Communications & Messages

Message Sent: August 10, 2026
Recipients: All faculty

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the start of the Fall 2026 semester.

The updated Syllabus Guidance for Fall 2026, developed with input from Faculty Senate, the Dean of Students, E3, associate deans, student support offices, and the Provost’s Office, can be found here. The document provides policy explanations, practical guidance, and sample syllabus language intended to promote transparency, consistency, accessibility, and student success.

One structural change this year is that many supporting resources and reference materials have been moved from the main guidance document to the Syllabus Supplemental Resources page. This change is intended to make the core guidance easier to navigate while continuing to provide faculty and students with access to current university resources and support information.

While I encourage you to review the document in full, I want to call particular attention to several updated sections:

Generative Artificial Intelligence, Sections 1.5 through 1.5.3

This section has been significantly revised. Faculty must clearly communicate whether, when, and how students may use generative AI tools in their courses. The guidance encourages thoughtful and pedagogically structured engagement with generative AI and includes updated sample syllabus statements for courses that permit or prohibit its use.

The section also provides expanded guidance regarding faculty use of AI-enabled tools, including expectations related to disclosure, approved USNH tools, student data, intellectual property, AI detection, and the use of AI to review or evaluate student work.

Attendance and Religious Accommodations, Sections 1.6, 2.1, and 2.2

The guidance includes updated information regarding required excused absences, religious accommodations, and documentation requests. UNH’s Attendance Policy has been rewritten for clarity and organization. Noteworthy changes to the policy include providing clearer guidance about the different processes through which students may receive attendance flexibility and including required court appearances as a reason that faculty must excuse a student’s absence. The Military Accommodations Policy has been moved to the Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities Handbook and more clearly directs students to contact Military and Veterans Services if they are called for a required deployment that may keep them out of class for an extended period of time.

By request, the syllabus guidance website now also includes an “Attendance Policy Templates” document that you may use and adapt when developing or revising your attendance policy.

Please review these sections carefully when developing course attendance policies.

Accessibility and Accommodations, Sections 1.13 and 2.3

A new accessibility section encourages faculty to ensure that syllabi and other course materials can be accessed and navigated effectively by all students. The accommodations section has also been updated to clarify faculty responsibilities after receiving an official accommodation letter and to direct faculty to current Student Accessibility Services resources.

Thank you for the care you put into creating clear, accessible, and supportive learning environments for our students. Please feel free to reach out with feedback or questions about the guidance document.

Wishing you a rewarding and engaging semester.

Warm regards,

Matt MacManes
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Michael Blackman
Dean of Students

Message Sent: July 20, 2026
Recipients: All faculty and staff

Message Sent: April 15, 2026
Recipients: All faculty

Dear Colleagues,

As we approach the final weeks of the spring term, we are writing to remind everyone of the importance of promptly addressing and submitting reports of violations of UNH’s Academic Integrity policy when a grade penalty was issued. Timely reporting of formal resolutions (as defined by the policy) is critical to ensuring that all cases are managed effectively and fairly, while also upholding the standards of integrity that guide our academic community.

While the policy does not specify a deadline for faculty to meet with students and report formal resolutions, addressing alleged violations promptly allows cases to be processed in a timely manner. Submitting formal violations promptly also benefits students by ensuring they can address the issue while the details of the incident are still fresh in their minds. Ideally, reports would be submitted no more than ten (10) days after faculty make a decision to assign a formal grade penalty. When too much time has passed, students may struggle to recall specifics or fully engage in the process, which can hinder their ability to reflect and learn from the experience. If violations occur on final projects or exams, if at all possible, it is ideal to submit the report prior to posting final grades for the course. 

As a reminder, if you observe a violation, you should offer to schedule a meeting with the student to inform the student of the alleged violation, share the evidence for the alleged violation, give them the opportunity to respond, and decide the appropriate course of action. All formal resolutions (any matters where a student is given a grade penalty) should be reported to the Office of Community Standards . The Office of Community Standards is also available for consultation on alleged violations at any point in the process. Informal resolutions (e.g. redoing the assignment, re-writing a portion of the assignment) are also an option available to faculty as deemed appropriate when the factors surrounding the violation are mitigating. 

For those concerned about student’s use of AI on course activities that conflict to policies outlined in syllabus/assignment, please use caution using AI detection software (including Turnitin) due to its frequent inaccuracies (for more info see the detection section of AI Basics).

Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering a culture of academic integrity at UNH.

Best regards,

Matt MacManes
Vice Provost of Academic Affairs

Mike Blackman
Dean of Students

Message Sent: April 1, 2026
Recipients: All students, faculty, and staff

Hello Students, Faculty, and Staff,

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and as we move into spring, we invite our entire community to take a moment to reflect on the importance of prevention, support, and collective responsibility when it comes to interpersonal violence.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month has roots in the grassroots activism of the 1970s, including the first Take Back the Night March in 1975, and has grown into a national movement centered on education, survivor support, and community action. At UNH, we have long honored this month through programming designed to uplift survivors and engage our community in prevention efforts. Visit the SHARPP Center's website to learn more about the month and this year's initiatives and how you can get involved.

This year is a particularly meaningful one as we prepare to close Wolff House, the longstanding home for the SHARPP Center. Some of our older buildings on campus need to be closed , and this presents an opportunity to relocate the SHARPP Center into a location that is better suited for the important work we do for students. Please know that this change will allow us to better deliver services to students and there will be no reduction in services because of this relocation. We will be in touch with more information on our future location and opportunities to say goodbye to this important building.

Awareness months like this one can also be a reminder that support is always available. If you or someone you know has been impacted by interpersonal violence, the following resources are here for you:

• The SHARPP Center, the Civil Rights & Equity Office, and the University Police Department are available to support students impacted by violence.
• Learn about your options to report sexual misconduct and access confidential support services.
• The uSafeUS app, developed by UNH's Prevention Innovations Research Center, provides immediate access to UNH prevention and response resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We are grateful to be part of a community that takes this work seriously. Prevention is everyone's responsibility, and together, we can continue to build a campus where every member feels safe, supported, and valued.

Sincerely,

Bo Zaryckyj
Title IX Coordinator

Mike Blackman
Dean of Students

Rachel Stewart
Director, SHARPP Center for Interpersonal Violence Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy

Message Sent: February 5, 2026
Recipients: All students

Dear Students, 

As you settle into the spring semester, we want to remind you about the medication access options available to you on and near campus. We know that access to prescriptions is a sensitive and important issue for many students. Since the closure of the Rite Aid in downtown Durham, Health & Wellness has worked to put several reliable options in place so you can continue to get your medications conveniently and affordably. 

Message Sent: January 26, 2026
Recipients: All sophomore, junior, and senior student

Dear UNH Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Students: 

I am working with Professor Sharyn Potter and Jane Stapleton on their National Institute of Health research study on alcohol and health behaviors to tailor a prevention program for our university.

Participation in this study involves the completion of a 15-minute online survey. If you are eligible for the study, you would earn a $20 Amazon gift card for your participation. 

Your participation is completely voluntary. If you are interested in participating in the study, please click on the link below to complete demographic information to see if you are eligible for the study.   

The study includes a web-based survey that will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. You will be asked some information about yourself including your alcohol use and sexual experiences (including any experiences of sexual assault). This study is for research purposes. You can withdraw from the study at any point by clicking out of the survey. 

If you have any questions about the study or participation, please contact the principal investigator, Dr. Sharyn Potter at sharyn.potter@unh.edu or 603-862-3630. 

Click the link below to access the survey. 
https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3PJOQlEu6aSkg1o

Sincerely, 

Mike Blackman, EdD 
Dean of Students 
University of New Hampshire 

Sharyn J. Potter, PhD, MPH | Jane G. Stapleton, MA 
Directors UNH Prevention Innovations Research Center 

IRB Number: FY2025-196 
If you have questions or concerns, you may contact Melissa McGee or the UNH IRB at melissa.mcgee@unh.edu. 

Message Sent: December 2, 2025
Recipients: All Durham faculty

Dear Colleagues, 

As we approach the final weeks of the fall term, we write to remind instructors of the importance of promptly addressing and reporting violations of UNH’s Academic Integrity Policy. Timely reporting of formal resolutions (as defined by the policy) is critical to ensuring that all cases are managed effectively and fairly, while also upholding the standards of integrity that guide our academic community. 

While the policy does not specify a deadline for faculty to meet with students and report formal resolutions, addressing alleged violations promptly allows cases to be processed in a timely manner. Submitting formal violations promptly also benefits students by ensuring they can address the issue while the details of the incident are still fresh in their minds.

Ideally, reports would be submitted no more than ten (10) days after faculty make a decision to assign a formal grade penalty. When too much time has passed, students may struggle to recall specifics or fully engage in the process, which can hinder their ability to reflect and learn from the experience. If violations occur on final projects or exams, if at all possible, it is ideal to submit the report prior to posting final grades for the course.  

If you witness a violation firsthand, or if suspected academic misconduct is reported to you, due diligence, including gathering relevant information, reviewing evidence, informing the student of the concern, and offering an opportunity to meet, is necessary before taking action, regardless of when in the semester the concern arises. All formal resolutions must be reported to the Office of Community Standards (“Report of Academic Misconduct”) to ensure proper notification to the student and the preservation of educational records. The Office of Community Standards is also available for consultation with instructors at any stage, particularly when an instructor is confronted with egregious or complex violations.

If you are still determining whether a violation occurred and the deadline for submitting final grades is approaching, please contact the Office of Community Standards to request the temporary placement of an “NR” (Not Resolved) notation on the student’s transcript until the matter is fully and finally resolved.

For those concerned about prohibited use of AI in course activities, particularly where such use conflicts with expectations outlined in a syllabus or assignment, please exercise skepticism if choosing to screen work using AI-detection software (e.g., Turnitin, Unicheck), as these tools also leverage AI technology. Because of this, distinguishing the originality and sources of the student's work from artificially generated text may produce results of varying degrees of accuracy.

Instead of using screening tools, instructors are encouraged to look for indicators that more reliably suggest prohibited use of AI, such as work that does not align with how the subject was taught, inconsistent or unusual syntax, distinctive patterns of error, or notable departures from a student’s prior work. Additional guidance and resources are available by visiting the Teaching and Learning Resource Hub.

Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering a culture of academic integrity at UNH. 

Best regards, 

Matt MacManes
Interim Vice Provost Academic Affairs

Mike Blackman
Dean of Students

Dear Students,

In the new Wildcat Weekly newsletter, the President’s Office acknowledged the work happening in Health & Wellness to ensure there are long-term, sustainable solutions in place to help students access medication on-campus. Since the Rite Aid closed in downtown Durham, Health & Wellness has been working to ensure you have convenient and affordable access to medications on and near campus. We want to update you on the current options available and share some important improvements.

