Facing a College Investigation or Disciplinary Proceeding?
K Altman Law helps Northeastern students and families through conduct hearings, Title IX complaints, NIL disputes, and more.
Why Northeastern Students Come to Us
Northeastern handles student discipline through the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR). Cases are resolved through one of two hearing venues, an Administrative Hearing with a single Hearing Administrator, or a Student Conduct Board Hearing before a panel of Northeastern students. Parents, friends, and outside attorneys don't have a direct role in the hearing itself, though a student can bring a trained Hearing Advisor. Title IX and sexual violence complaints are handled separately, under their own dedicated policy. Whatever issue brought you here, the same rule applies: the earlier you understand your options, the more of them you still have.
What Is Your Situation?
Academic & Conduct Misconduct
Accused of academic dishonesty or a Code of Student Conduct violation? OSCCR oversees both, but a finding of responsibility is separate from any grade consequence your instructor may also impose.
Title IX Complaints
Facing a Title IX complaint or investigation? These cases don't go through OSCCR's standard conduct process. They're handled under Northeastern's dedicated Title IX policy, with their own investigation and adjudication procedures.
NIL Disputes
Dealing with an NIL dispute as a student-athlete? NIL deals, collective agreements, and compliance questions carry rules specific to your sport and conference.
Other Student Matters
Something else, like special education rights or a social media harm claim? If your issue doesn't fit neatly into the categories above, we still may be able to help.
What To Do in the Next 24 Hours
- Save documentation: Save any notice, email, or letter you received, and note every date in it.
- Identify the office: Find out whether your case is headed to an Administrative Hearing or a Student Conduct Board Hearing, and which office is handling it.
- Pause responses: Don't respond in writing or agree to anything before you talk to an advisor.
- Get counsel: Call for a consultation before a decision gets made without you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a Northeastern conduct hearing?
Outside attorneys don't have a direct role in the hearing itself, but you can bring a trained Hearing Advisor from the Northeastern community, and you can absolutely consult a lawyer beforehand to understand the process, prepare your response, and know what to expect.
How long does Northeastern's disciplinary process take?
Timelines vary by case and hearing venue. Once a report is received, a Hearing Administrator reviews it for a potential policy violation, and many cases are resolved through a one-on-one meeting rather than a full hearing.
What's the difference between an Administrative Hearing and a Student Conduct Board Hearing?
An Administrative Hearing is a one-on-one meeting with a single Hearing Administrator. A Student Conduct Board Hearing goes before a panel of Northeastern students trained to hear conduct cases. Both use the same standard, preponderance of the information, meaning it's more likely than not that a violation occurred.
Is a Title IX complaint handled the same way as academic misconduct?
No. Title IX and sexual violence complaints are handled under a separate policy entirely, with their own investigation, adjudication, and appeal procedures distinct from OSCCR's standard conduct process.
Will this show up on my transcript?
It depends on the sanction. The university can delay awarding a degree or credential while a case is pending, and outcomes range from a written warning to expulsion. Because this varies by case, it's worth discussing directly.
Do Not Try to Handle Northeastern's Disciplinary Process On Your Own
Whether you are a student facing a hearing or a parent trying to figure out what comes next, we can explain your options before the university makes decisions without your input.
Schedule a Consultation