{"id":1439,"date":"2025-08-07T11:42:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T15:42:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/?page_id=1439"},"modified":"2025-08-07T13:14:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T17:14:36","slug":"parent-guide-to-conduct","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/parent-guide-to-conduct\/","title":{"rendered":"Parent Guide to Conduct"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parent\u2019s Guide to Student Conduct and Community Standards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/\">University of Maryland Eastern Shore<\/a> (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 <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/student\/\">Student Handbook<\/a> and Code of Student (the \u201cCode\u201d) 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.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the Code of Student Conduct<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Code provides a broad outline of unacceptable behaviors but is not exhaustive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All students are expected to know and comply with the Code; ignorance of the rules is not an acceptable defense.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issues related to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and gender-based discrimination are addressed separately under UMES\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/oie\/policies-and-procedures\/\">Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, and Gender-based Discrimination<\/a>. These matters are handled by the <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/oie\/\">Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conduct Philosophy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/conduct-philosophy\/\">Conduct Philosophy<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Parents Can Support Their Student<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allow your student to take the lead in addressing conduct issues to build their independence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage honest reflection and personal responsibility for their actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Listen with empathy and without judgment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check in regularly about academics, social life, and overall wellbeing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have open conversations about values, decision-making, and the consequences of choices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand that students involved in conduct cases are encouraged\u2014but not required\u2014to speak with their parents and\/or guardians.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helping Your Student<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">How can I help my student avoid conduct issues?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk openly about values, choices, and long-term consequences. Encourage balance\u2014academics, social involvement, and extracurricular activities. Students engaged in campus life tend to avoid student conduct-related issues. Avoid stepping in to \u201cfix\u201d problems. Instead, offer guidance and help them build problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notification and Communication<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Will I be notified if my student is involved in a conduct case?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Please note:<\/em><\/strong><strong> <\/strong>Due to the <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/registrar\/confidentiality-of-records\/\">Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act<\/a> (FERPA), we are only permitted to share general information about the conduct process\u2014not details specific to a student\u2019s case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the Conduct Process<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">What is a Conduct Hearing?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <strong>Code of Student Conduct, Process.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">What should I do if my student has a Conduct Hearing?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support your student by helping them understand the process which is outlined in the <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/code-of-student-values\/\">Code of Student Conduct<\/a>. Students are expected to take responsibility and represent themselves. This is part of their personal development.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Can I attend the Conduct Hearing?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Hearings are closed. However, students may bring an advisor who is a UMES student, faculty, or staff member.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Does my student need a lawyer?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawyers are generally not permitted in the conduct process, which is educational\u2014not legal\u2014in nature. If your student faces criminal charges, they may consult an attorney for those, but legal counsel does not participate in the Hearing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">What if there\u2019s also a court case?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sanctions and Appeals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">What are Educational Sanctions?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Educational sanctions are the consequences applied in conduct cases. When a student accepts <em>responsibility<\/em> or is found <em>responsible<\/em> for a violation, they will receive educational sanctions. For more details, see the Code of Student Conduct, Educational Sanctions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Can my student appeal the Conduct Hearing decision?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suspension and Interim Suspension<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">What should I do if my student receives an Interim Suspension?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">What options are available to my student during a period of Suspension?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During Suspension, your student may continue their education at another college or university outside of the University System of Maryland.&nbsp; 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Records and Transcripts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">What is in a disciplinary file, and how long are student disciplinary records kept?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A disciplinary file contains all information related to a student\u2019s conduct case. If a student is found <em>responsible<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Are conduct records included on my student\u2019s transcript?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, no. Conduct records are not included on transcripts, except for Expulsion, which is permanently recorded.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Policies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Are refunds available if my student is Suspended or Expelled?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Students who are Suspended or Expelled are not eligible for refunds and remain responsible for any outstanding charges.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Can professors remove disruptive students from the classroom?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Have more questions? Please contact our office for assistance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards<br><a href=\"mailto:studentconduct@umes.edu\">studentconduct@umes.edu<\/a><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Please note:<\/em> Due to the <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/registrar\/confidentiality-of-records\/\">Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act<\/a> (FERPA), we are only permitted to share general information about the conduct process\u2014not details specific to a student\u2019s case.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Parent\u2019s 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 \u201cCode\u201d) outline these expectations and provide a framework&#8230;<span class=\"cpschool-read-more-link-holder\"><a class=\"btn btn-basic cpschool-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/parent-guide-to-conduct\/\">Read more <span class=\"sr-only\">Parent Guide to Conduct<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2163,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"folder":[],"class_list":["post-1439","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2163"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1439"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1439\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/conductaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=1439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}