New Partnership: Genoa Pharmacy

We're excited to announce a new partnership with Genoa Pharmacy, which addresses a critical gap in medication access. Through Genoa, you can now have medications shipped directly to your on-campus mailbox or off-campus PO Box with no shipping cost and a 24–48-hour processing time to be delivered. These medications include:

• Controlled substances (including ADHD medications and other restricted prescriptions)
• Temperature controlled medications
• Maintenance medications

All medications are delivered in discreet packaging, and no signature is required.

To get started with Genoa:

1. Fill out an enrollment form
2. Provide a copy of your prescription insurance (which includes BIN and PCN)
3. Ask your Health & Wellness provider or outside prescriber to send your prescription to Genoa-Rochester (please ensure that Rochester is included, as there are multiple locations in NH, it may delay the receipt of your prescription if sent outside of Genoa-Rochester.)

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Health & Wellness offers some non-prescription medications at reduced cost through our Business Office (4 Pettee Brook Lane, Room 113). You can also purchase OTC medications at Hannaford in downtown Durham or through online retailers.

On-Campus Options for Prescription Medication

Health & Wellness now stocks over 25 commonly used prescription medications for students who receive treatment at Health & Wellness. These can be purchased at minimal cost at the time of your visit; no insurance claim is needed. Health & Wellness also accepts, and stores temperature-controlled medications shipped directly from specialty pharmacies including Genoa.

Off-Campus Pharmacy Options

If you prefer to use a local pharmacy, several options are available:

Walgreens in Lee currently offers free same-day and 1-2 day delivery to campus and community addresses at least through the end of the academic year.

• CVS, Hannaford, and Walmart are accessible via Wildcat Transit bus routes (3A to Dover, 4A to Newington)
• Many insurance companies and online pharmacies can ship medications directly to your campus address or Granite Square Station

Complete Information

For detailed information about all medication access options, including pharmacy addresses, hours, bus routes, and costs, please visit the Health & Wellness website.

We're Here to Help

We recognize that navigating medication access can be complicated, especially during a transition like this, and we understand that cost can be a significant concern. If you need help understanding the easiest and most affordable way to get your critical medications, please don't hesitate to contact Health & Wellness. The team can walk you through your options and answer questions about accessing care. We also continue to maintain the Basic Needs Initiative to support students managing extenuating financial circumstances, including related to medical costs.

We want to acknowledge the many student leaders that helped continue to raise attention to this important issue including Student Senate and New Hampshire Youth Movement. We will continue to monitor how these solutions are working and make updates as needed. Your feedback is essential to helping us identify additional improvements. If you have concerns or suggestions about medication access, please reach out to Health & Wellness or the Dean of Students directly

Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure you have access to the care and medications you need.

Take care,

Michael Blackman
Dean of Students

Lindy Salkin
Lead Clinician

Hello Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Welcome to a new academic year at UNH! This is always an exciting time, filled with energy, ideas, and the promise of discovery. As we step into this new chapter together, we want to take a moment to reflect on something that sits at the heart of our university's mission: the value of free speech and expression.

At UNH, we believe that the freedom to speak, question, challenge, and listen deeply is not just a constitutional right — it's a cornerstone of our academic community. As part of our commitment to free speech, we continue our efforts to educate and support our community around these essential principles.

We encourage everyone to build their capacity to tolerate contrary viewpoints and work constructively with those they disagree with, both on and off campus. To support this commitment, we've created several resources:

• Last year we launched a frequently asked questions page and a free speech and expression page on the topic of speech and expression.
• The Community Standards website has detailed information regarding your rights and responsibilities.
• Our Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy has our guidelines in full.
• The Community Standards website also launched a page on the history of due process and student conduct, offering valuable context for our ongoing efforts to uphold student rights.
• Last year, President Chilton launched a free speech landing page with resources related to speech for all members of our community.

We hope you'll see our policies and resources not as a set of limitations but as an open invitation to role model curiosity, engage in courageous dialogue, and take part in the kind of inquiry that defines what it means to be part of a vibrant university.

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on these essential values with us. We're glad you're here, and we wish you a bold, thoughtful, and fulfilling start to the year.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Holmes
Vice President of Student Life

Michael Blackman
Dean of Students

Alexis Piñero-Benson
Director of Community Standards

Dear Students,

The fall semester is underway, and with it comes the excitement of new classes, new connections, and new experiences for our Wildcat community.

At the beginning of the academic year, essential information is widely communicated across our campuses to ensure all students are well-informed of the rights and obligations that guide our community. This information unites us in a shared understanding and connects you to available resources, offices, and leaders to help you achieve your educational goals.

Student Responsibilities and Community Principles

All who work, live, and study at UNH are here by choice; therefore, it is imperative that everyone uphold the highest standards of mutual respect and integrity.

• The 2025-2026 Student Rights, Rules and Responsibilities Handbook is available online. This document is the University's official compendium for the Student Code of Conduct, cornerstone student policies, and expected standards of behavior. The "S.R.R.R." also serves as the companion document for the Undergraduate Academic Catalog, Graduate Academic Catalog, and Law School Academic Catalog.
• The Student Code of Conduct is the governing document that brings the University and all students affected by its policies, obligations, responsibilities, rights, and privileges into agreement with its standards for acceptable behavior. So long as the student maintains an ongoing educational relationship, the Code's jurisdiction covers behavior on and off campus and extends to any education program, curricular and co-curricular activity, in locations, events, and circumstances in which the University exercises substantial control.
• The Office of Community Standards serves as a central resource to educate students on the rights and responsibilities of community membership and cultivate meaningful opportunities for accountability, reflection, and learning. Alexis Piñero-Benson serves as the Director of the OCS and the University's Chief Student Conduct Officer, overseeing alternative and conflict resolution programs and administering the university-wide conduct system when individuals are accused of engaging in prohibited academic or non-academic conduct.

