Student Dismissal Policy

How It Works

A student may be dismissed from MUST University for a variety of reasons, including: failing to meet the program's minimum academic standards; failing to meet financial obligations, including tuition and fees; providing false or misleading information to the university; violating the Student Conduct Policy; exhibiting threatening, demeaning, or disruptive behavior toward other students, faculty, or staff; violating the Academic Integrity or Plagiarism Policy; intentionally destroying, damaging, or stealing university or third-party property; or engaging in improper, unethical, or illegal conduct, including harassment, discrimination, hazing, or sexual misconduct.

For violations related to student conduct, the case is typically reviewed by a Disciplinary Board, made up of two representatives from the administrative area, one representative from the academic area (a faculty member), and one student, all appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and named by the President of the university. The process begins with a written complaint, from which the Vice President of Academic Affairs compiles a report describing the alleged act, the rules allegedly violated, and the available evidence, providing a copy to the student involved. While the case is under review, the student may be placed on interim suspension.

The Disciplinary Board holds an administrative hearing, at which the student has the right to be accompanied by an attorney, to present their own evidence and witnesses, and to challenge the evidence presented against them. After the hearing, the Board determines whether the violation is substantiated and recommends the corresponding sanction, which may range from a written warning, probationary period, suspension from some or all courses, suspension for a semester or an academic year or more, up to permanent expulsion from the university. If the violation is not substantiated, the case is closed and any interim suspension is lifted.

Dismissals for academic reasons (such as failing to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress) or financial reasons (such as delinquency) follow the specific processes of those areas, and do not necessarily go through the Disciplinary Board. Likewise, a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy has its own progression of consequences, which may culminate in dismissal in cases of repeated violations. In any of these cases, the university also reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time, without following the steps above, when the behavior is considered severe or disruptive, at the discretion of any Vice President or the President of the university.

In all dismissal cases, the student receives written notice of the reasons for the decision and, when applicable, information about the available appeal procedure.

Deadlines and Rules

• After the written complaint, the Vice President of Academic Affairs has up to 10 business days to compile the case report.
• Any interim suspension, while the case is under review, may not exceed 20 business days.
• The Disciplinary Board hearing takes place within 10 business days of the complaint being filed.
• The student may appeal the Disciplinary Board's decision to the President of the university within 20 calendar days after notification; the President's decision is final.
• A repeated violation of an offense that already resulted in suspension for a semester or an academic year is sufficient grounds for permanent dismissal from the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

What reasons can lead to a student's dismissal?

Among others: failing to meet minimum academic standards, financial delinquency, providing false information to the university, violating the Conduct Policy or the Academic Integrity Policy, threatening or disruptive behavior, damage to or theft of university property, and illegal or unethical conduct, such as harassment or discrimination.

How does the Disciplinary Board work?

It is made up of two administrative representatives, one faculty member, and one student. It reviews the complaint, holds an administrative hearing, and determines whether the violation is substantiated, recommending the corresponding sanction to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Can I have an attorney present at the hearing?

Yes. You have the right to attend the hearing accompanied by an attorney, although the hearing is administrative in nature and does not follow the rules of a judicial proceeding.

Can I appeal a dismissal decision?

Yes, when applicable. You may submit an appeal to the President of the university within 20 calendar days after being notified of the Disciplinary Board's decision. The President's decision is final.

I was dismissed for academic or financial reasons. Is this the same process as the Disciplinary Board?

Not necessarily. Dismissals for failing to meet minimum academic standards or for financial delinquency follow the specific processes of those areas, which do not necessarily go through the Disciplinary Board.

Didn't Work? Do This

See Also

In the Knowledge Base

• Student Handbook