The University of Massachusetts (UMass) at Boston provides students with a worthwhile education to begin a successful career. While students juggle a heavy courseload, extracurricular activities, and social connections, they must also understand the school's conduct code. Student obligations at UMass Boston are wide-ranging, from residence hall rules and appropriate computer network use to respectful group conduct and upholding academic integrity.
Even a minor mishap or a first-time violation can land students in serious trouble. Despite procedures used to adjudicate allegations, those accused don't always get the impartiality they deserve. 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 is ready to begin your defense against misconduct allegations. Our team has the resources you need 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.
How Does UMass Boston Define Misconduct?
UMass Boston has disciplinary provisions that restrict and sanction different forms of misconduct. For instance, academic, behavioral, sexual, and harassment-based misconduct.
The university dedicates a large portion of its conduct code to listing prohibited behaviors that constitute violations. Although the list is extensive, it's not exhaustive or inclusive of all behaviors that will garner discipline. Nevertheless, the following are subject to the UMass Boston grievance process:
- Acts of dishonesty, such as forgery, misrepresentation, and document alterations
- Disruptive behavior that obstructs university activities
- Threats or actual physical assault, abuse, harassment, or other harmful behaviors
- Creating an intimidating, offensive, or hostile academic or working environment
- Failure to abide by the university's alcohol policy or its drug-free policy
- Possessing, storing, carrying, or using of any weapon, ammunition, or explosive
- False reporting of fire, bombs, or other emergency situations (sometimes known as "swatting")
- Lewd or indecent conduct, such as public urination, public defecation, streaking, stripping, or solicitation
- Theft or unauthorized use or possession of property, resources, or services
- Failure to maintain a hygienic living and learning environment
- Attempted or actual use of electronic devices to invade a person's privacy
Anyone may file a misconduct report—students, teachers, administrators, and community members. The Office of the Dean of Students will determine if the complaint alleges a potential conduct code violation and will notify the accused (respondent) within five business days.
UMass Boston Misconduct Grievance Process
If the Office of the Dean of Students substantiates a potential violation, it assigns a Conduct Officer to the case. Both the officer and the respondent will meet in an Administrative Conference. This conference is an informal resolution to the disciplinary process. Those who admit responsibility to the allegations and forego formal measures waive the right to appeal.
If students wish to defend against the allegations in a formal hearing, UMass Boston proceeds with a full investigation through an Administrative Review. During formal proceedings, respondents, alleged victims, and accusers (complainants) each have the right to submit a written account or present testimony regarding the incident. Moreover, they may retain an advisor to assist them in any conduct meetings.
During the course of their investigation, Conduct Officers may seek the following information about respondents:
- Communications related to the incident (emails, phone calls, text messages)
- Information stored on personal electronics (photos, videos, network activity)
- Testimony from campus community members
- Previous disciplinary records
After the investigation, the Conduct Officer will meet with the respondent to review the findings. They will present findings based on a preponderance of evidence, a determination of responsibility, and additional pertinent notes. If the Conduct Officer levies responsibility, they will review the recommended sanctions.
Students have five business days to respond to the findings. They may also submit a "community impact statement" in support of their claims. Within ten business days, the Administrative Review Committee (ARC) evaluates the report and the parties' responses to its findings and issues a determination of responsibility.
In cases where sanctions may include suspension or expulsion, ARC holds an in-person hearing. During proceedings, ARC poses questions to the respondent, complainant, and any witnesses involved. Additionally, the complainant and respondent may submit questions to ARC for it to ask of the other party. ARC then adjourns to deliberate on a determination.
Misconduct Sanctions and Appeals Process
Respondents are notified of the findings and discipline, if any, in an emailed letter three days after deliberation. Students found responsible are assigned sanctions based on a myriad of factors, including their academic transcript, disciplinary history, community impact statements, and the Conduct Officer's recommended sanctions.
While ARC levies discipline on a case-by-case basis, UMass Boston asserts the following are used to address first-time violations of misconduct:
- Underage possession or consumption of alcohol: written warning and parental notification for students under 21
- Failure to comply with university officials: written warning, educational programs, and 16-week disciplinary probation
- Property destruction: financial restitution and 32-week disciplinary probation
- Hazing: suspension and 32-week disciplinary probation or expulsion
Students may file an appeal of ARC's decision within five business days. Requests are limited to a review of the investigation report and review findings. Only new evidence and significant procedural errors are grounds for appeal review.
If the UMass Boston appellate body upholds the appeal, the matter is referred back to ARC for reconsideration. It may also modify the sanctions imposed. Afterward, the matter is considered final and binding.
UMass Boston Students Need the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Students may believe that they can manage misconduct allegations on their own. However, even a single mistake during the grievance process can leave them vulnerable to harsh discipline. Fortunately, they have an opportunity to gain the professional assistance they need to remain aligned with their academic and professional goals.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team stands prepared to begin your defense against UMass Boston misconduct allegations. We will serve as your trusted advisor throughout the student conduct process, ensuring you exhaust all avenues of redress against charges. We coach students on how to respond to ARC's procedures and are dedicated to the most beneficial 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.
