UMass Amherst Sends Messages to Students Emphasizing Importance of Responsible Behavior This Spring

March 28, 2013
Contact: 
Ed Blaguszewski
Contact Phone: 
413/545-0444
AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Amherst, as part of a campaign to improve public safety in the community this spring, today sent messages to all undergraduate students as well as their parents emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences for violating the law or the Code of Student Conduct.
 
Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said the messaging is part of a multi-faceted campaign that reflects his commitment to address unacceptable behavior by some students. “I and my leadership team will redouble our efforts to find solutions to this problem by working closely with leaders in Amherst. Our approach must include communicating clear standards for behavior, enforcement and education, and examining underlying issues such as alcohol abuse and the range of social activities available to students. This is a challenge facing many college towns, and we will draw on the experiences of others to build a stronger community.”
 
In a broadcast e-mail sent today to students, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life Jean Kim said, “As spring arrives, the weather encourages opportunities to gather and socialize. In the coming weeks, please remember that you are a representative of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Your actions dictate the reputation of the institution, and by extension, the value of your degree.”
 
Students who are found in violation of the University Code of Student Conduct face the following possible consequences:
  • Disciplinary outcome up to suspension, expulsion or removal from campus housing.
  • A disciplinary record on file for seven years after date of incident, reportable to prospective employers, graduate and professional schools, federal government, study abroad organizations, scholarship committees, etc.
  • If alcohol-related, the referral to university’s Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students program, which includes a mandatory $100 fee.
  • Parental notifications with a first-time alcohol related finding.
 
In an e-mail message sent to parents, Kim said, “We ask that you also have a direct conversation with your student about your expectations and remind them that the Code of Student Conduct applies to behavior both on and off campus. We also ask that you remind your student that when the police arrive at a gathering and read a Dispersal Order, your student must leave the premises immediately. Refusing to follow a Dispersal Order is cause for arrest.”
 
In addition, Student Government Association President Akshay Kapoor has crafted a message that is being sent to his fellow students advising them to use good judgment when socializing this spring and to remember, “That we live among families just like ours at home, with children, elderly, and residents who are not necessarily UMass- affiliated so it is important to be respectful.”
 
The messaging campaign is part of a set of measures announced for this spring that includes the university funding two additional ambulances for the Town of Amherst to address concerns about intoxicated students, as well as joint police patrols and a joint, police mobile field force designed to prevent large-scale disturbances.