Main Menu

Rights & Responsibilities

As a Resident Dining Plan Member, You Have the Right:

  • To visit any dining hall as many times per day as you wish.
  • To enjoy any offerings on the menu available to you.
  • To consult with the Nutritionist and Senior Executive Chef regarding special dietary needs, such as allergies or intolerances.
  • To be assured that food is prepared using the published ingredients, cooking methods, and safety precautions.
  • To expect due process if accused of misconduct.
  • To expect that fellow diners will behave respectfully, acknowledging your rightful place in the community.
  • To expect others to adhere to the University of Maryland Student Code of Conduct and the Dining Services Rules.

As a Resident Dining Plan Member, You Have the Responsibility:

  • To conduct yourself according to the Dining Services Rules and the University of Maryland Student Code of Conduct.
  • To familiarize yourself with the rules governing your conduct in dining facilities.
  • To behave in a manner that respects the rights of other students in the dining halls.
  • To respond promptly to inquiries by University Officials about your conduct.
  • To address and confront others whose behavior violates your rights.
  • To participate truthfully and cooperatively in fact-finding proceedings concerning conduct violations.

Dining Hall Rules and Behavioral Boundaries

The Dining Services Rules are essential for maintaining safety, order, and respect in the dining halls, cafés, markets and shops, restaurants, and surrounding areas. These rules are enforced by the Department of Dining Services, the Department of Resident Life, and the Office of Student Conduct. Violations are addressed according to the University of Maryland Code of Student Conduct.

Each rule is designed to prohibit behaviors that could be dangerous, disruptive, illegal, or contrary to the responsibilities of students within the academic community. Violations are adjudicated with consideration of the intent behind the action. The intent can be categorized as:

  • Willful: The violation was the direct result of deliberate intent.
  • Reckless: The violation was unintentional but resulted from other willful violations.
  • Negligent: The violation was not intended but could have been foreseen by a reasonable person.

Prohibited Conduct in Dining Areas

  1. Theft of Food or Equipment:

    • Removing food, beverages, or any equipment (including tableware) from the dining hall is considered theft and is adjudicated under the University of Maryland Code of Student Conduct.

  2. Sharing Food with Non-Residents:

    • Sharing dining hall food with anyone who is not a dining plan member or paid guest is considered theft and will be handled in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.

  3. Unauthorized Access:

    • Providing unauthorized access to a dining hall for anyone who is not a dining plan member or paid guest is considered theft and subject to sanctions under the Code of Student Conduct.

  4. Alcohol Consumption:

    • Consuming alcoholic beverages in dining halls is prohibited. Alcohol may be consumed in athletic venues and catered events, in accordance with the University of Maryland’s alcohol policies and Prince George’s County regulations. Underage drinking is always prohibited.

  5. Unauthorized Entry into Restricted Areas:

    • Unauthorized entry into secured or restricted Dining Services spaces is prohibited.

Violations of Law and Additional Sanctions

Some violations may also violate state and federal laws. In such cases, the University Police may be involved for possible legal investigation.

These rules help ensure the safety, integrity, and orderly functioning of Dining Services for all students and community members.

Dining Services is protective of the resident dining experience and strives to minimize outside impingement on residents while in campus dining halls, cafés, convenience shops and restaurants.

Posting:

  • Signs or flyers about programs, organizations, or services (including student organizations) may not be posted in dining hall spaces or common areas.
  • Dining Services may, at its discretion, post information about select all-campus initiatives.
  • No postings of any kind are allowed on exterior or interior walls, doors, columns, or around the dining halls (including on the ground, sidewalks, benches, signs, or lampposts). Any improperly placed postings will be removed by Dining Services staff.

Solicitation and Canvassing:

  • Soliciting or canvassing is prohibited in dining halls, cafés, convenience shops, and restaurants by anyone, including students and commercial salespeople.
  • If approached by someone in a dining space and you do not wish to engage with them, ask them to leave your table. If they persist, report the incident to the manager on duty. This applies to all groups, including commercial, political, religious, academic, social, and student organizations.

Photography:

  • Students or others wishing to film or photograph in dining facilities for projects must contact Dining Services (DS) Marketing at ds-marketing@umd.edu or call 301-314-9413 to get approval and ensure understanding of the guidelines.
  • Guidelines for photography include:
    • No interviews with customers inside the facilities (interviews must take place at least 15 feet away from the entrance).
    • No interference with the regular flow of business—equipment and crew must not obstruct customer service or employees at their workstations.
    • Permission from staff members is required before photographing them. Staff can decline participation for any reason, and interviews can only take place on manager-approved breaks away from workstations.
    • Photographers must provide information about the crew size, equipment, date, time, and location of the filming.

Tabling Outside the Dining Halls:

  • No tabling is allowed inside dining halls. Space outside the dining halls is also not designated as an approved tabling space. Dining Services does not supply tables, chairs, etc. for tabling purposes. 
  • Any individuals or groups closer than 15 feet from the dining hall entrance or who impede access will be removed.
  • Approved tabling spaces are available in front of the Stamp Student Union.
Back to Top