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Frequently Asked Questions about Student Conduct
Have questions about student behavior, University policies, or the student conduct process? The Office of Student Conduct is here to help.
Explore the frequently asked questions below to learn more about student rights and responsibilities, alcohol and drug policies, the Code of Student Conduct, and what to expect when navigating the student conduct process.
Does CMU have an alcohol and drug use policy?
Yes. Central Michigan University has policies governing the possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances. Students are expected to follow applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as University policies.
Alcohol: Students must be at least 21 years old to legally possess or consume alcohol. In University housing, residents who are 21 or older may possess and consume alcohol in their assigned living spaces in accordance with Residence Life policies. Alcohol is not permitted in rooms where all residents are under 21, even when a guest is of legal drinking age. Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in residence hall public areas, including hallways, lounges, and lobbies.
Controlled Substances: CMU prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances. Marijuana is prohibited on University property and at University-related activities, regardless of its legal status under Michigan's recreational or medical marijuana laws.
Students living in University housing should also be aware that being present in a room where an alcohol or controlled-substances violation has occurred may result in a violation of Residence Life policy, even if they were not personally consuming alcohol or using drugs.
Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions and seek assistance when needed.
Learn more:
Why did you call my parents/guardians?
The Office of Student Conduct generally attempts to contact students directly using the phone numbers provided to the University.
Sometimes, the contact information we have on file is outdated or includes a parent’s or guardian’s phone number. If we do not have an accurate cell phone or local phone number for you, we may inadvertently contact your parent or guardian while attempting to reach you.
To help ensure we can contact you directly, please review and update your phone number and other contact information through CentralLink.
If you have questions or concerns about a phone call from our office, please contact us at 989-774-1345.
What can parents/guardians do to assist?
Parents and guardians play an important role in supporting their student's success at Central Michigan University. We encourage families to have open conversations with their students about responsible decision-making, University expectations, and the potential consequences of alcohol and drug use.
When a student is found responsible for violating University policy, we encourage parents and guardians to discuss the incident with their student, understand any assigned sanctions, and help reinforce the importance of making positive choices moving forward.
Parent/Guardian Notification: Federal law permits universities to notify parents when a student under the age of 21 is found responsible for violating policies governing the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances. CMU notifies parents or guardians in these circumstances.
Our goal is to work together with students and their families to promote accountability, personal growth, and academic success.
What behavior is expected of CMU students?
Central Michigan University students are expected to follow federal, state, and local laws, comply with University policies, and contribute to a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
The Code of Student Conduct outlines student rights and responsibilities, expectations for student behavior, and the procedures used to address alleged violations of University policy. Students are expected to act with honesty and integrity, respect the rights of others, and take responsibility for their actions.
The Code applies to both on-campus and off-campus conduct in accordance with its scope and applicability provisions. When a possible violation is reported, the Office of Student Conduct reviews the circumstances and provides students with an opportunity to participate in the conduct process.
If a student is sanctioned under the Code of Student Conduct, will that action appear on a student's permanent university record?
Generally, student conduct violations do not appear on a student's academic transcript. However, the Office of Student Conduct maintains a separate student conduct record documenting violations of University policy and any resulting sanctions.
In accordance with CMU's records retention schedule, most student conduct records are maintained for seven years. Records involving suspension, dismissal, or conduct holds are retained permanently.
Student conduct records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Information may be shared with University officials who have a legitimate educational interest and with other educational institutions under circumstances permitted by federal law. Disclosure to other individuals or outside organizations generally requires the student's written consent unless a FERPA exception applies.
Students with questions about their conduct records may contact the Office of Student Conduct at 989-774-1345 or StudentConduct@cmich.edu.
Do I have access to my student's disciplinary records?
Student conduct records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Generally, parents and guardians cannot access these records or receive information about a student's conduct case without the student's written permission.
If a student would like the Office of Student Conduct to share information with a parent, guardian, or another individual, they may complete and submit a signed FERPA Authorization to Disclose Information form. This allows the student to identify who may receive information and what information may be shared.
Federal law also permits the University to share certain information without a student's consent in specific circumstances, including qualifying alcohol or controlled-substance violations involving students under age 21 and certain health or safety emergencies.
Students and families are encouraged to communicate openly about conduct matters and work together to support student success.
Download the FERPA Authorization Form
For questions about accessing student conduct records, contact the Office of Student Conduct at 989-774-1345 or StudentConduct@cmich.edu.
Does CMU have a policy regarding sexual harassment?
Yes. Central Michigan University prohibits sexual harassment and other forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct involving students, faculty, and staff.
CMU's Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy prohibits sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and related retaliation. The policy outlines how the University responds to reports of misconduct and provides information about available support and resources.
The Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity (OCRIE) oversees the University's response to reports of sexual and gender-based misconduct.
For additional information or to report a concern, contact OCRIE at 989-774-3253 or ocrie@cmich.edu.
Read CMU's Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy