The University of Maine System provides prospective and enrolled students and members of the university community information for filing complaints with the university, its accrediting agency, and with the Maine State Department of Education specific to licensure and distance education.
Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure:
The University of Maine System is committed to maintaining a respectful, fair work and educational environment, free from discrimination and discriminatory harassment. The goal of the University is to prevent discrimination or harassment from occurring and to provide a means of raising and resolving complaints. The Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure may be used by any employee or student of the University of Maine System who believes that they have been discriminated against or harassed by a University employee or the University based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status or gender expression, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. Sex discrimination complaints alleging discrimination based on marital status, pregnancy, or parental status may be raised through this procedure; additionally, sex discrimination or sexual harassment complaints alleging sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence may be raised through the Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure.
Student Conduct Code
The purpose of this University of Maine System Student Conduct Policy (this “Policy”) is to promote the intellectual, ethical, and physical development of people within the University of Maine System. This Policy shall be implemented through procedures set forth in the University of Maine System Student Conduct Code (the “Code”). The Code will articulate the expectation that students conduct themselves with proper regard for their rights and responsibilities, and the rights and responsibilities of others including the University. All members of the University community share accountability for maintaining an environment where actions are guided by mutual respect, integrity, and reason. The procedures outlined in the Code seek to promote the safety of persons engaging in those pursuits, the free and peaceful expression of ideas, and the integrity of academic processes. The procedures in the Code will reflect the basic concept of procedural fairness and will make certain that no student is subject to disciplinary action for any misconduct without first being given adequate notice of the charge(s) and the opportunity for a hearing before an impartial body or officer.
In the implementation of this Policy, the University seeks to harmonize its administrative functions in a manner consistent with and grounded in its educational mission with an emphasis on fundamental fairness, due process, personal responsibility, and community relationships. The Student Conduct Code is a unified code which applies to all students at all universities and the Law School within the University of Maine System.
Title IX Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination
The University of Maine System’s Title IX office works to promote a safe community for everyone. It strives to reduce sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking by encouraging healthy and consensual relationships and we offer supportive measures, referral services and options to those in need. To seek assistance or to report an incident, please visit the Title IX website.
Student Consumer Information Resources:
This site contains information about institutional transfer policies, student complaint process and distance requirements related to verification of identity.
Student Consumer Information Resources
Accrediting Agency
The University of Maine System is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) (External Site). Students, faculty, staff, and members of the public may submit comments and complaints about any member institution (External Site).
Licensure and Distance Education
Information about state authorization and licensure can be found here. Each university of the University of Maine System has a clear process for the filing of complaints. In the case of licensure and distance education, the Maine Department of Education attempts to provide an additional avenue for students to file complaints either to NC-SARA (the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) or directly to the Maine Department of Education .Information about the complaint procedure is found on the UMS website.