Strategic Support for College Students Facing Disciplinary Action
Receiving notice of a student code of conduct violation from your college or university can be overwhelming. Whether the allegation involves academic misconduct, a dorm incident, drug or alcohol use, or disruptive behavior, disciplinary charges can threaten your education, reputation, and future opportunities.
If you have been notified of a student code of conduct violation, you must take the process seriously. Colleges have broad discretion over disciplinary outcomes, and even minor violations can result in suspension, expulsion, or permanent marks on your academic record. Having a knowledgeable advisor can help you prepare a clear, strategic response and avoid common mistakes that can escalate the situation.
Megan Ballard Mitchell provides focused support to students involved in disciplinary hearings at colleges and universities. With experience as a criminal defense attorney and an attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), she brings a legal mindset to an educational process, helping students navigate high-stakes hearings with structure, clarity, and confidence.
Common Allegations in Student Code of Conduct Defense Cases
Most universities outline behavioral and academic expectations through a written student code of conduct. Violations of these codes may lead to disciplinary hearings or administrative sanctions. While each school’s policies differ, students may face the following types of allegations.
Academic Misconduct
- Plagiarism
- Cheating on exams or assignments
- Unauthorized collaboration
- Fabrication of research or data
- Misuse of academic resources
Behavioral Misconduct
- Possession or use of alcohol or drugs in violation of campus policy
- Fighting or physical altercations
- Vandalism or property damage
- Hazing or harassment
- Disorderly or disruptive conduct
- Violating housing or dormitory rules
- Off-campus behavior that reflects poorly on the institution
What About Off-Campus Sexual Misconduct?
Not all cases of sexual misconduct fall under Title IX jurisdiction. For example, if an alleged incident occurred off campus and outside the scope of a university’s Title IX authority, the matter may be addressed through the school’s internal code of conduct.
Most colleges have separate policies prohibiting sexual misconduct, even outside the scope of Title IX. These policies often carry equally serious consequences and can include investigations, disciplinary hearings, and sanctions such as suspension or expulsion. In some cases, the process may resemble a Title IX proceeding, while in others it may fall under the school’s general conduct process.
Megan Ballard Mitchell advises students facing these types of allegations, helping them navigate non-Title IX sexual misconduct investigations with preparation and care. Whether the case is jurisdictionally excluded from Title IX or simply handled under a different policy, the risks to your academic standing and future are just as real — and you deserve a strong, strategic response.
What Happens After a Student Code of Conduct Violation Is Reported
Most students receive formal notice of an alleged violation under the student code of conduct, including the nature of the allegation, the potential consequences, and the steps involved in the disciplinary process. This may include:
- Preliminary fact-finding or investigation
- A conduct meeting or interview
- An administrative determination or panel hearing
- A decision letter with sanctions
- The opportunity to appeal
Each step offers a chance to present information, clarify misunderstandings, and challenge incorrect or unsupported allegations. But many students feel unsure of what to say or how much detail to share. That uncertainty can unintentionally harm their case.
Megan Ballard Mitchell works closely with students to thoroughly prepare them for each stage of the process. Her goal is to help you avoid procedural missteps and present your version of events in the most accurate and strategic way possible.
A Strategic Advisor in Your Corner
While most colleges do not allow attorneys to formally represent students during conduct hearings, they do allow advisors. The role of an advisor varies by school, but in many cases, students may bring a professional to support them during meetings, interviews, or hearings.
Ms. Mitchell serves as an advisor where permitted, attending all meetings and hearings in accordance with school policies. Even in situations where she may not attend with the student, she prepares students in advance to feel confident and composed on their own.
Her support includes:
- Reviewing the notice of violation and all relevant documents
- Helping you understand the school’s procedures and your rights
- Preparing for conduct meetings or hearings
- Drafting written statements or responses
- Developing a clear and consistent theory of your case
- Coaching you on how to respond to questions and present evidence
- Supporting you during appeals if needed
As a criminal defense attorney, Megan Ballard Mitchell has worked on high-stakes cases involving allegations of assault, substance-related offenses, and complex disputes over credibility. She brings that experience to the student conduct context, where even non-criminal allegations can lead to life-altering consequences.
Her prior work with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) adds another layer of insight. She understands how colleges are expected to follow federal guidelines, and how those expectations influence how institutions make decisions behind the scenes. Her role is not to treat a conduct hearing like a courtroom, but to bring legal strategy and preparation into a process that often lacks those protections.
Schools Served
Megan advises students at colleges and universities throughout Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Virginia, including:
- University of Georgia
- Georgia State University
- Auburn University
- University of Alabama
- University of Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- University of Virginia
- And many more
She is familiar with the policies used at large public universities, private colleges, and specialized institutions. Regardless of the setting, the goal is the same: to help you protect your academic record and move forward with your future intact.
If You’ve Been Accused Violating the Student Code of Conduct, Don’t Wait
College disciplinary processes can move quickly. The sooner you get guidance, the better prepared you’ll be to respond in a way that protects your future.
Please contact Megan Ballard Mitchell today or complete the confidential contact form to schedule a consultation.
