One of the primary functions of the Office of Student Conduct is to resolve disciplinary complaints filed against students at the University of Maryland. The student disciplinary process is intended to maintain the behavioral standards set forth by the campus community, and to provide all students with a fair process for resolving such complaints.

The Code of Student Conduct outlines the standards to which all students must abide while attending the university. The "Code" is also published in its entirety in the Undergraduate Catalog and available upon request from the Office of Student Conduct.


Student Conduct Tenets

• To regard each student as an individual, deserving individual attention, consideration, and respect.
• To consider the facts fully and carefully before resolving any case.
• To speak candidly and honestly to each student.
• To hold each student to a high standard of behavior, both to protect the campus community, and to promote student moral development.
• To recognize the reality of human fallibility, as well as the stresses associated with collegiate life, and to demonstrate compassion, understanding, and a sense of perspective.
• To contribute to the educational mission of the university by designing policies, conducting programs, and offering instruction that contribute to the intellectual and moral development of the entire student body.

Contact the Director of Student Conduct (301) 314-8204 anytime you believe you have not been treated in accordance with these tenets.


Prohibited Conduct at the University of Maryland

The following misconduct is subject to disciplinary action:

1. Intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm to any person on University premises or at University-sponsored activities, or intentionally or recklessly causing reasonable apprehension of such harm.
2. Unauthorized use, possession or storage of any weapon on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
3. Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
4. Off-campus misconduct which:
   • is a criminal offense off campus, resulting in conviction, if such an offense would constitute a violation of this Code had it occurred on University premises. No student convicted of a misdemeanor under this section shall be subject to expulsion or full suspension unless the offense constitutes an aggravated violation as defined in Part 2(a) of this Code. The University shall not pursue disciplinary action when a non-aggravated misdemeanor does not pose a threat to the stability of the campus or campus community; provided, however,
   • rioting, assault, theft, vandalism, fire setting, or other serious misconduct related to a University-sponsored event, occurring on or off-campus, that results in harm to persons or property or otherwise poses a threat to the stability of the campus or campus community may result in disciplinary action regardless of the existence, status, or outcome of any criminal charges in a court of law related to misconduct associated with a University-sponsored event.
5. Knowingly violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with this Code.
6. Intentionally or recklessly misusing or damaging fire safety equipment.
7. Unauthorized distribution or possession for purposes of distribution of any controlled substance or illegal drug11 on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
8. Intentionally furnishing false information to the University.
9. Making, possessing, or using any forged, altered, or falsified instrument of identification on University premises, or at University-sponsored activities; making, possessing, or using any forged, altered, or falsified University document, on or off-campus.
10. Intentionally and substantially interfering with the freedom of expression of others on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
11. Theft of property or of services on University premises or at University-sponsored activities; knowing possession of stolen property on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
12. Intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging the property of others on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
13. Engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct on University premises or at University-sponsored activities which interferes with the activities of others, including studying, teaching, research, and University administration.*
14. Failure to comply with the directions of University officials, including campus police officers, acting in performance of their duties.
15. Violation of published University regulations or policies, as approved and compiled by the Vice President for Student Affairs.13Such regulations or policies may include the residence hall contract, as well as those regulations relating to entry and use of University facilities, sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages, use of vehicles** and amplifying equipment, campus demonstrations, and misuse of identification cards.
16. Use or possession of any controlled substance or illegal drug on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.14***
17. Unauthorized use or possession of fireworks on University premises.

* The response of fire, police, or emergency personnel to a non-frivolous call, or action taken by them on their own initiative pursuant or non-pursuant to policy is not considered a disruption or reckless action within the meaning of this section.

** Parking and traffic violations may be processed in accordance with procedures established by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

*** This charge is considered an aggravated violation as defined by Part 2 (a) and may result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

1. I received a letter from the Office of Student Conduct requesting a preliminary interview. What is the purpose of this meeting?
   
   If you are requested to schedule a preliminary interview, you have been referred to our office because you may have violated the Code of Academic Integrity. With your letter, you will find a copy the allegation. During the preliminary interview, you will meet with a Student Conduct staff member and be given the opportunity to respond to the allegation(s). The hearing officer will also provide information about the disciplinary process.
   
   Possible outcomes of Academic Integrity cases include:
   1. Request for an Honor Review Hearing to determine sanctions;
   2. Acknowledge responsibility for committing a violation of the Code and accept the standard "XF" sanction;
   3. Acknowledge responsibilities for committing a violation of the Code, but request an Honor Review for sanctioning purposes only.


2. What happens if I refuse to attend the preliminary interview?
   
   Refusing to attend a preliminary interview means your voice isn't heard in the matter. You also miss the opportunity to carefully discuss the disciplinary process with a member of the Student Conduct staff. In addition, your case will most likely be referred to a judicial board for resolution. In the meantime, our office may place a "block" your student account, this may prevent you from registering for classes. The block may remain on your account until the case has been resolved and if necessary sanctions have been completed.



3. Do I need an attorney?
   
   Informal hearings and other proceedings at an educational institution do not follow the same procedures used in courtrooms. The university does not employ lawyers to "prosecute" students, or apply the rules of evidence used in civil or criminal trial. Instead, charges are investigated and resolved in an atmosphere of candor, truthfulness, and civility. You may have an attorney present if you desire, but you are not required to have an attorney.
   
   In Academic Integrity cases, attorneys may only serve in an advisory role and may not address the board. When facing serious allegations, however, some students find it helpful to have the expertise of an attorney in responding to allegations.
   
   Other students seek the assistance of the Student Legal Aid Office located in the Stamp Student Union. Student Legal Aid is familiar with our process and may prove helpful to you in some circumstances. This is a free service offered to all University of Maryland students. Student Legal Aid can be reached at 301.314.7756. A Student Conduct staff member will be happy to provide you with their brochure during the preliminary interview.



4. What is the difference between a "conference" and a "hearing?"
   
   In Academic Integrity cases, Honor Reviews are convened to hear cases not resolved in the Preliminary Interview.
   
   Hearings are before a panel normally consisting of three Honor Council members and two faculty members. The student and the complaining party generally present their case before a panel of students who render a decision. If a student is found "responsible" for the alleged violation, the board will impose appropriate sanctions. In accordance with the Code of Academic Integrity, the normal penalty for an act of academic dishonesty is the grade penalty of "XF" in the course. The grade is recorded on the academic transcript with the notation, "failure due to academic dishonesty".