As a regionally accredited degree granting institution in the State of Maryland, UMBC adheres to the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). UMBC further complies with the standards outlined by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.
UMBC participates in Federal student aid programs that are authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Participating institutions must be legally authorized to operate with the state in which it is located.
Title 34 CFR §600.9 requires states to have a “process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution including enforcing applicable State laws.” Title 34 CFR §668.43(b) requires that institutions, “make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution’s accreditation and its State, Federal, or tribal approval or licensing. The institution must also provide its students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with its State approval or licensing entity and any other relevant State official or agency that would appropriately handle a student’s complaint.”
Within this scope there are a number of rights and regulations that the campus community is expected to adhere to, some of which are outlined below:
UMBC Policies
The UMBC Policy Page provides a comprehensive listing of all UMBC-specific policies.
Confidentiality of Student Education Records
UMBC maintains records of matters relevant to the educational process of each student. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) sets forth requirements designed to protect the privacy of student records. Generally, a student’s education record may not be disclosed without the student’s written consent. For more information visit: Privacy and the Release of Education Record
Student Complaint Resolution
UMBC makes every effort to resolve student complaints internally, using policies and procedures primarily outlined on the UMBC Policy Page, in the University Catalogs and in the Student Affairs Welcome Guide. Students are expected to familiarize themselves and fully utilize any and all administrative policies, procedures and/or resources provided by UMBC. Visit the Student Complaint Resolution page for more information.
In accordance with the University System of Maryland (USM) Policy III 1.20, Undergraduate Procedures for the Review of Final Course Grades Alleged to be Arbitrary and Capricious have been implemented to provide students taking undergraduate courses at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) with due process pertinent to the review of a final course grade that is alleged to be arbitrary and capricious. These procedures are designed to provide students taking undergraduate courses at UMBC with a timely, fair, and non-adversarial means to appeal a final course grade that is alleged to be arbitrary and capricious. These procedures are not designed to address general student complaints or disagreement with an instructor over teaching philosophy, teaching style, curriculum, or any other instructional-related matters. General student complaints or disagreements with an instructor that are outside the scope of the grade appeal procedures shall be handled by following the appropriate chain of command outlined by the Student Complaint Resolution - Guiding Principles.
Student Affairs Welcome Guide
The Student Affairs Welcome Guide is a valuable resource that includes important policy information.
Student Consumer Information
In accordance with various federal laws and regulations, including The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), UMBC makes Student Consumer Information available to prospective students, current students, and employees.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) sets forth requirements designed to protect the privacy of student records. Generally, a student’s education record may not be disclosed without the student’s written consent. More information is available at the Privacy and the Release of Education Records website.
Policy on Prohibited Sexual Misconduct
UMBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and recognizes its responsibility to maintain a campus environment which is free from Sexual Misconduct, and other Related Misconduct. UMBC’s Policy on Prohibited Sexual Misconduct expressly prohibits all forms of Discrimination and Harassment on the basis of an individual’s sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression in its educational programs and activities or with respect to terms and conditions of employment.
UMBC Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
UMBC values safety, cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility, lifelong learning, equity, and civic engagement. Consistent with these principles, UMBC does not discriminate in offering equal access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, ancestry, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, veterans status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or genetic information.
More information on UMBC’s non-discrimination policies is available from the Discrimination Resources page and the Accessibility Resources page of the Office of Equity and Inclusion website.
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