For You

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 Misconduct cases include:

1. Requesting for an Honor Review to determine sanctions;
2. Acknowledging responsibility for committing a violation of the Code, and accepting the standard "XF" sanction;
3. Acknowledging responsibilities for committing a violation of the Code, but requesting an Honor Review for sanctioning purposes only.

Not attending 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 an Honor Review 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.

Withdrawing from a course after a case has been referred to OSC, but before it is resolved, is discouraged. Withdrawing from the class does not make your case go away. 

By withdrawing from the course, you limit the number of options that are used as a sanction. Grade penalties for academic misconduct range from a zero on the assignment to an XF in the course for most cases. Withdrawing from the course leaves only the harsher sanctions of an "F" or an "XF" for consideration, and those would be placed on your transcript in place of the "W". It is best to speak with your academic advisor before withdrawing from a course to ensure you make the most informed decision, as withdrawing from the course could have other implications for your advancement in your program. 

You may have an advisor present, however, an attorney is not required.

In all cases, attorneys may only serve in an advisory role and may not address the board.

Legal Aid is available to both undergraduate and graduate students for free. A Student Conduct staff member will also be happy to provide you with their contact information during the preliminary interview.

Academic Misconduct cases

If a case is not resolved through an informal resolution agreement, the case will be resolved either by a Disciplinary Conference, Disciplinary Conference Board, or an Honor Review (Hearing).

A Disciplinary Conference is a meeting with one staff member from the Office of Student Conduct. The student (respondent) and the instructor (complainant)  generally present their case to the staff member, who later renders a decision. If a student is found "responsible" for the alleged violation, the staff member will impose appropriate sanctions.

A Disciplinary Conference Board follows the same process as a Disciplinary Conference, but two University Student Judiciary members assist the staff member in making a decision on responsibility and, sanctioning (if necessary). The results of a Disciplinary Conference Board are final and not subject to appeal.

A Honor Review (Hearing) is before a panel normally consisting of two or three University Student Judiciary members and one or two faculty or staff members. Commonly, the student (respondent) and the instructor (complainant) generally present their case before the panel who renders a decision. If a student is found "responsible" for the alleged violation(s), the Board will recommend appropriate sanctions.

Non-Academic Misconduct Cases

If a student is not facing dismissal from the University or housing, a staff member can resolve a case through an administrative meeting called a "disciplinary conference." This will usually occur immediately after the preliminary interview or during a separate scheduled meeting. However, students who are facing dismissal from the University will be able to choose between a Disciplinary Conference or a Hearing. 

A Hearing before the Central Board or Resident Board is a more formal process for resolving a complaint. The student and the complainant party generally present their cases before a panel of University Student Judiciary members who renders a decision. If a student is found "responsible" for the alleged violation(s), the Board will recommend appropriate sanctions, which may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

For a more in depth description of these processes, please see the Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Conduct.

Not necessarily. Disciplinary proceedings conducted by the University are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Generally, under FERPA, disciplinary records may not be released or disclosed without the expressed written permission of the student, whose disciplinary record is being sought, unless provided by law.

In the face of student dismissal from the University, it is our office's practice to have a parent or guardian contact the Office of Student Conduct.

The University disciplinary system is administered by the Office of Student Conduct. Staff members routinely urge students to inform their parents if they are accused of any disciplinary offense. Students can also authorize release of all the information in their disciplinary files. A copy of the file can then be sent to a parent or legal guardian, upon request.

Dependent students facing disciplinary charges that could result in suspension or expulsion from the University will be asked to provide the Office of Student Conduct written confirmation that they have notified one of their parents.

Unless personally identifiable information from a student's education record falls under a specified exception, the information cannot be released to third parties (including parents) without signed and dated written consent from the student.

FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

You may visit the University's Office of the Register Student Privacy (FERPA Explained) webpage.

Additionally, here is the U.S. Department of Education webpage on Protecting Student Privacy, which holds information about FERPA. 

The new State law regarding Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization takes effect on July 1, 2023.  

The federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act requires the University of Maryland to establish and maintain policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, illicit drugs and controlled substances. Under federal law, cannabis is considered a controlled substance; therefore, cannabis is not permitted on campus or at University-sponsored activities under any circumstances.

The University receives federal funding to support a wide range of programs including federal work-study and student financial aid. Failure to abide by federal law and regulations would jeopardize these federally-funded programs.  

A medical recommendation for medical cannabis does not exempt you from University policy or the Residence Hall Rules (if you live on campus).  All forms of cannabis use and possession are prohibited on campus or at University-sponsored activities. You should consult with your personal health care provider regarding alternatives and other considerations for when you’re on campus.

In general, reports of suspected possession or use of cannabis on campus or at University-sponsored activities by students are reported to University Police and will be documented and referred to the Office of Student Conduct (or the Resident Life Rights & Responsibilities Office for students who live on campus when reports relate to suspected use in the residence halls) for conduct follow up per the Code of Student Conduct and/or Residence Hall Rules. 

The health and safety of University students is of paramount concern. If an individual needs medical assistance, appropriate responses include:

• Dialing 911
• Calling UMPD at 301.405.3333
• Seeking help from a University or Department of Resident Life official (e.g. Resident Assistant, Resident Director, etc.) 

Our campus has resources to support you if you have concerns about substance use.

• The University Health Center offers educational and support resources related to cannabis, alcohol and other drugs.
• The Health Center also offers a range of recovery services and resources.
• The Counseling Center has resources related to alcohol, cannabis and other drugs.

The UMD Policy on Promoting Responsible Action in Medical Emergencies reduces barriers to seeking help in cases of alcohol- and/or drug-related emergencies. It provides relief from University administrative or disciplinary action if either a University official or other authority is contacted in a timely fashion.

Additional information is available through the State’s Maryland Cannabis Administration.