Information for Parents and Guardians
As a family member of a student involved in the Housing Student Conflict Resolution Process (HSCRP) at the University of Michigan, you may have questions and concerns. This information is provided to help you understand this process and help you advise a student involved. It also addresses frequently asked questions, and offers a list of support services for students.

General Information
Students living in University Housing are expected to be familiar with and abide by a set of behavioral standards that we call the Community Living Standards (CLS). University Housing has established these standards to support the educational mission of the University, to sustain a safe and secure residence hall environment, and to safeguard the interests of the Housing and University communities. University Housing has a responsibility to restrict any behavior that adversely affects others, creates a safety or health hazard, or impedes the academic success of its residents.

A detailed description of the Community Living Standards and the Housing Student Conflict Resolution Process can be found in the Community Living at Michigan section.

The CLS contains the rules and regulations which, along with their contract and the University Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, students must honor during their residence. If a resident violates the rules in the CLS, he or she will be subject to provisions of the Housing Student Conflict Resolution Process. Hearings or appeals conducted as a part of this process are not courts of law and are not subject to many of the rules of civil or criminal hearings. University Housing makes every effort to make this an educational experience and use this process as an opportunity to develop a student's sense of responsibility to his or her community. However, because some of the violations of the CLS are also violations of law, residents may be concurrently accountable to civil or criminal justice authorities.

This (HSCR) process may take a variety of paths, but it generally progresses from the student being informed in writing of the alleged violation to a discussion with a Hall Director or possibly an Area Coordinator of Residence Education. In most cases, this conversation resolves the issue, with the expectation that the student changes the inappropriate behavior, makes better decisions in the future and has learned something about community living from this process. Some cases may result in a formal mediation process between the parties in conflict. In a few cases, a referral to the Office of Student Conflict Resolution for adjudication under the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities may occur. In rare instances, the student is removed from the residence hall as an emergency measure if it is determined that a student's actions indicate that his or her continued presence in the hall poses an imminent danger to persons or property. If this transpires, the student will be served with notice to vacate the building

Sanctions
Students found in violation of Community Living Standards are given sanctions ranging from warning, to educational or community service time, to contract termination. The goal of these sanctions are to be educational and to restore or repair any harm that has occurred to the community.

Appeals
If the accused student disputes the finding or sanction resulting from the outcome of an arbitration, the student may appeal the decision. Appeals must be made in writing to the appropriate Assistant Director for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my student's career at Michigan or personal life is being adversely affected by the action of others on the hall?
If another resident is adversely affecting your student's career or personal life, he or she should first discuss the matter with an RA, any RA with whom he or she is acquainted and comfortable. The RA will offer to facilitate a discussion, send the involved to formal mediation, or alternatively, initiate the Housing Student Conflict Resolution Process (HSCRP) as summarized above. If a parent or guardian needs to consult with Housing staff, see below.

What if my student is the victim of a crime or serious violation perpetrated by another resident?
If serious violations have been perpetrated against a student, the Hall Director or other appropriate professional staff member will be contacted immediately. Working with the student, the professional staff may initiate Housing Security procedures, review police protocols if necessary, or contact support organizations such as the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). In general, Housing staff are directly involved and provide assistance and support as the student makes contacts with appropriate law enforcement, emergency medical, and/or support services.

Who can a parent call for more information?
The Area Coordinator of Residence Education and/or the Hall Director responsible for student conduct issues are always available to discuss general information about the resolution process, Housing regulations, and related laws. It is important to know that Federal law prohibits Housing staff from releasing any information about a student's specific involvement in the resolution process without the student's written permission, even to family members (see reference to FERPA in the next paragraph). Waiver forms are available in each hall.

Will the proceedings related to this event become part of the student's permanent record?
Records are kept only in Housing and not added to the student's curricular, civil or criminal record. Confidentiality of the records will be maintained to the extent required by law, including the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Should a parent retain an attorney for a student?
An accused student has the right to be counseled by an advisor (a parent, friend, or faculty member, for example) who will be permitted to attend, but not allowed to participate in proceedings. The advisor's role is to help the student fully understand the residential judicial process. Because this process is an administrative procedure, students are counseled that an attorney is not necessary.

What happens if my student is involved in an alcohol violation?
Underage drinking is not allowed in the residence halls and is also in violation of state laws. Alcohol violations are considered serious violations of the CLS and, therefore, require a written record and conversation with Residence Staff. In addition, the student may be issued a "Minor in Possession" (MIP) ticket by local law enforcement authorities. When a student is documented for an alcohol violation in a Residence Hall, he or she may be referred to counseling. Students or parents who wish to consult with someone on alcohol issues may want to call Counseling and Psychological Services, University Health Services, or DrinkWise. The phone numbers for each of these units is listed at the end of this document.

If the sanction includes contract termination, will the student be responsible for contract payments?
The CLS states "When a contract is terminated for disciplinary reasons, the University shall have the right to reenter and take possession of the premises with the student remaining liable for room and board payments for the full term of the contract and for any additional damages, subject to the University's duty to minimize losses. Evicted students may be held responsible for any or all legal fees and other costs incurred by the University.

Support Services/Other Numbers

Housing Administration Office
This office is home to the Residence Education staff who oversee the Housing Student Conflict Resolution Process (HSCRP).
Phone: (734) 647-3048

Office of Student Conflict Resolution, a unit of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Handles cases involving the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The Statement describes conduct necessary of all University students, including Housing residents. This office also administers alcohol workshops for students with multiple alcohol violations.
Phone: (734) 936-6308
Web: www.umich.edu/~oscr

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Offers free, confidential, short-term personal counseling on a variety of issues to enrolled students, including educational and skill building services, assessment of substance abuse patterns, substance abuse therapy and referral.
Phone: (734) 764-8312

Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Affairs (LGBPO) Offers confidential counseling, advocacy, mentoring, educational programs, and crisis intervention.
Phone: (734) 763-4186

Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs This office offers programming for Multi-ethnic student organizations as well as confidential counseling, advocacy, mentoring, educational programs, and crisis intervention.
Phone: (734) 763-9044

Office of the Ombuds
Primarily works with students to resolve problems encountered with University offices. However, the Ombuds also offers confidential advocacy for students involved in the resolution process.
Phone: (734) 763-3545

Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC)
Offers free, confidential counseling, advocacy, and education for students on issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence.
Phone: (734) 763-5865
Crisis Line: (734) 936-3333

Student Legal Services
May provide legal advice to students with law enforcement or legal issues. May not be involved in Housing Student Conflict Resolution Process (HSCRP) Process or in disputes against the University.
Phone: (734) 763-9920

University Health Service
Offers general medical services to students at reduced cost as well as written resources for parents on alcohol and other drugs. UHS can also direct parents to other appropriate resources on campus when needed.
TelePrompTer: (734) 764-8320
Health Promotion and Community Relations: (734) 763-1320
Web: www.uhs.umich.edu

DrinkWise
This University program counsels people who drink to make healthy choices.
Phone: 1-800-222-5145 or (734) 998-9473
Web: www.med.umich.edu/drinkwise