Title IX law is in constant flux, with new rules and legal challenges continuing to shape how schools, colleges, and other institutions handle sex-based misconduct and discrimination.  Our firm closely monitors these developments and is committed to providing the most current information available. Click here to learn about the current state of Title IX and how we can help if you are facing accusations or other Title IX issues. 

The University of Maryland (UMD) is one of the best public institutions in the country, and you worked hard to get there. But now, you are being accused of misconduct, and your future could be on the line. Being accused of misconduct can be stressful and upsetting, regardless of whether the accusations are the result of a mistake, miscommunication, or just ill-will. Our Student Defense Team is here to help at the LLF National Law Firm. We work to protect your rights during the disciplinary process and fight to reduce or potentially eliminate any sanctions against you. Let us help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

Misconduct Allegations at UMD

Committing misconduct at UMD generally means you are in violation of either UMD’s Code of Academic Integrity, Code of Student Conduct, or Policies and Procedures on Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct. The Code of Academic Integrityoutlines the academic expectations, violations, and potential sanctions. Prohibited behaviors for UMD students under this policy include:

  • Cheating
  • Fabrication
  • Facilitation
  • Plagiarism
  • Self-plagiarism

UMD’s Code of Student Conductalso provides guidance on prohibited behaviors at the university. The behaviors outlined in the Code of Student Conduct pertain to non-academic misconduct. Prohibited behavior detailed in the document ranges from parking violations to convictions for breaking state and federal laws. While there is no shortage of misconduct violations, the most common ones we see UMD students facing serious disciplinary action for include:

  • Underage drinking
  • Use or possession of illegal drugs
  • Theft
  • Property damage
  • Trespassing
  • Possession of a weapon
  • Hazing
  • Disrupting university activity
  • Endangering the health or safety of others

The last of the three types of misconduct UMD recognizes is sexual misconduct, also known as Title IX violations. UMD’s policies specifically prohibit the following:

  • Quid pro quo sexual harassment
  • Hostile environment sexual harassment
  • Any other form of sexual harassment
  • Sexual assault
  • Dating violence
  • Domestic violence
  • Stalking
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Sexual intimidation
  • Attempted sexual assault
  • Retaliation
  • Other sex-based offenses

UMD Disciplinary Action Process

When a complaint has been filed against you, the Office of Student Conduct or the Office of Rights and Responsibilities will contact you to schedule a preliminary interview. It may take immediate temporary action depending on the nature of the case, such as an interim suspension or no contact order. At the preliminary interview, an Office of Student Conduct official will discuss your case with you and give you details on the disciplinary action process. After the interview, you will receive a notice of resolution procedures – this is essentially a document explaining the next steps and potential sanctions.

If you face suspension or dismissal from UMD, you have the right to a hearing before the Student Conduct Board. If you face lesser sanctions, your case will be handled through a disciplinary conference or an alternative resolution method (for example, restorative justice practices, mediation, or an informal resolution agreement).

When you are assigned a disciplinary conference, you can expect a meeting with the Director of Student Conduct. At the meeting, you will be able to argue your case and present any documentation, witnesses, and evidence. Afterward, the Director of Student Conduct will decide your case. It’s important to know that you cannot appeal this decision, so it’s important you have the LLF National Law Firm guiding you throughout the process the first time.

If you have been assigned a Student Conduct Board hearing, it will be held before either the Resident Board, Central Board, or Ad-Hoc Board (all made up of students with a university staff advisor). Your hearing will work a bit like a trial, where you make your argument, call witnesses, and present evidence before the Board. After the hearing, the Board will vote for a finding of “responsible” or “not responsible” and make a sanctions recommendation. Their finding, recommendation, and justification for the sanctions will be in a written report sent to the Office of Student Conduct. The Director of Student Conduct will review the report and then decide on appropriate sanctions, if any.

UMD Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Disciplinary Action Process

All colleges and universities must handle sexual misconduct cases in accordance with federal law, so the procedures differ a little. What makes sexual misconduct cases even more confusing for both students and university staff is that there are frequent changes to Title IX depending, unfortunately, on politics. The LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team is highly experienced in Title IX cases and is familiar with the changes. Confusion about Title IX can result in students’ rights being violated, and when you’re accused of sexual misconduct, it’s possible UMD officials aren’t on your side to begin with. At the LLF National Law Firm, we are always in your corner and here to preserve and defend your rights. We will walk you through the process of working with your assigned UMD Title IX Coordinator and the full Title IX investigation process.

Sanctions and Consequences of Misconduct at UMD

Each UMD policy prescribes different sanctions based on the type of violation. There is some overlap in the sanctions that can be issued for academic, non-academic, and sexual misconduct cases. If you have been accused and are found guilty of academic misconduct, you could be facing the following sanctions:

  • Educational assignments
  • Community services
  • Alcohol or drug education
  • Temporary or permanent loss of housing privileges
  • Fines
  • Disciplinary warning
  • Disciplinary probation
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion

UMD issues additional sanctions for academic misconduct violations. Sanctions related to academic misconduct at UMD include:

  • Reflective or educational experiences/assignments
  • Grade adjustments
  • Degree revocation
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion

UMD students who are found guilty of sexual misconduct can face any of the abovementioned sanctions. Any sanctions are a threat to your reputation, academic, and future professional career. Even if you are permitted to stay at UMD, sanctions on your record can impact your ability to apply for graduate programs and lead to discrimination against you in the hiring process. Even if you’ve been accused of what seems to be minor misconduct, you need to take your case seriously and reach out to the LLF National Law Firm for assistance immediately.

UMD Disciplinary Appeals

You may be entitled to appeal if you had a Student Conduct Board Hearing or went through the Title IX disciplinary action process and feel UMD got it wrong. Disciplinary appeals at UMD can be complex. Schools rarely encourage students to appeal, so the process is often time-sensitive, and the eligibility requirements are strict and confusing. At the LLF National Law Firm, we frequently get involved with student misconduct cases at the appeals stage. Our Student Defense Team will review your case and advise you on an appeal.

Protect Your Future – Retain the LLF National Law Firm Today

Don’t gamble on your academic career and future; get the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team on your side. Contact us online or call 888-535-3686 to get started today.

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