Student FAQ

What is the Student Code of Conduct?

The University of Maine System Student Code of Conduct is a set of rules and regulations in place to support the University’s educational mission and to help ensure a safe living, learning, and working environment for our students.  The Code informs students of their rights within the conduct process as well as providing definitions for acceptable and unacceptable behavior. 

Who can file a complaint or report?

Any member of the University of Maine community (faculty, staff, students, or other administrators) or any individual who is unaffiliated with the University but may have knowledge of an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct may file a complaint or report.  

How can a complaint or report be filed?

A complaint or report may be filed by completing the University of Maine Incident Report Form. 

Who can I talk to with questions about the process?

You can speak with a staff member from the Office of Community Standards, Rights, and Responsibilities with questions about the student conduct process. 

What happens when I am called in to meet with a University Conduct Officer?

When meeting with a University Conduct Officer you will be given an explanation of the conduct process, information relating to the alleged violation of the code, and the opportunity to share your version of the incident in question. 

What are some of the ways in which students can be held accountable? 

If found responsible, students are given sanctions as a means to help them understand the behavior responsible for the violation of the code.  Some examples include probation (both from residential housing and the university), educational meetings with staff members, reflective activities (such as reflection papers or other assignments), or suspension and/or dismissal from UMaine. 

One or more sanctions may be applied as appropriate for each case, though the outcomes are determined on a case-by-case basis based on the students’ needs, conduct history, and the impact of the alleged behavior to the community.

What will happen if I don’t go to my conduct meeting or complete my sanction on time?

You will be given one opportunity to reschedule your meeting if you miss it.  If you do not attend your rescheduled meeting, or fail to reschedule the meeting, the hearing officer will make a determination based on all available information. 

If you do not complete any assigned sanctions by the listed deadline you could be charged with additional fees for failing to complete the sanctions. 

Will my parents be notified of a conduct issue?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that prohibits educational institutions from releasing information about a student’s educational record to third parties, including parents, without the consent of the student. Discipline records are classified as “education records.” Some exceptions in the law do exist. The law does permit educational institutions to notify parents of students under age 21 when a student has been found responsible for an alcohol and/or drug-related violation. Students are generally notified when parents will be contacted. If a student wants university officials to discuss their discipline records with a parent or guardian, the student can sign a Student Information Release form granting such permission.

Parents and/or guardians may also be notified if continued violations of the Student Conduct Code occur, though they could be notified sooner depending on the circumstances of the alleged violation.