Character & Fitness Question

CPAtoJD

Hi Everyone,

Trying to get a head start on my application material and I'm sure this question has been asked to death but I can't find a specific instance covering my situation. Just wondering if the following situation should be something disclosed in an additional addendum:

When I was a freshman in college in 2008 I was in a dorm common room where some other students were drinking (I wasn't). An RA walked in and asked to see people's ID's. Because I was underage, I was written up and had to schedule a meeting with the RD. I explained the situation and received a formal warning that I believe was put into my file.

I reached out to my University to get more details on the incident since I don't remember much else about it and wanted to confirm my recollection - but was told that the incident is not even on my student conduct record anymore.

Is this something that generally should be disclosed in a C&F addendum? I was planning to, especially since some schools specifically include expunged events - but wanted to know people's thoughts.

Leah M B

I think if it was a formal written warning, you should include. Always better to disclose than to not disclose and regret it. Although it sounds unlikely LSAC or schools would be able to dig it up, if somehow they did - it would be much better if you had disclosed it. Sounds petty minor and I doubt it would affect anything.

I'd make sure to read through these sections in the Admissions course:
https://7sage.com/admissions/lesson/character-fitness-addenda/
https://7sage.com/admissions/lesson/how-to-write-a-character-fitness-addendum/?ss_completed_lesson=14723

JPJ July2021

If it isn't in your record I don't see a need to disclose it.

paralegaltolawyer3

When in doubt, disclose!

10000019

Yep. Who did you talk to at your school? It would be unusual for Student Affairs not to have that on record.

tekken1225

I wouldn't worry about something so minor. Just leave it out.

LivingThatLSATdream

I would look up the undergrad school's policy. Here are two examples:

http://drexel.edu/studentlife/community_standards/students/
http://studentconduct.osu.edu/for-students/understanding-the-student-conduct-process/sanctions/

One says the warning is kept on a students record for 7 years, the other says it will be a part of the student's disciplinary record (which seems indefinitely). You can request your conduct/disciplinary record from your institute. If the formal warning is listed on there, definitely disclose.

If its not, then it may just be a judgement call on. Its better to disclose than not and disclosure may relate to how the question is specifically worded for each application.

samantha.ashley92

I would write like a paragraph on it, just because your app is a legal document, and you have to sign that everything on (and not on) it is accurate. But seriously, I doubt any admissions committee would be shocked that an undergrad student got caught drinking. I don't think it will affect your chances at all.

goingfor99th

It depends on the way the question you're answering is worded. Do not disclose unless you need to. You need to read each question you answer carefully.