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<p>Unfortunately, if we’re talking about a private college, such colleges are allowed to set such judicial administration policies practically as much as they see fit and students implicitly agree to be bound by them as a condition of matriculation. </p>
<p>While I don’t agree with the way many universities/colleges effectively curtail/short-circuit due process guarantees we expect from our constitution, private colleges are treated like private entities separate from the government. </p>
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<p>Many colleges…especially many larger ones in the elite category do not see it as their duty to provide support systems or to be concerned about such students’ future…especially if they viewed them as “guilty” of some something…especially something serious as cheating. This is unfortunate considering the curtailed/short-circuited judicial administration procedures…but far too true from what I’ve heard/observed from classmates and Profs/TA friends who had to take part in such proceedings. </p>
<p>Before trying to negotiate a compromise, I’d try to get more advice from those who have had experience with this situation. Considering how private colleges are treated as private entities free to set their own judicial administration policies with far less due process rights/guarantees(i.e. no lawyer), pointing this fact out won’t do much to strengthen your negotiating position.</p>