August 27, 2020

Dear University of Maryland Students:

Over the past several weeks you have received a lot of communication from campus about the 4 Maryland Commitment, healthy behaviors and compliance. As a result, I have received many questions about what will happen if students fail to adhere to the 4 Maryland guidelines. To be clear, the Code of Student Conduct will be enforced both on and off campus and we will take swift action to prioritize the health and well-being of our campus. And, if necessary we will invoke interim suspensions and suspensions for those who violate the Code.

In Dr. Pines’ recent letter to the campus community, he shared that several prominent academic institutions were forced to alter their return-to-campus plans due to outbreaks of COVID-19 and the evolving pandemic. Positive cases on college campuses have been measurably linked to attending large gatherings or house parties. As a result, many institutions have now determined that learning will be virtual for the entire semester. 

UMD’s decision to return to all virtual learning could, unfortunately, be decided by a few students who choose not follow clear campus guidance.  We need all students to hold each other accountable.  If you see behavior that can put people at risk in College Park, please call the Code Enforcement Hotline at 240-487-3588.  You can also submit a referral form to the Office of Student Conduct.

We hope to keep students on campus and hold in-person classes as long as it is safe to do so. We must all be committed to make this happen. Please do your part.

Sincerely,
Andrea Goodwin, Director
Office of Student Conduct