When students attend the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), they have access to a top-tier four-year educational program to prepare them for a career in a myriad of lucrative sectors. While the UMBC courseload is enough for any student to handle, they must also become familiar with the school's Code of Student Conduct. From official visiting hours and appropriate computer network use to upholding honest academics and university financial obligations, UMBC's rules and regulations are wide-ranging.
Although students may be used to forgiving officials in secondary school, colleges and universities are far stricter in their application of corrective action. When misconduct allegations arise, those accused are subject to intrusive investigations and can become inundated with emergency disciplinary measures. Students may think mounting a defense is a daunting prospect, but they have the opportunity to gain the counsel and guidance they need to protect their graduation goals.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team stands prepared to enforce your right to a fair and impartial hearing while pursuing every remedy to protect your academic and professional future. Call us at 888-535-3686 now or visit our confidential consultation form, and we will reach out to you.
What is Misconduct at UMBC?
UMBC protects its mission to the development of students and the promotion of self-responsibility through its rules and regulations listed in the Code of Student Conduct. Critically, the school's jurisdiction does not end at the edge of campus, and any form of misconduct that takes place off UMBC property deemed detrimental to the interests of the university is subject to discipline.
Although it's not an exhaustive list, UMBC lists the following as prohibited conduct:
- Failure to comply with fire and safety regulations
- Unauthorized possession, storage, or use of weapons or firearms
- Consumption, possession, or distribution of controlled substances or alcohol to those underage
- Intentional or negligent acts or attempted acts resulting in theft or property damage
- Improper or unauthorized entry into any university building, facility, or campus residence
- Altering, falsifying, or forging information, academic or otherwise
- Failure to pay delinquent university accounts, including tuition and parking fees
- Committing or attempting acts inhibiting, interfering with, or obstructing academic programs
- On-campus gambling, including raffles, except when appropriate permits are filed and obtained
- Using a skateboard, rollerblades, bicycles, or other wheeled devices in a dangerous manner that may cause damage to university property
- Violations of university sexual misconduct regulations
While students are subject to misconduct allegations if they attempt to or allegedly commit prohibited acts, they can also be disciplined for encouraging others to do so.
UMBC Investigations
UMBC's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS) can receive misconduct allegations from anyone, whether campus community members or not. Yet, those making reports may be expected to appear during Student Conduct Review proceedings as the official accuser—referred to as the Charging Party.
When SCCS receives a tip into alleged misconduct, a Conduct Officer will conduct a short investigation to determine whether the allegations have merit. Once a violation is substantiated, the accused—referred to as a Charged Student—receives a written notice, which includes a pre-arranged time to meet with the Conduct Officer.
In an informal pre-hearing conference, the student will enter a plea of "responsible" or "not responsible" for the charges or decide not to dispute them. Unless the Charged Student challenges the allegations, the Conduct Officer will move forward with levying sanctions. Even though accepting responsibility or failing to contest waives the right to a formal hearing, students may still appeal sanctions in some cases.
UMBC Formal Hearing
In matters that proceed to a formal hearing, the Charged Student and the Charging Party are provided the opportunity to present their sides of the case before the university Hearing Board. Each may submit relevant evidence and witnesses on their behalf, but the board will determine its relevancy and admissibility.
Hearings are conducted in a closed session, and only board members, the Charging Party, the Charged Student, the Victim (if applicable), and a single advisor for each are allowed to be present. During proceedings, parties have the chance to:
- Receive questions asked by the other party and their witnesses and ask their own
- Submit rebuttals to the other party's evidence and testimony
- Retain an advisor (who may be an attorney) for consultation and guidance
Following the hearing, the board's determination is based on whether it is more likely than not that the Charged Student committed the violations. After responsibility is determined by a majority vote, the board will deliberate on appropriate sanctions, which are then sent to the Charged Student in a written notice.
UMBC Sanctions and Appeals
The board will consider prior code of conduct violations and the student's character when determining sanctions. After a majority vote, the board can hand down the following punishment:
- Disciplinary Reprimand
- Disciplinary Probation
- Disciplinary Suspension
- Disciplinary Dismissal
In addition to the sanctions imposed, UMBC can also levy a host of conditions for conduct violations. The board may impose restitution for property damage, no-contact orders with campus community members, temporary housing reassignment, academic registration blocks, and counseling sessions, among others.
Students may submit an appeal to SCCS within two days of the board's decision. However, grounds for the appeal are limited to the following:
- Substantial departures from school conduct rules
- Discoveries of new evidence pertinent to the case
- Sanctions imposed are disproportionate to misconduct
The UMBC Appellate Board may reverse the Hearing Board's determination, but they can also remand the matter for further adjudication or alter the sanctions. All decisions from the Appellate Board are final and conclusive.
Accused Students Need the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Even the most minor misconduct allegations can expand into academic career-ending situations. While students may believe they can handle UMBC's grievance procedures themselves, they risk facing unforgiving disciplinary board officials and the potential for separation from the school. Despite the gravity of the allegations, students can retain the assistance of the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team.
Our team of experienced attorneys will ensure UMBC students have their rights protected and can exhaust all measures of hearing defense and sanction appeals. From launching our own investigations into allegations, strategizing a student's defense, and negotiating with UMBC's Office of General Counsel, we are dedicated to your best outcome. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or visit our confidential online consultation form, and we will contact you.
