The following information is to aid in the preparation for a student's meeting with the Probation Review Committee. The student is responsible for his/her own preparation for reviewing Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code as well as for all documentation given to the student throughout the student conduct process.
What is the difference between University Probation and Scholastic Probation?
A student may be placed on University Probation for his/her behavior which resulted in a violation of Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code. Scholastic Probation is an identification for students whose scholastic performance is below University standards. The following information concerns University Probation only.
What is University Probation?
As stated in Responsibilities of Student Life: The Student Code, "University Probation is an indefinite period of time where the student is given the opportunity to modify unacceptable behavior, to complete specific assignments, and to demonstrate a positive contribution to the University Community in an effort to regain student privileges within the University community. After six months from being placed on University Probation the student may apply for a review of the student's probationary status. The student will need to appear before a Probation Review Committee and demonstrate significant contributions, both of an academic and co-curricular nature, to the University community. The Probation Review Committee will determine if the student will continue on probation or if the probation is lifted. The decision of the Committee is final and not subject to appeal. If it is decided that University Probation will continue the student may re-apply in six months after the Committee's decision. Due to the student's conduct history there is the possibility of University Suspension or University Expulsion if the student is found responsible for a subsequent violation".
University Probation is a serious matter. While on University Probation, there are certain privileges not afforded to the student. For example, students cannot apply or participate in Study Abroad. Also, some departments on campus will not employ students who are on University Probation.
What happens if a student violates The Student Code while on University Probation?
If a student is involved in any further violation of The Student Code, which includes the On-Campus Housing Contract as well as all University policies, the student will likely be suspended or expelled. University Suspension is separation from the University for a designated period of time (typically at least two semesters) and University Expulsion is permanent separation from the University. University Suspensions and University Expulsions are in effect immediately upon being imposed which means that a student who is suspended or expelled during a semester does not receive any credit for that semester and there is no refund.
How does a student request a Probation Review and what happens?
After six months from being placed on University Probation, the student will be able to request to appear before a Probation Review Committee to petition to have the University Probation end.
This is the student's responsibility. Community Standards will not send out reminders. If the student has not completed other sanctions, the student's request for consideration will likely be denied and the student will face additional action for not completing sanctions.
Once Community Standards receives the review request, the student will be notified of the date, time, and location of the review meeting. The Probation Review Committee will consist of at least two University community members. Generally, a Probation Review Committee shall have an advisor. The Committee does not conduct hearings of alleged violations. At this meeting the student will be able to present information that the Probation Review Committee will use to review the status. Information regarding the student's conduct history and academic transcript will also be made available to the Committee. The Probation Review Committee will determine if the student's University Probation will end or if it will continue with an ability to re-apply in an additional six months. The Probation Review Committee's decision is final and there is no appeal.
Make a Probation Review Request
What is the Probation Review Committee?
The role of the Probation Review Committee is to determine if a student/group has met the three areas of the criteria (conduct, academic, and involvement). The Committee examines how an individual/group has changed their behavior(s) and contributes positively to the University community.
Probation Review Notification Letter
After a student requests an appearance before the Probation Review Committee, s/he will receive an email identifying the date, time, and location of the review meeting. The criteria used in determining a student's status is also outlined in the letter.
Probation Review Meeting Agenda
- Introduction and Opening Remarks from Committee
- Information Sharing
- Student's personal statement and presentation. The student can submit any documentation or letters of support at this time.
- Questions from the committee.
- Deliberations and Presentation of Decision
- Probation Review Committee will deliberate in private while the student waits in a designated area.
- Probation Review Committee will reconvene and present the rationale and decision.
- If the decision is to lift the student’s probation, the student's University Probation is over immediately and the meeting is concluded.
- If the decision is to deny the request to lift the student’s probation, their University Probation will continue and the student may request to appear before the Committee in another six months.
- The Committee will provide feedback to the student regarding areas to focus on in the future and inform the student that there are no appeals.
- The meeting is concluded.
What are the criteria used by the Probation Review Committee?