The community plays an important role in ensuring the safety and security of our members. If you witnessed, have information about, or have been harmed by a negative experience, please report the issue to Community Standards through our online reporting system, in person at Hitchcock Hall (ground level), or via email at community.standards@unh.edu.

Annually, students, stakeholders, and key leadership broadly engage policy owners and provide input and feedback about existing policies that govern our communities. It is only through this democratic mechanism of trust, collaboration, and transparency that we're able to execute a comprehensive policy review and revision process. Some important policy changes are highlighted below:

• The newly published Campus Access and Facilities Use Policy was developed in response to the President's Working Group on Free Speech and Expression. The policy establishes clear, viewpoint-neutral procedures for the Durham campus that define who may use which campus spaces, when, and under what conditions.
• The Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed into law in December 2024, requires universities to strengthen hazing prevention, education, and transparency. In response, UNH has updated its Anti-Hazing and Prevention Education Policy to meet federal and state requirements and reaffirm our commitment to hazing prevention.
• UNH has continued to strengthen its Academic Integrity Policy to create a clearer, fairer, and more coordinated process for handling academic misconduct. Recent updates include clarifying definitions, streamlining resolution and appeal procedures, and implementing measures like the "NR" placeholder grade to prevent students from withdrawing from a course to avoid a grade penalty. Procedures for resolving Law School matters of academic and professional misconduct can be found in the Law School Catalog.
• UNH has updated its Leave of Absence Policy for undergraduate students to permit students on an approved leave who are eligible to return to UNH to request prior approval to take courses at other institutions for transfer credit. The maximum leave duration has been shortened from six semesters to four, and health leave rules have been refined: students whose leave begins on or before the five-week drop deadline no longer need to take an extra semester off. Information on the graduate student leave of absence policy is available here.

Additional information about policy changes across the University is available on the Dean of Students website.

Civil Rights and Equity

The Civil Rights & Equity Office (CREO) is responsible for oversight of the University's compliance efforts on equal employment opportunity, Title IX, disability laws and regulations, religious accommodations, pregnant and parenting modifications and accommodations, and bias response aimed at creating a welcoming and equitable campus.

The Director of CREO, Bo Zaryckyj, also serves as the University's Title IX Coordinator, ensuring coordinated institutional compliance with Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits universities from excluding students from participation in, denying them the benefits of, or subjecting them to discrimination on the basis of sex under any education program or activity. This year, CREO published updated policies related to discrimination and sexual misconduct. CREO also created a new policy pertaining to Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals in Training.

Bo also serves as the University's ADA Coordinator, working to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which promotes equal access for people with disabilities and protects them from discrimination. He can be reached at bo.zaryckyj@unh.edu or by phone during regular business hours at (603) 862-2930.

Deputy Title IX Coordinators have been designated at our component campuses to assist with the management and implementation of Title IX responsibilities. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator for students enrolled at the UNH College of Professional Studies in Manchester is Lisa Enright, Assistant Dean of Student Success (lisa.enright@unh.edu). The Deputy Title IX Coordinator for students enrolled at the Franklin Pierce School of Law is Lauren Berger, Assistant Dean of Students (lauren.berger@law.unh.edu).

UNH provides a variety of options to report acts of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, bias and hate crimes, or retaliation, so each person may choose a path for response best suited to their situation. Students who wish to request religious accommodations or pregnancy modifications can do so at the CREO website.

Misuse of Network Connection

The University provides IT resources to students and members of the University community in accordance with its Acceptable Use Policy. Using those resources is a privilege subject to compliance with that policy and the instructions of IT staff.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act and Student Consumer Information

In 2008, the Department of Education enacted the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), a public law that mandates disclosure and reporting requirements for colleges and universities participating in federal student financial aid programs under Title IV. The HEOA also requires that institutions explicitly inform students that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject them to civil and criminal liabilities. For more information on penalties for copyright violations and institutional guidelines, visit our library's website.

To ensure UNH successfully meets its obligations, Student Consumer Information is organized categorically and centrally located to promote convenient access to information necessary for consumers to make informed decisions about their education. The information on that website includes the following:

• Notice of Availability of Institutional and Financial Aid Information
• Contact Information for Assistance Obtaining Institutional and Financial Aid Information
• General Institutional Information
• Accreditation, Approval and Licensure of Institution and Programs
• Career and Job Placement Services
• Computer Use and File Sharing
• Copyright Infringement — Policies and Sanctions
• Educational Programs
• Facilities and Services Available to Students with Disabilities
• Faculty
• Instructional Facilities
• Instructional Platforms
• Net Price Calculator
• Cost of Attendance
• Privacy of Student Records — Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Refund Policy and Requirements for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid
• Student Body Diversity
• Textbook Information
• Transfer of Credit Policies and Articulation Agreements
• Student Activities
• Intercollegiate Athletic Program
• Voter Registration
• Student Outcomes
• Health and Safety — Campus Security Policies, Crime Statistics and Crime Log

As a community of scholars, our shared goal is to help all students be successful during their time at UNH and beyond. The rules and policies described here are essential to creating the conditions for that success. Please do not hesitate to contact me at dean.students@unh.edu if you have any questions about the information outlined in this email.

