<p>Has anyone ever heard of an individual being expelled or suspended from his graduate program because of a DWI with no previous record in </p>
<ol>
<li>a state where it is considered a misdemeanor</li>
<li>no accident or injury occurred</li>
</ol>
<p>Of course, the usual disclaimer applies (“I am not a lawyer”), but I’d say your best bet is to first read the student handbook. Note that there may be separate handbooks for both the grad school and the university as a whole. Those will outline the policies you need to be aware of. If you’re at a public or non-religious private school, it’s less likely to be an issue. (I know some religious schools like BYU or Loma Linda have stricter policies.) Have you lost your drivers’ license? (I hope so!) As long as your punishment(s) have not effected your ability to meet program requirements, I’d say not to tell your program unless you’re specifically asked.</p>
<p>To actually take action against you they would need to have a rule or regulation permitting them to do so. Have you checked the rules of the school in question?</p>
<p>Generally, this will only be an issue if it interferes with your studies and obligations (e.g. if there is jail time, and not even then most of the time), or if your school has “moral turpitude” clauses (most common in religiously-based programs). Most programs neither expect you to be perfect nor particularly care if you are not, provided you keep up with classes and research.</p>
<p>I attend a secular, large, private research university in a state where DUIs are misdemeanors.</p>
<p>The handbook is quite vague regarding DUIs and stipulates only that it is considered a serious offense, of which a penalty is usually disciplinary probation in the first instance of such an offense, unless it is deemed to be egregious, in which harsher penalties may apply.</p>
<p>You might not be expelled or suspended from school per se, but if you’re on assistantship, check your contract very closely. My understanding from fellow graduate students at my university is that getting even one misdemeanor generally results in the termination of your assistantship.</p>
<p>I am on a fellowship. Would the same concerns hold?</p>
<p>I could not find specific terms of the contract. It only specifies the amount to be paid.</p>