The Probation Review Committee will examine three areas. Any documentation submitted by the student should be relevant to the probationary period. The student should prepare a personal statement as well as be prepared to present on the following:
- Conduct: Be prepared to discuss the incident and how the student's behavior/attitude has or has not changed since it occurred. The mere act of not being found responsible for committing additional Student Code violations is insufficient. That is an expectation. The committee will discuss if the student has truly modified his/her behavior and how that has impacted the student. Has the student taken positive steps towards addressing the issue of the behavior? Letters from individuals describing the student's progress would be beneficial.
- Academics: Is the student succeeding academically? Has his/her GPA increased or decreased? Does the student have an academic plan? Is the student involved in his/her academic department (e.g., academic clubs, programs)? What are the student's future career goals? Progress reports and letters from faculty and the student's advisor may be helpful.
- Engagement: How is the student positively engaged in the University community? Is the student involved in clubs, organizations, activities, other employment or outreach? Does the student hold any leadership position? If the student was sanctioned to UConn Compass or voluntarily chose to participate in it, copies of the UConn Compass involvement form and paper would be valuable to bring. Again, letters from organization advisors, employers, and staff can be helpful.
Should students dress in a particular manner for a review meeting?
Students should use their best judgment in how they want to represent themselves in a meeting. The Probation Review Committee is a serious matter which should be taken as such.
What is the role of the advisor?
The advisor ensures that the process is followed and provides information and interpretations relative to the University student conduct system. The advisor is present at the meeting but does not make any decisions (approval or denial).
What does it mean to modify a student's behavior?
The Committee will ask the student whether or not the student's behavior has changed. It is important for the student to be honest and the committee to be realistic about behavioral expectations. If a student has done nothing positively in regards to his/her behavior, this will be an area of concern for the Committee.
Does engagement mean I need to be involved in a lot of organizations?
No, positive engagement is not determined by a number of experiences, but by the quality of the experience and its impact on the student and the University. The student should be able to explain how s/he contributes positively to the community through engagement. This could be seen by volunteering, employment, participating in clubs/organizations on or off campus, and participation in the student's academic program.
Why is the Committee asking about academics?
The student's academic experience is the backbone and driving force behind the student's attendance. The student should be prepared to discuss and explain his/her academic path and career goals. The student may provide information regarding participation in academic club, academic organizations, honor societies, internships, or co-op opportunities. A copy of the student's transcript will be available for the Committee to review.
Who can provide information or documentation about a student at the meeting?
Anyone can speak about a student during a review meeting or submit a letter for consideration. This information must pertain to the period during the student's University Probation.
How does the student learn of the decision?
After privately deliberating during the review meeting, the Committee will reconvene and give the decision to the student in person.
What happens if the student's probation is lifted?
The student is in good standing within the University's student conduct system and regains all of the privileges associated with such a standing.
What happens if the student's request is denied and probation is continued?
The student will remain on University Probation. The student has an opportunity to request to appear before the Probation Review Committee in six months from the date of the last review meeting.
Is there an opportunity to appeal the committee's decision?
No, the decision of the Committee is final.
What if a student has a disability and needs an accommodation for the review meeting?
By federal law, a person with a disability is any person who: 1) has a physical or mental impairment; 2) has a record of such impairment; or 3) is regarded has having such an impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities such as self-care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, or learning.
A student requesting an accommodation in regard to a review meeting must follow the appropriate process for requesting an accommodation through the Center for Students with Disabilities. The Center for Students with Disabilities will make a determination regarding the request and notify the appropriate parties.
Reasonable accommodations depend upon the nature and degree of severity of the documented disability. While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that priority consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the student, it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are available.
If a student is going to apply to graduate school, what will the University release?
Community Standards will only release information with the student's signed permission. In addition, as the student conduct process is an educational one, we will only release information if the student is actively suspended or expelled.
Is there someone that students can talk to about their situation?
Absolutely! If a student would like to speak with someone about being more involved at the University or in developing strategies to make the probationary period a productive experience please contact Community Standards at 860-486-8402 or community@uconn.edu.