9.01
Through exercising sole discretion by majority vote, the Hearing Panel, after referral of a complaint for a hearing, or the Academic Integrity Committee, prior to the referral of a complaint for a hearing, may offer an accused student the opportunity to enter into a plea agreement resolving the matter. In the process of negotiation, the student may propose an alternative plea agreement.
9.02
As a condition of any plea agreement, the accused student must unequivocally admit to and accept responsibility for the misconduct as stated within the plea agreement and must consent to the sanction imposed.
9.03
The plea agreement must expressly warn the accused student that he/she may seek legal counsel prior to executing the agreement. Nothing within this provision, however, should be construed to indicate that the School of Law or any of its agents or employees is responsible for securing, providing, or recommending specific legal counsel.
9.04
The plea agreement shall expressly warn the accused student that execution of the agreement will constitute a waiver of the right to appeal any error in the disciplinary proceedings, whether known or unknown at the time of execution and regardless of the alleged error’s severity or type.
9.05
The plea agreement shall be written and signed by the accused student and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
9.06
In the event the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs is unavailable to sign the plea agreement, the Chair of the Academic Integrity Committee shall sign the plea agreement.