of the spring semester.</p>

<p>My roommate has told me that she's on probation for drug related issues but I'm not sure about the specific details. I don't think she admitted to having anything in her possession. She believes I won't have an issue/that it's been dropped but I'm not so sure about that. From what I understand from the student handbook, I won't be expelled for a first-time offense and I'm not certain if I'll be kicked out of the dorms. </p>

<p>I believe the minimum punishment I can receive is disciplinary probation. The language used in the student handbook is pretty vague on what this may entail. Since the incident, I have been reading up on the student handbook and my university's website. I am most concerned about what this may do to my financial aid. If I lose my financial aid, I will need to withdraw from university. Currently I receive federal financial aid (grants and loans) and a need-based institutional scholarship. Does anyone know how this may impact my FAFSA or current financial aid award. I was not arrested at all but I'm fairly certain I will have a judicial record through the university. </p>

<p>Besides this incidence, I have never had an issue with UPD or residence life. I usually make the dean's list and I am an active student on campus.</p>

<p>Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? I know I made a very stupid mistake and I absolutely regret what I did. I should have found another way to deal with my stress/insomnia. I'm hoping I can find a way to recover from this blunder and continue my university career. Right now I'm very worried about how this will impact my future. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>ETA: I have sent emails to Financial Aid and the RD to ask about how disciplinary probation impacts a student's financial aid and on-campus residency. The offices will be closed until Wednesday.</p>

2

<p>Schools all handle things so differently - you might get more feedback if you want to disclose the name of your school.</p>

3

<p>Sorry, that’s true. I attend a smallish SUNY school in New York. I was hoping to reframe from mentioning the specific name to maintain some sense of anonymity. I would be willing to name the school in a PM if anyone is willing to discuss it.</p>

4

<p>First of all, IF the school is pursuing any action, the office of Judicial Affairs would email you, letting you know the charges, and asking for a response. You would then request a hearing, and present your case, including humble apologies, acceptance of poor judgement, and a sincere plea for dismissal, or at worst a warning.</p>

<p>Depending on the school, you may be heard by 1 officer, or a committee of students, etc., and the UPD would also be present to give their version.</p>

<p>I am not familiar with your school, but most schools will give you a warning or probation (where you would have to stay clean during the probation, AND HOPEFULLY during the rest of your time at school) USUALLY there is no suspension or dismissal or loss of FA.</p>

<p>Most schools will also not show this on a transcript, unless you are suspended or dismissed. Good luck!</p>

5

<p>I’m not sure why you sent emails to any officials if you did not receive notification of any action. I hope you did not give any details of the incident, and it was a casual inquiry.</p>

6

<p>chocoholic:</p>

<p>thank you for the information. I hope my school is as lenient as you’ve described. It did say on the website that I would receive written notification. It’s possible that I missed a letter in my mailbox before I left for the semester. I haven’t received an email yet.</p>

<p>I did not mention anything specifically. I asked generally how being on disciplinary probation would impact my financial aid and on-campus residency. I did not mention that I had an encounter with UPD or why I was asking. Hopefully I didn’t make a mistake doing so.</p>

<p>This is what I sent:
"I’ve been reading the student conduct handbook and the financial aid website, but I’m unclear about the impact of a student’s status on disciplinary probation and financial aid awards. If a student is put on disciplinary probation for the first time, will the student be ineligible for financial aid or have any awards revoked? I’m unsure of the financial penalty as of right now. Any clarification on the issue would be most appreciated. "</p>

<p>I just checked today, and the incident is listed under the police log for UPD so I believe has been sent to the campus judicial services.</p>

<p>Thank you for your insight!</p>