We wish you the best of luck for a successful and productive academic year!

Sincerely,

Michael Blackman
Dean of Students

Alexis Piñero-Benson
Director, Office of Community Standards

Message Sent: June 5, 2025
Recipients: All faculty and staff

Dear Fellow Wildcats:

With the academic year behind us, we are already looking to the future and welcoming our incoming class; June Orientation is upon us! New Student and Family Programs will host a series of one-day and two-day orientation sessions this month. You can find more information on orientation here .

Each Orientation session will end with UNH’s Become the Roar tradition. After their final program with their colleges, students will walk under the Thompson Hall arch to be greeted by their families and members of our community celebrating the start of their journey as Wildcats. We encourage any available students, faculty, and staff to join us in welcoming our new students.

To participate, meet the orientation staff outside of Thompson Hall at any of the following dates and times:

• June 11^th at 4:30pm
• June 14^th at 4:30pm
• June 18^th at 4:30pm
• June 21^st at 4:30pm
• June 25^th at 4:30pm
• June 27^th at 3:00pm

We are thrilled to welcome the newest members of our community to UNH. Thank you to all those who will be supporting orientation and our new students.

Michael Blackman
Dean of Students

Christa Ricker
Director of New Student and Family Programs

Message Sent: April 16, 2025
Recipients: All faculty

Dear Colleagues, 

As we approach the final weeks of the spring term, we are writing to remind everyone of the importance of promptly addressing and submitting reports of violations of UNH’s Academic Integrity policy when a grade penalty was issued. Timely reporting of formal resolutions (as defined by the policy) is critical to ensuring that all cases are managed effectively and fairly, while also upholding the standards of integrity that guide our academic community. 

While the policy does not specify a deadline for faculty to meet with students and report formal resolutions, addressing alleged violations promptly allows cases to be processed in a timely manner. Submitting formal violations promptly also benefits students by ensuring they can address the issue while the details of the incident are still fresh in their minds. Ideally, reports would be submitted no more than ten (10) days after faculty make a decision to assign a formal grade penalty. When too much time has passed, students may struggle to recall specifics or fully engage in the process, which can hinder their ability to reflect and learn from the experience. If violations occur on final projects or exams, if at all possible , it is ideal to submit the report prior to posting final grades for the course.  

As a reminder, if you observe a violation, you should offer to schedule a meeting with the student to inform the student of the alleged violation, share the evidence for the alleged violation, give them the opportunity to respond, and decide the appropriate course of action. All formal resolutions (any matters where a student is given a grade penalty) should be reported to the Office of Community Standards. The Office of Community Standards is also available for consultation on alleged violations at any point in the process. Informal resolutions (e.g. redoing the assignment, re-writing a portion of the assignment) are also an option available to faculty as deemed appropriate when the factors surrounding the violation are mitigating.  

For those concerned about student’s use of AI on course activities that conflict to policies outlined in syllabus/assignment, please use caution using AI detection software (including Turnitin) due to its frequent inaccuracies (for more info see the detection section of AI Basics). 
 
Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering a culture of academic integrity at UNH. 

Best regards, 

Matt MacManes
Interim Vice Provost Academic Affairs

Mike Blackman
Dean of Students

Message Sent: April 9, 2025
Recipients: All students, faculty, and staff

Dear UNH Community,

We hope you had a rejuvenating Spring Break and are feeling prepared as we approach the end of the semester. While this time of year can be exciting, we recognize that many students face unexpected challenges that make it difficult to focus on their education—particularly when struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship.

At UNH, we are committed to supporting students in meeting their basic needs so they can thrive academically and personally. Our Basic Needs Support program provides vital resources, including assistance with food, housing, financial wellness, technology access, clothing, and health services. We encourage you to explore these resources on our website and follow us on Instagram at @unhbasicneeds to stay connected.

The Reality of Basic Needs Insecurity at UNH and Beyond

• 45% of UNH students experience low or very low food security (National College Health Assessment, 2023).
• 69% percent of UNH students reported experiencing financial difficulties or challenges while enrolled. Among those students who said they had experienced those challenges, 41% said they had difficulty concentrating on their schoolwork because of their financial situation. (Trellis Survey, 2024)
• 76% percent of students reported working for pay at University of New Hampshire. 40% of these respondents work more than 40 hours a week. (Trellis Survey, 2024)
• 59% of college students across 91 institutions reported experiencing at least one form of basic needs insecurity (Hope Center Survey, 2024).
• 31% of adults and 39% of children in New Hampshire live in households struggling with food insecurity (NH Hunger Solutions, 2024).

Message Sent: April 1, 2025
Recipients: All students, faculty, and staff

Hello Students, Staff and Faculty, 

As we enter April and embrace the warmer weather, we also recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to deepen our understanding of interpersonal violence, explore available resources, and engage in prevention efforts. 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month dates back to the 1970s with the rise of rape crisis centers, the first Take Back the Night march in 1975. For years, UNH has honored this month with programs designed to support, uplift, and amplify the voices of survivors of interpersonal violence. Visit the SHARPP Center’s website to learn more and get involved. 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is also a time to reflect on the ongoing efforts at UNH to create a safer community. This past year, the SHARPP Center underwent a comprehensive program review to ensure its mission, services, and identity align with the evolving needs of the UNH community. This has included outreach and conversations with undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty, to identify unique needs, barriers, and considerations.  One response to the feedback obtained through this process is an updated name from the Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program (SHARPP) to the SHARPP Center for Interpersonal Violence Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy. This change more accurately reflects the program’s scope, reinforcing its commitment to survivor support, community education, and violence prevention. Visit the SHARPP Center's website to learn more about the SHARPP Center’s mission, how you can get involved, and upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness Month iniatives.  

