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Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

Understanding the Conduct Process

We know that being involved in a conduct process can feel overwhelming — and we’re here to help.

This page is designed to walk you through what to expect, what your rights are, and how we support you every step of the way. Whether you’re here to learn more, prepare for a meeting, or support a friend, you’ll find clear information and helpful resources below.

Our goal is to create a fair, educational, and respectful process that supports your growth and wellbeing as a student and UM community member.

  • Infographic outlining the student conduct process at the 91次元, highlighting key steps such as reporting concerns, educational consultations, formal meetings, and helpful tips for students.

  • Infographic detailing student rights during conduct proceedings at the 91次元, including scheduling meetings and presenting evidence.

  • Sanctions are determined on a case-by-case basis with the goal of supporting your personal development and encouraging positive contributions to the 91次元 community. In addition to the outcomes listed below, educational sanctions may also be assigned to help foster reflection, learning, and connection to campus life.

    Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to:

    • Disciplinary Warning - A written notice indicating that your behavior violated the Student Code of Conduct. This is typically a one-time notification intended to promote awareness and prevent future issues.
    • Disciplinary Probation - A designated period during which you remain in good standing but are formally notified that further violations may result in more serious consequences. Probation does not limit your access to campus resources or activities.
    • Deferred Suspension - Suspension from the University was considered but not implemented. If additional violations occur during this period, suspension may be imposed.
    • Suspension - A temporary separation from the University for a specified period. You may return after the suspension ends, provided you meet any conditions for re-enrollment.
    • Expulsion - Permanent separation from the 91次元. This sanction is reserved for the most serious or repeated violations.
    • Housing Probation - A warning period specific to violations within UM Housing. Future incidents during this time may result in more severe housing-related sanctions.
    • Housing Relocation - Reassignment to a different housing unit within UM Housing.
    • Deferred Housing Termination - Termination of your housing contract was considered but not enacted. Further violations may result in removal from UM Housing.
    • Housing Termination - Termination of your housing contract. You will no longer be eligible to reside in UM Housing facilities, including apartments.

Frequently Used Terms and Phrases

A table describing commonly used terms and phrases in the student conduct process.
Term Definition 
Advisor A person chosen by a student to support them during the conduct process. Advisors can help prepare for meetings and may be present during proceedings, but they do not speak on the student’s behalf.
Appeal A formal request to review and potentially change a conduct decision or sanction. Appeals must be based on specific grounds, such as new evidence or a procedural error.
Charge A formal allegation that a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct. Charges are reviewed through the conduct process to determine responsibility.
Complainant  A student who brings a complaint against another student under the Student Code of Conduct.
Conduct Record A confidential record maintained by the Office of Community Standards that documents a student’s involvement in the conduct process, including outcomes and sanctions.
Conduct Officer A university staff member who manages conduct cases. They meet with students, review evidence, and determine outcomes or refer cases to the University Conduct Board.
Findings Meeting A meeting where the Conduct Officer gathers the student's perspective on the alleged incident. 
Interim Action Temporary measures the university may take before a conduct case is resolved, such as a no-contact order or temporary removal from campus housing, to ensure safety. 
Preliminary Meeting An initial meeting between the student and a Conduct Officer to review the report, explain the process, and discuss the student’s rights and options.
Respondent A student or student group/organization that has allegedly violated the Student Code of Conduct.
Sanction A consequence or educational outcome assigned when a student is found responsible for a conduct violation. Sanctions can range from warnings to suspension or expulsion.
University Conduct Board A panel of trained faculty, staff, and students that can hear cases where suspension, expulsion, or revocation of degree are possible sanctions.