Key to UB Student Handbook
The official guide to university life, academic integrity, residential community standards, and student resources at University of Bridgeport.
Greetings from the President
Welcome to University of Bridgeport. As each new academic year begins, our seaside campus hums with scholars from across Connecticut, the United States, and more than 80 countries worldwide. Our community thrives because we foster respect, personal responsibility, and open intellectual inquiry.
By choosing University of Bridgeport, you join a vibrant community dedicated to your personal and professional growth. Our faculty, staff, and student leadership are committed to ensuring you have the support and resources necessary to achieve your educational goals. We encourage you to become active in campus organizations, engage in community service, and participate fully in the academic life of the university.
- President Danielle Wilken, Ed.D., President, University of Bridgeport
- Official student policy repository updated annually by the Office of the Dean of Students
- Applicable to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across all campuses
University Regulations & Guidelines
Official Handbook Chapters
Select any chapter below to explore official university policies, academic rights, community standards, and campus resources.
Chapter 1: Student Support, Facilities & Campus Services
Chapter 1 details the core university operations, student services, and campus amenities that support your day-to-day academic and residential experience at University of Bridgeport.
Academic & Personal Support
- Wahlstrom Library: Multi-floor study zones, digital research archives, and tech lending
- Accessibility Services: Comprehensive academic and housing accommodations under ADA/504
- Counseling Services: Confidential individual counseling, wellness groups, and crisis response
- CARE Team: Proactive intervention network coordinating resources for students in distress
Campus Life & Operations
- Bursar & Financial Aid: Tuition billing, payment plans, and scholarship disbursement
- Campus Security: 24/7/365 active dispatch, walking escorts, and blue-light stations
- Dining Services & Meal Plans: Marina Dining Hall, Student Center cafe, and Knight Market
- Student Mail Center: Full-service package reception and postal services for residents
Key Service Contacts
Chapter 2: Academic Integrity, Grading & Scholastic Rights
University of Bridgeport fosters high standards of scholarship, research ethics, and intellectual inquiry. Chapter 2 governs classroom expectations, grading scales, academic standing, and formal grievance processes.
Code of Academic Integrity
- Prohibition of plagiarism, fabrication, and unauthorized AI or third-party assistance
- Faculty incident report filing procedures and informal resolution opportunities
- Academic Disciplinary Board hearings and due process protections for students
- Scholastic penalties ranging from grade reduction to suspension or degree revocation
Academic Policies & Standing
- Undergraduate and graduate GPA scales, Dean’s List, and graduation honors benchmarks
- Academic warning, probation, and disqualification review criteria each semester
- Course add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines outlined on the academic calendar
- Grade appeals protocol requiring formal consultation with department chairs
Academic Authorities
Chapter 3: Campus Organizations, Leadership & Athletics
Vibrant campus life is central to the Bridgeport experience. Chapter 3 outlines the guidelines for student governance, cultural organizations, professional societies, and varsity athletics.
Clubs & Governance
- Student Government Association (SGA): Representation, voting rights, and club funding
- Clubs & Organizations: Recognition requirements, faculty advising, and event planning
- Greek Life: Community service, academic standards, and national affiliation criteria
- Civic Engagement: Community outreach, volunteering, and leadership certificate tracks
Recreation & Athletics
- NCAA Division II Purple Knights athletics: Eligibility rules and student-athlete handbook
- Wheeler Recreation Center: Fitness facilities, basketball courts, and pool regulations
- Intramural & Club Sports: Competitive tournaments, team registration, and safety codes
- Bauer Hall Innovation Center: Student startup venture contests and workshop space
Involvement Hubs
Chapter 4: Residence Hall Living & Community Standards
Living on campus provides unique opportunities for personal growth and community building. Chapter 4 outlines the rights, responsibilities, and housing policies for all campus residents.
Community Living Standards
- Terms of occupancy and license agreements for Bodine, Barnum, Chaffee, Cooper, and Seeley
- Quiet hours and courtesy hours policy ensuring an environment conducive to study
- Guest registration protocols and overnight visitor safety regulations
- Room entry, safety inspections, and maintenance service request guidelines
Safety & Facility Rules
- Prohibited items: Hot plates, open flames, space heaters, and unauthorized electrical devices
- Fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures, and mandatory fire drill participation
- Room lockouts, key replacement fees, and exterior residence hall access control
- End-of-term move-out procedures, room condition reports, and damage fee assessments
Housing Resources
Chapter 5: Student Code of Conduct & Judicial Process
All students are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect for the rights of others. Chapter 5 details prohibited conduct, investigative procedures, and due process guarantees.
Standards of Conduct
- Prohibited personal conduct: Disorderly conduct, harassment, hazing, and physical harm
- Property standards: Theft, vandalism, unauthorized entry, and misuse of university property
- Substance regulations: Compliance with federal drug-free and state alcohol regulations
- Technology policies: Acceptable use of campus digital networks and computing systems
Disciplinary Due Process
- Incident reporting and preliminary administrative investigation procedures
- Notice of charges, rights to an advisor, and standard of evidence (preponderance)
- Administrative hearings, hearing officer authority, and disciplinary board panels
- Sanctions ranging from formal warnings to community restitution, probation, and suspension
Conduct Offices
Chapter 6: Title IX, FERPA, Civil Rights & Institutional Disclosures
Chapter 6 compiles institutional policies enacted in compliance with federal and state laws that protect the safety, civil rights, and privacy of all university community members.
Civil Rights & Title IX
- Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, Stalking, and Non-Discrimination
- Confidential reporting options vs. mandatory reporters and Title IX Coordinator contacts
- Interim protective measures including no-contact orders and academic accommodations
- Formal grievance process, independent investigation, and cross-examination hearings
Privacy & Campus Disclosures
- FERPA regulations protecting student academic records and parental disclosure limits
- Clery Act compliance: Annual Security & Fire Safety Reports and public crime logs
- Smoke-free and vape-free campus environment policy across all facilities
- Motor vehicle registration, parking rules, and blue placard disability spaces
Compliance Offices
Frequently Referenced Policies & Quick Guides
Academic Integrity Policy & Due Process
Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Any act of plagiarism, unauthorized assistance on examinations, or alteration of official records will result in disciplinary action. Faculty submit an Academic Incident Report to the Dean of Students. Sanctions range from mandatory educational workshops and course grade reduction to academic suspension.
Alcohol, Drug & Smoke-Free Campus Regulations
University of Bridgeport is a drug-free institution. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited. Use or possession of cannabis or illicit controlled substances is prohibited on all university property. All campus buildings, residence halls, and outdoor athletic facilities are smoke-free and vape-free.
Campus Parking & Vehicle Registration Guidelines
All motor vehicles operated on campus by students, faculty, and staff must be registered with Campus Security and display a valid parking permit placard. Parking permits are available online through the Campus Safety parking portal. Vehicles parked in fire lanes, unauthorized zones, or handicap spaces without proper permits are subject to immediate towing at the owner’s expense.
FERPA Student Privacy & Parental Disclosure Rules
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students rights with respect to their education records. Students must authorize third parties, including parents and guardians, through an official signed release form before academic standing, grades, or disciplinary records may be disclosed to anyone outside university officials with legitimate educational interests.
Incident Reporting, CARE Team & 24/7 Campus Support
If you observe an emergency, notice concerning student behavior, or experience an incident that violates university community standards, immediate support is available. The university CARE Team coordinates compassionate, individualized support for students experiencing personal, emotional, or academic crises.
Office of the Dean of Students
Our staff advocates for student well-being, upholds community standards, and supports your collegiate success.