The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is a scholarly community where students are expected to take responsibility for their conduct. While individuals at UMES enjoy fundamental rights, they also assume specific obligations as members of our community. UMES embraces the principles of free expression and values the diversity of ideas. Every individual is recognized for their importance, and diversity is celebrated and respected.
To preserve order and foster a climate of student autonomy within the university community, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore follows a conduct philosophy based on the preponderance of evidence standard. Preponderance of Evidence refers to the standard of proof that applies to student conduct proceedings or determinations. It is used to determine if a Respondent is “responsible” or “not responsible” for a violation of student policy based on the information available at the time the decision is made.
UMES has implemented rules and regulations to manage student conduct both on and off campus. The University’s conduct process is designed to achieve several key objectives, including:
- Holding students accountable for behavior that deviates from accepted standards.
- Addressing students’ behavior and ensuring adherence to established standards.
- Cultivating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all members of the community.
- Enforcing university policies and procedures consistently and fairly.
- Handling student-related issues, such as conflicts between students and faculty or among students.
- Addressing any behavior that is deemed abusive, disruptive, threatening, or discriminatory.
- Guaranteeing due process through the prompt and constructive resolution of cases and disputes.
The process aims to address unacceptable conduct in a manner that educates and guides students toward a heightened sense of personal responsibility and fosters the development of mature and ethical behavior.
Disciplinary proceedings at UMES are distinct from criminal proceedings. Therefore, the primary focus of inquiry in disciplinary proceedings is to ascertain whether a student(s) has breached the UMES Student Code of Conduct.
