Parent’s Guide to Student Conduct and Community Standards
At the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), we believe that student learning extends beyond the classroom. Our campus community thrives on core values, academic excellence, and high standards of behavior. The Student Handbook and Code of Student (the “Code”) outline these expectations and provide a framework for maintaining a safe, respectful, and growth-oriented environment. This guide is designed to help parents and families understand the conduct process, what to expect if their student becomes involved, and how to offer support while encouraging personal responsibility. While the Code is separate from criminal or civil legal proceedings, UMES will engage appropriate legal authorities if necessary. Through this partnership, we aim to foster student accountability, development and long-term success.
Understanding the Code of Student Conduct
- The Code provides a broad outline of unacceptable behaviors but is not exhaustive.
- All students are expected to know and comply with the Code; ignorance of the rules is not an acceptable defense.
- Issues related to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and gender-based discrimination are addressed separately under UMES’s Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, and Gender-based Discrimination. These matters are handled by the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.
Conduct Philosophy
UMES adheres to a conduct philosophy based on the Preponderance of Evidence standard. This means that a decision of responsibility is made by determining whether it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred, based on the information available at the time of the decision. For more information, please see our Conduct Philosophy webpage.
How Parents Can Support Their Student
- Allow your student to take the lead in addressing conduct issues to build their independence.
- Encourage honest reflection and personal responsibility for their actions.
- Listen with empathy and without judgment.
- Check in regularly about academics, social life, and overall wellbeing.
- Have open conversations about values, decision-making, and the consequences of choices.
- Understand that students involved in conduct cases are encouraged—but not required—to speak with their parents and/or guardians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helping Your Student
How can I help my student avoid conduct issues?
Talk openly about values, choices, and long-term consequences. Encourage balance—academics, social involvement, and extracurricular activities. Students engaged in campus life tend to avoid student conduct-related issues. Avoid stepping in to “fix” problems. Instead, offer guidance and help them build problem-solving skills.
Notification and Communication
Will I be notified if my student is involved in a conduct case?
Typically, no. Parents and guardians are only notified in serious cases. We encourage you to maintain open communication with your student regarding any incidents or hearings.
Please note: Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we are only permitted to share general information about the conduct process—not details specific to a student’s case.
Understanding the Conduct Process
What is a Conduct Hearing?
A Conduct Hearing is a formal procedure to evaluate if a student violated the Code of Student Conduct when the possible sanction could result in Suspension, Expulsion, or removal from on-campus housing. For more details, see the Code of Student Conduct, Process.
What should I do if my student has a Conduct Hearing?
Support your student by helping them understand the process which is outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Students are expected to take responsibility and represent themselves. This is part of their personal development.
Can I attend the Conduct Hearing?
No. Hearings are closed. However, students may bring an advisor who is a UMES student, faculty, or staff member.
Does my student need a lawyer?
Lawyers are generally not permitted in the conduct process, which is educational—not legal—in nature. If your student faces criminal charges, they may consult an attorney for those, but legal counsel does not participate in the Hearing.
What if there’s also a court case?
UMES has its own student conduct process, which operates separately from the legal system. This is not considered double jeopardy because university conduct cases are administrative, not criminal proceedings.
Sanctions and Appeals
What are Educational Sanctions?
Educational sanctions are the consequences applied in conduct cases. When a student accepts responsibility or is found responsible for a violation, they will receive educational sanctions. For more details, see the Code of Student Conduct, Educational Sanctions.
Can my student appeal the Conduct Hearing decision?
It depends. If your student accepts responsibility, the case is closed and cannot be appealed. However, if your student is found responsible after a Conduct Hearing, they may request an appeal within three (3) business days of receiving the outcome. More information can be found in the Appeals section in the Code of Student Conduct.
Suspension and Interim Suspension
What should I do if my student receives an Interim Suspension?
You should make arrangements to pick up your student from campus immediately. Students must leave campus promptly once notified of an Interim Suspension. Remaining on campus after notice is considered trespassing and may lead to additional disciplinary action or arrest.
What options are available to my student during a period of Suspension?
During Suspension, your student may continue their education at another college or university outside of the University System of Maryland. Because UMES is part of the University System of Maryland, suspended students cannot attend other system schools until all educational sanctions are completed. Your student can contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards to request a transcript release during suspension.
Records and Transcripts
What is in a disciplinary file, and how long are student disciplinary records kept?
A disciplinary file contains all information related to a student’s conduct case. If a student is found responsible, their record is kept for seven (7) years from the incident date. Records are kept indefinitely if the student is Suspended, Expelled, or removed from on-campus housing.
Are conduct records included on my student’s transcript?
In most cases, no. Conduct records are not included on transcripts, except for Expulsion, which is permanently recorded.
Additional Policies
Are refunds available if my student is Suspended or Expelled?
No. Students who are Suspended or Expelled are not eligible for refunds and remain responsible for any outstanding charges.
Can professors remove disruptive students from the classroom?
Yes. Professors can remove students whose behavior disrupts the learning environment. The incident may be reported for conduct review. If upheld after a Conduct Hearing, the student may be removed from the course. The student has the right to appeal.
Have more questions? Please contact our office for assistance:
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
studentconduct@umes.edu
Please note: Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we are only permitted to share general information about the conduct process—not details specific to a student’s case.
