Sanctions for Disciplinary Violations

Potential sanctions that go on a student’s transcript are dismissal and suspension. The notification remains on the Student's transcript for the duration of the sanction.

Potential sanctions that are imposed on a first-time violation vary depending on which conduct codes were violated. For the most part, our students are required to attend a Decision Making Workshop along with any other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Conduct/ Hearing Officer. The sanctions can range from Warning to Dismissal.

No there is no difference.

Academic probation is when a student has a cumulative GPA lower than a 2.0, the student is given the opportunity in the upcoming semester to raise their GPA whereas disciplinary probation is a status imposed through the Student Conduct Process for a specific period of time during which a student must demonstrate conduct that conforms to University standards. (May include restrictions on privileges or eligibility for activities).

Name on File is defined as a written record of a student violation reported to the Office of Student Conduct by other campus officials (e.g., Faculty, Resident Advisor, or Bookstore staff) who have met with the student regarding the misconduct. A “Name on File” is equivalent to a written Warning or Censure. The student is notified of the report and given an opportunity to respond. If the student does not respond, or if, after a response, OSC determines the report is supported by the evidence, the violation may be considered in assessing a sanction for any future similar offenses.

A suspension is the termination of student status for a specified term or terms. This sanction will be noted on the student’s academic transcript during the term(s) of suspension.  Whereas Dismissal is termination of a student’s status from the University for an indefinite period. Students who are dismissed may not return to UC Merced without the express permission of the chancellor. This sanction will be noted on the student’s academic transcript indefinitely.

In most cases, a single violation will not ruin one's life. Because UC Merced is an educational institution, one of the primary goals of our campus disciplinary process is to help students learn from their mistakes. In most cases, no permanent records are retained, and nothing goes on a student's transcripts regarding the disciplinary action. Students should be aware, however, that American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) now requires that applicants report student disciplinary matters, and many law schools and Bar Associations require that students authorize OSC to report whether the student has a disciplinary record. In addition, Education Abroad and Summer Abroad programs also require OSC to verify a student's disciplinary record. Similarly, OSC verification is often mandated by law enforcement jobs or positions requiring a security clearance. A student discipline record is not an automatic bar to being admitted to medical, law, dental, or other professional or graduate schools, especially if the student admits the violation and it is a one-time error resulting in Probation or a lesser sanction. Many professional schools do consider the totality of the circumstances, and will admit academically qualified students who have clearly learned from their experience. Education Abroad and Summer Abroad programs may deny the applications of students who have a record of alcohol or drug policy violations, or those who have been disruptive or uncooperative, because of concerns for safety and security in foreign countries. Finally, lying about a violation will only result in a more severe sanction, quite likely Suspension or Dismissal - and failing to disclose a disciplinary record would almost certainly result in rejection of the student's application.