Know that awareness months like these may remind us of our own need to connect with community resources: 

• The SHARPP Center, the Civil Rights & Equity Office and the University Police Department for students impacted by violence. 
• Options to report sexual misconduct and confidential support services
• The uSafeUS app developed by UNH’s Prevention Innovations and Research Center provides immediate links to UNH prevention and response resources 24/7.
• The Research Fieldwork Safety Program has been developing tools and resources to support the safety of researchers in off-campus or off-site research settings. 

Thank you for being part of a community that prioritizes safety, support, and education. Together, we can work toward a campus free from interpersonal violence. 

Sincerely, 

Bo Zaryckyj 
Title IX Coordinator 

Mike Blackman 
Dean of Students 

Rachel Stewart 
Director, SHARPP Center for Interpersonal Violence Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy  

Message Sent: January 28, 2025
Recipients: All students

Dear UNH Students,

Welcome back to campus! We hope your classes are off to a great start and that you’re settling in for an exciting and successful semester. As we begin the new year, we’re writing to update you on important federal legislation signed into law earlier this month—the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

This new law represents a significant step forward in the national effort to prevent hazing at colleges and universities across the country. At UNH, we have always taken hazing seriously, maintaining strong policies and educational programs to foster a culture of safety, respect, and accountability. The Stop Campus Hazing Act builds on these efforts by requiring institutions to enhance transparency, prioritize prevention, and ensure greater accountability.

Key elements of the law that will affect our campus include:

• Starting January 1, 2025, colleges are required to collect hazing statistics to include in the 2026 Annual Security Report. At UNH, the Office of Community Standards has already positioned us to ensure that aggregate data related to reported hazing charges and findings are shared with the University Police Department who oversees the Annual Security Report.
• By June 2025, we will update our policies to align with the law's new definitions of hazing and student organizations, while still meeting compliance under NH state law RSA §631:7
• By July 2025, colleges are required to establish a process for reporting, investigating and adjudicating allegations of hazing. At UNH, we already have processes for addressing these concerns for recognized student organizations.
• By December 23, 2025, we will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizing the reported incident and alleged violations, the date of the incident and investigation, and a description of the findings and any sanctions imposed.

Any individual who has witnessed or experienced hazing can submit reports online through the Office of Community Standards website or anonymously via the Hazing Hotline at (603) 862-3686.

This new legislation reflects a nationwide commitment to ensuring student safety, and we encourage each of you to continue fostering a culture of respect and care within our community. Hazing has no
place at UNH.

Wishing you the best in the upcoming semester.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Holmes
Vice President of Student Life

Michael Blackman
Dean of Students

Alexis Piñero-Benson
Director, Office of Community Standards

Message Sent: December 2, 2024
Recipients: All students

Dear Students,

I’m writing to follow up on the UNH Alert regarding Alex Garcia, a student who has been missing since November 21. Although I do not have updates regarding Alex at this time, I know the alert may have left you with questions and concerns, and I’m hoping to address some of them. I also want to share my gratitude to all who have expressed their love, concern, and care for Alex. Alex is a valued member of our community, representing our UNH Air Force ROTC program, a group of dedicated students who I know are feeling the weight of his absence. Our entire community is wishing for Alex’s safe return.

Some have asked if there is anything that they can do to help and if others in the community should take any precautions. The Durham Police Department is working closely with our University Police Department, and we believe they are doing everything they can. The police have stated that they do not believe foul play is involved in Alex’s disappearance, and we do not have any information to suggest that Alex’s disappearance would mean that others are at risk. The only request from the police is for anyone who was in touch with Alex after November 21 to contact detective@ci.durham.nh.us. Other than that, please trust that our police partners in Durham will continue to handle the situation with thoroughness, professionalism, and care.

Some have asked when they’ll hear more. We will absolutely share major updates with our community as we have them. Please know that situations like this can sometimes take a long time to resolve. The uncertainty can be hard, and I want to prepare you all that we might not know more for a while.

Please keep in mind the importance of seeking support in moments of uncertainty such as this one; whether friends, loved ones, or resources on-campus. Psychological and Counseling Services (603.862.2090) offers 24/7 help, and our Chaplain and Spiritual Life Association is here for you too. You can also contact me directly if you need additional support or if you are close with Alex and need help navigating your academics during this time.

Take care of yourselves and each other. Let’s continue to send our positive thoughts to Alex and his family during this challenging time.

With care,

Michael Blackman
Dean of Students

Message Sent: October 1, 2024
Recipients: All students

Hello, Wildcats! 

As we settle into the rhythm of the fall semester, I hope you're finding your classes engaging and your campus life fulfilling. Our vibrant campus will remain active as the general election approaches, and we encourage you to exercise your right to vote in this year’s state and federal elections. Here’s some crucial information to help you in that process: 

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 5.  
• Voting Options: Vote by absentee ballot in your hometown or vote in NH using your college address.
• UNH Transit Shuttles: They will be available on November 5 starting at 7 a.m., with pickups at Holloway Commons and Garrison Ave.  
• UNH Votes Website: A helpful resource for information about NH and the US elections. 

