C&F Explanation Forum

[Keilz]

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[cbbinnyc]

Sounds like a pretty minor issue, so maybe it doesn't make a difference either way, but I would contact somebody at your school to see whether this is worth disclosing. A "warning" from a residence hall director for drinking alcohol in a college dorm? I doubt the school has any record of this.

[Keilz]

Sounds like a pretty minor issue, so maybe it doesn't make a difference either way, but I would contact somebody at your school to see whether this is worth disclosing. A "warning" from a residence hall director for drinking alcohol in a college dorm? I doubt the school has any record of this.

UCLA mentions 3. Have you ever been subject to a warning, dismissal, suspension, probation, or other disciplinary or academic sanction by any college, university, professional school, or professional association?

I do believe the warning has since been off my record, but the punishment (online course) that I had to complete was issued by the Dean of Students and was on their record at the time, so I feel that I was subject to a warning by the school itself. I do not plan to write it down for schools that do not specifically ask for it. I really wish I could find the papers, I had to sign something.

[cbbinnyc]

Sounds like a pretty minor issue, so maybe it doesn't make a difference either way, but I would contact somebody at your school to see whether this is worth disclosing. A "warning" from a residence hall director for drinking alcohol in a college dorm? I doubt the school has any record of this.

UCLA mentions 3. Have you ever been subject to a warning, dismissal, suspension, probation, or other disciplinary or academic sanction by any college, university, professional school, or professional association?

I do believe the warning has since been off my record, but the punishment (online course) that I had to complete was issued by the Dean of Students and was on their record at the time, so I feel that I was subject to a warning by the school itself. I do not plan to write it down for schools that do not specifically ask for it. I really wish I could find the papers, I had to sign something.

Ah, ok. That's more disclosure-worthy than I expected (seems weird that they call it a "warning" and then give you a punishment).

In any case, keeping it short and sweet is a good idea (it's an incredibly minor offense), but I would probably be more specific about what the violation was. Being in violation of your school's alcohol policy could mean that you were caught drinking a beer in the common area, or it could mean that you blacked out and started peeing in the hallway. The fact that you weren't intoxicated and causing a scene is worth mentioning; I'm sure there's a way to do it without sounding defensive. And, rather than saying "I take full responsibility for my actions," explain how you are taking (or have taken) responsibility. I mean, I don't think they will expect much, it wasn't a life-altering mistake, but maybe just say something about realizing the importance of following school policies etc etc.

[Keilz]

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[cbbinnyc]

I would imagine mentioning that you became an RA is a good idea. I'd certainly look at anything you draft with the caveat that I am not an expert in this area. I have had a couple friends who have dealt with minor C&F issues, but that's about it. You might be better served finding somebody who's actually dealt with C&F issues. Maybe the prelaw adviser at your college could advise you?

ETA: A prelaw adviser at your school could also give you better advice about whether to disclose this in the first place. A friend of mine got a "warning" from a disciplinary board at his school, but, when he was applying to law school and contacted his undergrad school to ask about disclosing, they emphatically told him not to disclose. Might be worth checking.

[Keilz]

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[Keilz]

Sure, thanks. This draft can be open to anyone else who might be lurking.

Do you know if prelaw advisors help students who have already graduated?

[Keilz]

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