FAQs - Review Hearing

General Procedures Used During a Review Hearing

When is the written request for a review due?

A written request for a review must be received in the Office of Community Standards within seven calendar days after the Student charged has received notice of the Conduct Officers' decision.

Back to Top


What do I include in the written request?

Please visit Requesting a Review for further instructions concerning a written appeal.

Back to Top


Where do I deliver the written request?

The written requests must be delivered to Office of Community Standards in 125 Upton Hall Gorham Maine 04038 or Faxed to (207) 780-5304.

Back to Top


Who is going to hear my case?

Three to five students and one to two faculty or staff from the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) will hear your case.

Back to Top


What is the role of an advisor to the student?

If any party in the review hearing (e.g. student charged, conduct office, or complainant) has an Advisor, that person's role is to assist and support that individual. The Advisor may actively speak with the individual during the hearing, but may not speak to the Committee or ask questions during the hearing. After the presentation of all evidence to the Committee, the Advisor, in place of the individual, may present arguments to the Committee during the closing statement.

Back to Top


Who may serve as an advisor?

Student Advocate, Parents or Family Member, Attorney, Faculty/Staff Member, Friend, or any other person.

Back to Top


What can the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) do?

The Student Conduct Committee is a panel of students, faculty and/or staff that reviews decisions by the U.S.M. Conduct Officers. The respondent/student can request a review of the findings made by the Conduct Officer, the sanctions imposed, both the findings and the sanctions or procedural errors. The outcome of a review hearing will result in a higher, lower, the same, or no sanction at all being imposed.

Back to Top


What will happen if the SCC finds me responsible for a violation of the Student Conduct Code?

If the Student Conduct Committee decides that you have violated campus policy they will impose the sanctions they believe are appropriate given the violation committed and any prior conduct history you may have.

Back to Top


How will I find out what the SCC decided?

On most occasions, the Student Conduct Committee makes their decision at the conclusion of the hearing. After the hearing, the Student Conduct Committee will send the charged student a formal decision letter.

Back to Top

What will my hearing be like? Will it be like a trial?

Your review hearing will not be just like a trial. No one will be cross-examined or interrogated. Everyone will sit around a conference table in an informal atmosphere. Board members and students are permitted to dress casually. Although informal, there is structure and order followed in every hearing. The Conduct Officer presenting charges, the accused student and witnesses will be given an opportunity to make oral statements before questions are asked.

Back to Top