If you’re planning to vote in Durham and need to register using your UNH address, we are partnering with the Town of Durham to offer three on-campus voter registration opportunities including one TODAY in Philbrook:  

• Tuesday, October 1: 11am - 1:30pm in Philbrook Hall
• Thursday, October 10: 11am - 1:30pm in Holloway Commons
• Tuesday, October 15: 11am - 1:30pm in Holloway Commons 

If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, you can find information for registering in Durham here and you can also register at the polls on Election Day. 

Recent legislation in New Hampshire has introduced changes to voter registration, but these changes will not take effect until after this year’s election. The information provided below remains accurate for the current election cycle. 

Registering to vote in Durham requires you to prove:  

• Your identity 
• Domicile (address in Durham) 
• Age (18+) 
• US Citizenship  

Visit our UNH Votes page for more information about how to provide this proof and for details regarding voting in another state. With the election approaching, we encourage all students to make a voting plan as soon as possible, as registration deadlines and requirements vary by state. 

As the election approaches, expect increased political activity on campuses nationwide. Earlier this year, we sent you frequently asked questions and resources on the topic of your rights, campus demonstrations, and political candidates on-campus. Visit the Community Standards website for detailed information regarding your rights and responsibilities and the Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy for our policy and guidelines in full. 

At UNH, we believe in letting students’ voices be heard. Your voice matters. If you are eligible, vote in the country’s political process. Every ballot counts, and your participation can shape the future. We hope you will join us in this important election. 

Michael Blackman 
Dean of Students 

Christian Katumba
Student Body President 

Message Sent: September 3, 2024
Recipients: All students

Hello Wildcats,  

The beginning of the school year is always filled with anticipation and energy, and this year adds an extra dimension of excitement as we navigate the dynamics and opportunities of a national election together.  

New Hampshire’s primary date is a week from today on September 10th, almost two months in advance of the general election on November 5th. As a university committed to educating and developing our students to be civically and democratically engaged citizens, we encourage everyone to take part in this election. If you are unsure about voter eligibility and registration requirements or if you haven’t yet made a plan to vote here in the Granite State or your home state, find more information about voting on the UNH Votes website.  

New Hampshire often attracts considerable national attention during the election season, and as the general election nears, we can expect a surge in political activity across colleges and universities nationwide. While this time can be exhilarating, it may also bring a heightened sense of intensity and debate. 

We encourage everyone to build their capacity to tolerate contrary viewpoints and work constructively with those they disagree with both on and off-campus.  Students often ask about their rights and responsibilities related to expressive activities and demonstrations, as well as UNH’s role in politics, including when politicians speak on our campus. To help with this, we've put together some frequently asked questions  and informative resources on the topic of engaging with different viewpoints. Visit the Community Standards website for detailed information regarding your rights and responsibilities and the Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy for our policy and guidelines in full. 

While our Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy reflects constitutional parameters as a public institution, it should be viewed as an open invitation to role model and participate in critical inquiry, self-reflection and productive discourse.  

Thank you for taking the time to read and we wish you a fantastic start to the academic year.  

Sincerely,  

Michael Blackman   
Dean of Students  

Christian Katumba 
Undergraduate Student Body President  

Message Sent: August 27, 2024
Recipients: All students

Dear Students, 

The start of another academic year at UNH, with all its enthusiasm and energy, is underway. Whether you are beginning or continuing your studies, we are thrilled you chose to be part of our vibrant Wildcat community.

At the beginning of the academic year, essential information is widely communicated across our campuses to ensure all students are well-informed of the rights and obligations that guide our community. The information unites us in a shared understanding and is intended to connect you to available resources, offices and leaders to help you achieve your educational goals.

Student Responsibilities and Community Principles

All who work, live, and study at UNH are here by choice; therefore, it is imperative that everyone uphold the highest standards of mutual respect and integrity.

• The 2024-2025 Student Rights, Rules and Responsibilities Handbook is available online. This document is the University’s official compendium for the Student Code of Conduct, cornerstone student policies and expected standards of behavior. The “S.R.R.R.” also serves as the companion document for the Undergraduate Academic Catalog, Graduate Academic Catalog, and the Law School Academic Catalog.
• The Student Code of Conduct is the governing document that brings the University and all students who might be affected by policies, obligations, responsibilities, rights, and privileges pertaining therein, into agreement with its standards for acceptable behavior. So long as the student maintains an ongoing educational relationship, the Code’s jurisdiction covers behavior on and off-campus and extends to any education program, curricular and co-curricular activity, in locations, events, and circumstances in which the University exercises substantial control. 

The Office of Community Standards serves as a central resource to educate students on the rights and responsibilities of community membership and cultivate meaningful opportunities for accountability, reflection and learning. Alexis Piñero-Benson serves as the Director of the OCS and the University’s Chief Student Conduct Officer with responsibilities for overseeing alternative and conflict resolution programs and administering the university-wide conduct system when individuals are accused of engaging in prohibited academic or non-academic conduct.

The community plays an important role in ensuring the safety and security of our members. If you witnessed, have information or have been harmed by a negative experience, please report this issue to Community Standards through our online reporting system, in person at Hitchcock Hall (ground level) or via email at community.standards@unh.edu.

