FAQs About the Conduct System
What does the Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility do?
The Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility supports the Division of Student Affairs’ mission to promote student success, learning, and wellness as well as the University’s mission to provide students with a superior education that inspires and enables them to make positive changes in the world. This is done by promoting UMW’s Community Values and by upholding UMW’s Code of Conduct.
UMW’s Code of Conduct sets expectations intended to facilitate all students’ learning and personal growth within the University and beyond while creating a community of integrity. Students whose actions are found to have been inconsistent with the Code of Conduct are held accountable through a fair and compassionate process in which education, not punishment, is a primary value. Student Conduct and Responsibility promotes an environment in which personal growth and community is the goal. Student who go through the conduct process for alleged violations of the Code of Conduct have rights and responsibilities and we endeavor to help each student understand the process, their rights, and to be available to answer any questions about either.
What is the Code of Conduct?
The Code of Conduct is the set of conduct expectations that we have of all UMW students and student organizations. These include expectations related to alcohol, drugs, hazing, physical violence, disruptive behavior, and property damage to name a few. Violations of these standards are addressed through UMW’s conduct process. You can read the full Code of Conduct here. Although parts of the Code of Conduct are based on federal or state laws, many parts of the Code of Conduct are based on our experiences about what facilitates student success in the UMW community.
How does the office of Student Conduct and Responsibility determine if there is a Code of Conduct violation?
Primarily this is done through a student conduct hearing. The office of Student Conduct and Responsibility reviews incident reports, police reports, and other documents as they are submitted. If it appears there may have been an alleged Code of Conduct Violation the office will initiate the conduct process. This is typically done through information gathering, a pre-hearing conference, and finally a hearing.
What is a pre-hearing conference?
A pre-hearing conference is an opportunity for students who have been charged with violating the Code of Conduct to learn about the hearing process and their role in it. Students review their rights and responsibilities when going through the process with an administrator. Students will also review any relevant documentation that will be used in the process (like an incident report or police report). The administrator will talk with the student about how the hearing works and what it will look like when it happens. The goal is to have the student get clarification on any questions they may have to get them to a place where they fully aware of how the process works. All pre-hearing conferences are done by either the Director of Student Conduct and Responsibility or a designee.
What is a hearing?
A hearing is simply an opportunity for students charged with violating the Code of Conduct to share their side of the events that gave rise to the alleged violation. Hearings maybe heard by the Director of Student Conduct and Responsibility, or designee, or by the Student Conduct Review Board (SCRB). The student who has been charged with an alleged conduct violation will typically have the ability to chose which hearing body they would like to have hear their case. In cases that involve violence, hazing, or suspension or expulsion, the student will have their case heard by a University Hearing Board. During the hearing the hearing officer or panel may ask questions, the students can speak, and witnesses may be called. Once the hearing is concluded the hearing office or panel will enter into deliberations. The student will receive the decision of “responsible” or “not responsible” in writing within a few days of the hearing. If the student is found responsible they will be given a sanction appropriate to the violation they were found responsible for.
What standard of evidence is used during hearings?
The standard of evidence used is “preponderance of evidence.” This means that if the evidence indicates it is more likely than not that a violation occurred, then the accused student can be found in violation and receive a sanction.
What is a sanction?
Violations of UMW’s Code of Conduct result in consequences appropriate to the violation. The emphasis is on support and education, not on punishment, although more serious violations could result in more serious sanctions. Sanctions can range from a verbal warning to expulsion from UMW, depending on the violation. Common sanctions can include online alcohol education, online cannabis education, research papers, reflection papers, and community or financial restitution.
Can I appeal a conduct decision?
You can, if you think that there was an error in the conduct procedure, if there’s new evidence that had not been available at the time of the hearing, if you think there has been bias in your hearing, or if you think your sanction is too severe, given the incident. Appeals need to occur within five working days of the hearing. Information about submitting an appeal is included in every outcome letter received by a student following their hearing. Appeals are heard by an appellate board comprised of students, staff, and faculty.
What is a Conduct Hold and why might I see one on my account?
A Conduct Hold is a hold placed on your account that will prevent you from registering for classes, submitting transcripts to jobs or other school, or both. Holds may be placed on your account if you have an incomplete sanction, missed a sanction deadline, or have missed a requested meeting or not responded to requests for communication. You can contact the office of Student Conduct and Responsibility for information on why you may have a hold and what you would need to do to have it removed.
Will this go on my permanent record?
If you are found in violation of UMW’s Code of Conduct, this information will be part of your educational record – not necessarily your transcript – until three years after you leave UMW. (In the case of suspensions or expulsions from the University, this information may be retained for longer.) In general, conduct information is not shared with other individuals (such as parents or potential employers) without your permission. However, there are some exceptions to this: other University officials can receive this information on a need-to-know basis. Also, the law permits colleges and universities to inform parents about violations of the drug and alcohol policy. Some violations of UMW’s Alcohol Policy and Drug Policy will result in parental notification, as long as the student is under the age of 21.
What if I am a student athlete?
If you have been charged with a violation of the Drug Policy or Alcohol Policy you may need to report this to your coach, whether you believe you were in violation or not. Ask your coach for more information.
Is this everything I need to know?
No. This FAQ page is meant only to answer common questions about UMW’s conduct system. Please review the rest of this site for more information.
We are committed to making the conduct system work for everyone, and we are happy to answer questions and take your suggestions. We want the University of Mary Washington to be a place where you can learn, grow, and have fun at the same time. The policies and procedures are not arbitrary, but reflect both the standards and the needs of the entire UMW community.