» Investigations and Institutional Disputes

Before reading this article, watch my video below to learn the seven questions everyone should ask before accepting or rejecting a plea bargain. One decision can affect your freedom, your career, and your future for years to come. A plea bargain may…

Before reading this article, watch my video below to learn why some of the worst decisions people make happen in the first 24 hours after an accusation—and how staying calm can protect your education, career, and reputation. When people find themse…

Before reading this article, watch my video below to learn why intelligence alone is not enough to make good decisions—and how even highly successful students, faculty members, and professionals can make mistakes that permanently affect their caree…

One of the most frustrating experiences during a university investigation is knowing you are telling the truth while feeling that no one believes you. Students and faculty members often assume that innocence speaks for itself. They believe that if th…

One of the most misunderstood phrases in university disciplinary policies is “good faith.” Students and faculty often assume that if administrators make a mistake, misunderstand the facts, or fail to follow their own procedures, the decis…

When people are accused of misconduct, they often feel enormous pressure to make the situation go away. They believe that if they simply apologize, accept responsibility, or admit wrongdoing, the investigation will end more quickly or the punishment…

When people are accused of misconduct, their first instinct is often to deny everything. They challenge every allegation, dispute every witness, and fight every factual issue, believing that admitting even a small mistake will destroy their case. Iro…

Email feels informal. It takes only seconds to write, and once you hit “Send,” it is easy to assume your message will be read only by the person you intended. In reality, emails often become some of the most important evidence in investig…