Legal Issues

Admission to the CMU Teacher Education program does not guarantee certification by the State of Michigan. CMU cannot guarantee any certification made to the State of Michigan. Final approval of a teacher education candidate is granted by the Michigan Department of Education based on the policies and procedures current at the time certification is initiated.

LEGAL CRITERIA
Pre-Admission to the teacher education program

A student applying for admission to the teacher education program with any criminal conviction and/or violation of CMU’s Student Code of Conduct will be required to make a legal appointment with the Assistant Director of Professional Education by calling 989-774-3309. The student will be required to submit the Register of Actions to the Center for Student Services prior to the required meeting.

Any student applying for admission to the teacher education program with a Felony conviction will not be granted admission into CMU’s teacher education program.

Any student applying for admission to the teacher education program with one (1) or two (2) criminal convictions and/or violations of CMU's Student Code of Conduct will immediately be placed on probation.  A student placed on probation will be required to meet with the Assistant Director of Professional Education and provide the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) before the end of the first week of each academic semester until admission.

Any student applying for admission to the teacher education program with three (3) or more offenses (criminal convictions or violations of the Student Code) will be denied admission to the teacher education program.

After admission to the teacher education program

A student admitted into the teacher education program must report any charge/conviction or new charge/conviction or violations of CMU’s Student Code of Conduct (including a charge pending court date) within two business days.  If a student fails to do so, or if a student misrepresents or falsifies any legal information, s/he will be subject to suspension, probation or removal from the teacher education program. 

Any student admitted into the teacher education program that receives or has one (1) or two (2) criminal convictions and/or violations of CMU's Student Code of Conduct will be placed/continue on probation.  A student on probation will be required to meet with the Assistant Director of Professional Education and provide the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) before the end of the first week of each academic semester (separate from pre-student teaching and student teaching).

After admission, if the number of offenses (criminal convictions or violations of the Student Code) of any student reaches three (3) or more, the student will immediately be removed from CMU’s teacher education program.

Any student receiving a Felony conviction after admission will be immediately removed from CMU’s teacher education program.

Any education student with a pending legal or CMU disciplinary issue will not be allowed to participate in any field experience until the legal or disciplinary issue has been closed and reviewed through the Center for Student Services.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any single criminal conviction or disciplinary violation is deemed to be sufficiently extreme, the CMU Teacher Education Program reserves the right to dismiss a student immediately.

These decisions are based upon the professional and ethical standards inherent in the Central Michigan University Teacher Education Program and the State of Michigan Teacher Code of Ethics, Truth and Honesty Statement. This statement indicates that "Professional Educators uphold personal and professional integrity and behave in a trustworthy manner. A teacher education candidate is expected to adhere to acceptable social practices, current state law, state and national student assessment guidelines, and exercise sound professional judgment."

Medical Marihuana

Under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, as well as in compliance with State and Federal Law, CMU strictly prohibits the use and possession of drugs and narcotics both on campus and as part of any of its activities.   It should also be noted that due to the University’s compliance with Federal law, Medical Marihuana possession or use is not permitted in any fashion.

Further, as the Michigan laws relate to CMU’s Teacher Education students who will be placed in the field as part of the program:  Under MCL 333.26427(b)(2)(B) of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act of 2008:  “(b) This act shall not permit any person to…..(2) Possess marihuana, or otherwise engage in the medical use of marihuana;….(B) on the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school;…”