FAQ for Parents

Will I be notified if my son/daughter violates a University policy?
Only in certain cases will parents be notified if their student violates university policy. In those cases, namely violations of the University Alcohol and Drug Policy, a letter will be sent AFTER a judicial officer has heard the case and responsibility has been determined. This letter will serve as notification that the student has been found responsible for violating university policy. It is the responsibility of both parent(s) and student to communicate with one another. We try to walk a narrow path between treating students as adults and appropriately keeping parents involved. We are not obligated to notify parents, but may choose to do so as under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As a parent, you should know that we cannot discuss the details of any case involving your son or daughter unless he/she signs a waiver that allows us to do so.

What is my role in the university judicial process?
You can help your student by being supporting while holding them accountable to your expectations and the university's. You can also help identify and provide necessary interventions such as alcohol or drug evaluations, anger management, and others so that your student can be successful at UNE. Allow and expect the student to set appointments, attend meetings, and complete sanctions. It is not educationally beneficial for the student, or resolution of the matter, for parents to "take over" the process for the student, nor do we allow that to happen.

Can you explain sanctions in plain English?
A list of sanctions appears in the Student Handbook. There is no way to make specific comments about sanctions except to say that each case is heard on its own merit. Sanctions will follow current case precedent but individual circumstances are taken into account. Sanctions are designed to alter behavior and to make statements about the University's expectations for student conduct. Even sanctions such as suspension are intended to help students learn from their actions and understand how unacceptable behaviors impact others. You should be aware that some violations of university policy might result in suspension or dismissal from the University for a first offense. You should also know that every case is different. Sanctions may vary even for seemingly similar cases.

What is an "educational sanction?"
An educational sanction is a constructive activity assigned to the student as a judicial sanction. It is usually designed to enhance his/her ability to learn from a violation of the University's Conduct Code. In some instances, the educational sanction may relate directly to the nature of the offense. In other instances, it may not. Students who violate the Alcohol Policy, for example, may be sanctioned to complete an alcohol education class and/or write a reflection paper on what they have learned from the total experience. The educational sanction is intended to promote thinking and learning that will lead to responsible decision making in the future.

C an my student appeal a disciplinary decision?
An appeal may be initiated by a student who perceives that there is: A reasonable claim of substantive miscarriage of justice; Relevant new evidence; Material procedural irregularities; or Imposition of an improper or excessive penalty.

What does a sanction do to my student's record?
If a student is suspended from the university, a notation will be placed in the student's academic transcript for the period of the suspension. If the student is expelled, a notation will remain on the transcript permanently. For any student receiving a sanction less serious than suspension or expulsion, notations are not placed on the academic transcripts. In all cases, judicial records are maintained by Housing and Residence Life, and/or the Dean of Students Office for no less than fours years after a student's separation from the university.

My student would never do anything like this so why is he/she being charged?
For some students, college is a time of exploration, experimentation, and testing. They may be in a period of transition from late adolescence to adulthood. They may also be away from home and the daily influence of their parents for the first time. As students are testing the beliefs and values they learned at home, some may make choices that are inconsistent with these values. Such testing is a normal part of the developmental process. However, students must also learn that the choices they make may not be healthy and may have consequences. The Judicial System is designed to assist students with these choices and help them make appropriate decisions.

What is the role of an advisor in the judicial process?
Both the judicial officer and student may elect to have a single advisor accompany them to the review. Advisors must be from within the university community (faculty or staff member), and in rare cases a peer. Advisors cannot be legal counsel or a parent. If a student chooses to use an advisor, he/she must remember that this individual is there to assist them. An advisor may not directly participate in the review. He or she may not question any witness or the judicial officer. The role of the advisor is limited to conferring with their advisee. If needed, the advisor or student may request a break in the review so that they can confer with one another.

Can I be present during my son's/daughter's review?
Parents my not attend judicial reviews. Only members of the university community (faculty and staff) are allowed to serve as an advisor. Our intention is not to bar parents from the process, but to most appropriately serve the student's needs. University community members are more familiar with university policy and the judicial process. Further, our goal is to treat students as adults and help them make responsible decisions.

Why is there a fine on my son's/daughter's bill?
A monetary fine is one possible sanction for violating a university policy. This fine may be for retribution, to pay for an educational sanction, or purely for punitive reasons. While fines are at the discretion of the judicial officer, they are not frivolous. Fines will be levied in a fair and equitable way. You should also know that we use monies collected through fines to enhance educational efforts. This money is not used for enhance the administration's operational budgets.

What can I do to better communicate with my son/daughter?
One of the most difficult relationships to negotiate is that of parent and college student. College is often a time in which a student more thoroughly explores who they are, what they believe, and how they interact with others. We do not believe our students are innately bad, but instead choose to believe that some students will make inappropriate decisions. We see these times as an opportunity to create a "teachable moment", to help the student learn from their mistake.

We highly encourage parents to take the same outlook. Talk WITH your student and not AT your student. Treat them like the adult they are trying to become. Here are some examples, taken from a brochure by GTE Long Distance:

The wrong thing to say:   The right thing to say:
     
"You promised you'd call and didn't."   "I get worried when I don't hear from you.
     
"Dropping that course was a big mistake."   "I know chemistry is tough, but is there anyone you can go to for help?"
     
If you don't stop drinking, we're going to take away your car."   We still love you, but we don't condone you violating the law. There will be consequences for your choices-have you thought about what they are?"
   
Help Rehabilitate a Seal
     

Back to Top

 
» Advanced Search