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Student Conduct Process

Student Conduct

The conduct process is designed to be educational, not punitive. Outcomes may include educational assignments, restorative actions, and a disciplinary status sanction like a written warning or disciplinary probation. In serious cases, disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion may be considered.

Referral and Review

When a student is referred, the Student Conduct Administrator (SCA) reviews the case and determines whether there is enough information to move forward. If so, the student receives a charge letter via email outlining the alleged violation and the policy involved.

If a student does not respond to the charge letter, the university may proceed with a formal hearing without their participation. If a student does not respond to the charge letter, the university will place a hold on the student's account pending resolution, and may proceed to a formal hearing regardless of the student's participation.

The Conference Meeting

The meeting with the SCA is an opportunity for open and honest dialogue. Students are informed of their rights, discuss the disciplinary process, and review the details of the report. This meeting gives the student a chance to respond and share their perspective. In many cases, the student and the SCA agree on a resolution during the meeting.  The outcome considers the nature of the violation, the student's response, and any relevant history. The agreement is documented and becomes part of the student's confidential record.  If no agreement is reached, students may request a formal hearing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who participate in the conduct process are expected to:

  • Understand how university conduct standards support the campus community
  • Reflect on how their actions affect their academic and personal goals
  • Gain insight into their ethical responsibilities as students and future professionals
  • Recognize the impact of their behavior on others
  • View the conduct process as an opportunity for personal and academic growth

Can I bring someone to my meeting?

Yes, students may bring an advisor, such as a friend, family member, or partner, to their conference meeting. If you are planning on bringing an advisor, you are required to provide the Student Conduct Administrator the name and email address of your advisor at least five days prior to your scheduled conference meeting. Most students attend their conference meeting alone.

Can I bring an attorney?

Attorneys are generally not permitted to participate in the conduct process, except in formal hearings involving expulsion or concurrent criminal charges. Even then, the attorney may attend only as an advisor and cannot speak on the student’s behalf. A student's charge letter will explicitly state whether or not the student is entitled to bring an attorney as their advisor.

Can the university take disciplinary action while a criminal case is pending?

Yes. The university’s process is separate from criminal proceedings and may move forward even if charges are dismissed in court.

Can my parents access my conduct record?

Not without written consent. Student conduct records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and are not shared without permission.

Do I have to respond to a conduct letter if I already received a grade penalty?

Yes. Academic sanctions, such as a failing grade, do not replace the disciplinary process. Students are still expected to respond to communications from the Office of Student Conduct.

How do I report a violation?

You can file a report by filling out the Student Conduct Report Form. You can also find the Student Conduct Report Form by clicking on the "Report concerning/discriminating behavior" link at the bottom of CSUMB websites, and then selecting the Student Conduct Report form. You can also contact the Student Conduct Administrator by phone or email. In cases involving discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, or sexual harassment or assault, the SCA is required to refer the report to the Title IX Coordinator. Students seeking confidential support can speak with counselors at the Personal Growth and Counseling Center or the Campus Advocate.

Will I be informed of the outcome if I reported someone else?

In cases involving physical assault, sexual harassment or sexual assault, the victim will be informed of the outcome. For other types of violations, the outcome is typically confidential and not shared.