Annually, students, stakeholders and key leadership broadly engage policy owners and provide input and feedback about existing policies that govern our communities. It is only through this democratic mechanism of trust, collaboration and transparency, that we’re able to execute a comprehensive policy review and revision process. Some important policy changes are highlighted below:

• As New Hampshire’s flagship public research university, UNH is bound by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. In 23-24, the Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent was developed to expressly outline the fundamental rights and protections students have to free expression and speech. This page provides a resource to students to understand the privileges the First Amendment affords, applicable restrictions, as well as resources and answers to commonly asked questions about Free Speech and Lawful Assembly.
• The newly published Manual and Motorized Personal Transportation Device policy was developed to encourage safe shared use of transportation infrastructure including roads, walkways and pathways around campus and town in a manner that protects the safety of all riders, motorists, and pedestrians. This collective effort responds to the many safety concerns and questions on permissible use related to the emergence of "e-scooters" and other mobility devices, that the (now discontinued) Bicycles and Micro-Mobility did not cover.
• The Academic Integrity Policy provides students with principles, rules and boundaries for engaging in classroom activities and completion of academic assessments that do not misrepresent their work, knowledge, or achievement, or gain an unfair advantage in the education process. In 23-24, the policy clarified expectations regarding permissible collaboration and use of sources like generative artificial intelligence and computer-generated text applications.
• In response to student feedback about required absences from classes the University’s policy on Class Attendance has been updated to affirm that jury duty, required military service, and participation in official adaptive sports events facilitated by Northeast Passage are legitimate reasons for absence that must be excused by faculty.

Additional information about policy changes across the University is available on the Dean of Students website. 

Civil Rights and Equity

The Civil Rights & Equity Office (CREO) is responsible for oversight of the University’s compliance efforts regarding equal employment opportunity, Title IX, disability laws and regulations, religious accommodations, pregnant & parenting modifications & accommodations, and biases response aimed at creating a welcoming and equitable campus. .

The Director of CREO, Bo Zaryckyj, also serves as the University’s Title IX Coordinator and is designated to ensure coordinated institutional compliance with Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits universities from excluding students from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination on the basis of sex under any education program or activity. New TIX regulations were issued on April 26, 2024, with an effective date of August 1, 2024. A temporary injunction was recently granted by a federal judge, which prevents many states and specific higher education institutions from implementing the 2024 Title IX regulations. UNH is one of those institutions, therefore the University will continue to apply the 2020 TIX regulations.

Bo also serves as the University’s ADA Coordinator and works to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act that promotes equal access for people with disabilities and protects them from discrimination. He can be contacted via email at bo.zaryckyj@unh.edu or by phone during regular business hours (603) 862-2930.

Deputy Title IX Coordinators have been designated at our component campuses to assist with the management and implementation of Title IX responsibilities. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator for students enrolled at the UNH College of Professional Studies in Manchester is Lisa Enright, Assistant Dean of Student Success (lisa.enright@unh.edu). The Deputy Title IX Coordinator for students enrolled at the Franklin Pierce School of Law is Lauren Berger, Assistant Dean of Students (lauren.berger@law.unh.edu).

UNH provides a variety of options to report acts of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, bias and hate crimes, or retaliation, so that each person may choose a path for response best suited to their particular situation.  Students who wish to request religious accommodations or pregnancy modifications or accommodations can do so at the CREO website.

Misuse of Network Connection 

The University provides IT resources to students and members of the University community in accordance with its Acceptable Use Policy. Using those resources is a privilege subject to compliance with that policy and the instructions of IT staff. 

The Higher Education Opportunity Act and Student Consumer Information 

In 2008, the Department of Education enacted the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) which is a public law that mandates disclosure and reporting requirements for colleges and universities participating in federal student financial aid programs under Title IV. The HEOA also requires that institutions explicitly inform students that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer‐ to‐peer file sharing, may subject you to civil and criminal liabilities. For more information regarding penalties for violations of copyright laws and institutional guidelines, visit our library’s website.

To ensure that UNH successfully meets its obligations, Student Consumer Information is organized categorically and centrally located to promote convenient access to information necessary for consumers to make informed decisions about their education.

A summary guide of applicable information includes the following:

• Notice of Availability of Institutional and Financial Aid Information
• Contact Information for Assistance Obtaining Institutional and Financial Aid Information
• General Institutional Information
• Accreditation, Approval and Licensure of Institution and Programs
• Career and Job Placement Services
• Computer Use and File Sharing
• Copyright Infringement – Policies and Sanctions
• Educational Programs
• Facilities and Services Available to Students with Disabilities
• Faculty
• Instructional Facilities
• Instructional Platforms
• Net Price Calculator
• Cost of Attendance
• Privacy of Student Records −Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Refund Policy and Requirements for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid
• Student Body Diversity
• Textbook Information
• Transfer of Credit Policies and Articulation Agreements
• Student Activities
• Intercollegiate Athletic Program
• Voter Registration
• Student Outcomes
• Health and Safety – Campus Security Policies, Crime Statistics and Crime Log

As a community of scholars, our shared goal is to help all students be successful during their time at UNH and beyond. The rules and policies described here are essential to creating the conditions for that success.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at dean.students@unh.edu if you have any questions about the information outlined in this email.  

We wish you the best of luck for a successful and productive academic year!

Sincerely, 

Michael Blackman  
Dean of Students 

Alexis Piñero-Benson 
Director, Office of Community Standards