College Park University Conduct Meetings
When students at the University of Maryland College Park are referred to the Office of Student Conduct due to a suspected violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the Office may issue a letter requesting a preliminary interview. This interview, also referred to as a meeting, may resolve the outstanding issue or result in a referral for further action.
Although College Park University conduct meetings are not operated like a trial or hearing, the rights of the student are at stake, so care should be taken in preparation for the meeting and conduct during the meeting. Students often find it helpful to consult an experienced attorney for advice before a conduct meeting.
The Preliminary Interview is Not Required
Although the process of addressing an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code begins with a preliminary interview or conduct meeting, the student is not required to attend. However, the process will continue in the student’s absence, so declining to attend the interview will not delay resolution of the matter or imposition of any consequences.
When students fail to attend College Park University conduct meetings, their cases are often referred to the hearing board or a staff member so that the case can be concluded. During this time, the student’s account may be “blocked” which prevents the student from taking actions such as registering for classes or acquiring a transcript. A block from the office of Student Conduct may remain on a student’s account until any after completion of any ordered sanctions.
The Purpose of a Preliminary Conduct Meeting
The preliminary interview in a case involving an alleged violation of the Code of Student Conduct is considered an informational meeting. Although a matter may be resolved during College Park University Conduct meetings, the staff conducting the meeting are under no obligation to resolve the issue.
During the meeting, staff from the Office of Student Conduct will review allegations with the student and explain the process the University uses to resolve student conduct issues. A conduct meeting usually results in one of three outcomes. The case may be referred to a hearing board for resolution, the case may be resolved through a disciplinary conference, or the charges against the student may be dismissed.
After the Preliminary Interview
Following a College Park University conduct meeting, the matter could move to a disciplinary conference for resolution. This is common in situations where a Code of Conduct violation would not result in dismissal from the University or University housing. A disciplinary conference may be held directly after the preliminary interview or scheduled for a later date.
Students facing dismissal have the option to seek resolution through a disciplinary conference or a more formal hearing before either the Central Board or Resident Board, depending on the allegations and consequences. During a hearing, the parties argue their cases in front of a University Student Judiciary panel who decides whether an accused student should be held “responsible” for the violation alleged.
Students found responsible for violations will face sanctions. These sanctions may include expulsion or suspension from the University.
Assistance with College Park University Conduct Meetings
The consequences of a Code of Conduct Violation proceeding can have long term impact on a student’s career. For that reason, many students choose to work with a knowledgeable attorney during the process.
Although a lawyer may not directly speak to a staff member or tribunal on behalf of the student, a legal advocate may advise students on actions to take and statement to make during disciplinary proceedings. College Park University conduct meetings lay the groundwork for the case to follow and may provide the means of resolving a case, so these meetings should be given serious consideration.