UPWARD BOUND EXPECTATIONS/POLICIES:
No Discount Policy, Respect, and Harassment
Upward Bound sets high expectations for behavior and performance. The No Discount Policy helps to ensure that all students and staff are treated with respect, civility, and fairness. It also creates a community where everyone feels encouraged to pursue their own personal and academic growth. The No Discount Policy is simple but is not always simple to do. (That’s why we have #4!)
- You will not discount (or diss) yourself
- You will not discount others
- You will not discount the program
- You will help others to follow the No Discount Policy
Bullying or harassing behavior (via texting, cyberspace, or in-person means) will not be tolerated. Students found to be participating in behavior that targets other students in this way may be asked to leave the program for a designated period, to be determined by a director.
Students, faculty, and staff have a right to safety while at Upward Bound. Physical threats, intimidation, and violence, while not a common occurrence at UB, will not be tolerated. Students engaging in such behaviors will be suspended from the summer program for a period to be determined by a director.
Restorative Interventions
In situations where a student’s behavior fails to meet program expectations or results in harm to self, others, or the program/College, the student may be asked to participate in a Restorative Intervention to determine what happened, the impact of the behavior on others, and what steps the student needs to take to repair the harm. When necessary, this intervention may also accompany suspension or dismissal depending on the situation.
Participation
All students are expected to participate fully in the sessions. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and events unless excused by program staff. With advance parent permission students may leave campus or event with an approved family member or friend. We ask students to honor their commitment to fully participate. If a student knows in advance that they may need to be away for any part of a session, the student is required to seek advance permission.
Major Rules
The following program rules are firm and non-negotiable: Any violation will mean an automatic suspension for the balance of the summer program.
- There is to be no drinking or buying alcohol, or being in the presence of someone who has alcohol. Students will be sent home if they are found with any alcoholic beverage in their presence, even if they are not the one drinking. A student who returns to campus under the influence of alcohol is also subject to dismissal.
- There are no illegal drugs allowed. A student who is found to be in the possession or presence of any illegal drugs will be sent home. A student who returns to campus under the influence of an illegal substance is also subject to dismissal. If a student has a prescription medicine, the nurse needs to be informed of the prescription. In general, all students are expected to turn their medications (prescriptions and over-the-counter meds) into the NURSE who will dispense.
- Students are not allowed to accept rides from anyone who isn’t an Upward Bound staff person unless his or her parent/guardian has given permission by listing them on the Ride Clearance Form. If a student is seen riding with someone without permission, he or she will be sent home.
Smoking Policy: UB and Bowdoin College maintain a smoke-free and vape-free environment. Students (whatever their age) may not smoke or vape in Bowdoin buildings or on the college campus or at any UB gathering.
NOTE: The above rules are based on Maine State Law and our responsibility to parents and guardians to ensure the safety of all students while in residence and are in effect for events during the school year as well the summer.
Transportation/Ride Clearance: Upward Bound will provide rides to and from sessions for all students needing transportation. Prior to the beginning of the program, we will send you a detailed transportation schedule explaining when/where we will pick up students in your community. We ask that all families complete the form even if you will be driving your student to and from sessions to ensure safety and to provide parent/guardian consent for any individual who may transport your child, who is not employed by UB or Bowdoin College.
Health & Wellness: Please complete the enclosed health forms to help us meet your student’s health needs. During the residential session, UB will provide free Nurse/Clinic Hours on weekday mornings from 8:00 – 9:30 am. At all sessions, day and residential, students are required to provide all their medications, including over the counter, to the staff to ensure safe-keeping and appropriate med distribution.
Technology Use (Cell Phone, tablets, laptops, Learning Management System & college computers): Please complete the enclosed Technology Use Agreement form. To maintain a respectful community, we require all students and staff to adhere to our responsible use policies.
COVID-19 Safety: Upward Bound follows Bowdoin College and CDC guidelines. While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to participate in residential programs, students may be required to participate in routine Covid testing. Please complete the enclosed Covid Screening Agreement. Students experiencing any symptoms related to Covid-19 or who have been in close contact with someone who has Covid-19 on arrival day should stay home and contact their UB advisor for instruction. Students who have symptoms while in residence may be quarantined or be required to leave the program. Masking may be required in some venues. Further information will be shared with students and parents as policies adapt to local guidance and we are closer to the summer sessions.
MAILING ADDRESS & PHONE FOR RESIDENTIAL SESSION:
Students may receive mail and packages at the following address during the residential sessions:
Student’s Name
Upward Bound
Bowdoin College
3400 College Station
Brunswick, Maine 04011
Phone Contacts:
- Bowdoin College Security emergency line: 1-207-725-3500.
- Non-emergency calls: UB director, Bridget Mullen: 207-725-3104
A few words about calls/messages/texts to students during the residential session: it is not uncommon for students to be homesick during their first few days. Please anticipate this and talk as a family about how you will all respond. If a parent/guardian receives messages from a student that causes them concern, please call a UB director. Often, homesickness passes within a few days. We will keep an eye out for any ongoing signs and keep parents informed. If a student is asking to leave the session, we ask that parents speak with the director 48 hours prior to making any arrangements to pick a student up. On the other hand, if you do not hear from your child, you probably shouldn’t be too concerned. No news is usually good news. One other note -- sometimes a lot of contact from home can make even the most independent student feel a bit more homesick or distracted from meeting new friends. We recommend a light touch with the amount of messaging and calls.
FREE TIME DURING RESIDENTIAL SESSION: During the residential session, students are enrolled in daytime classes and workshops. Students generally have free time scheduled from 3:00pm – 5:30pm and for one hour after dinner, when they may use the game room, library, relax in their dorm. Provided that they sign in and out with staff, students may walk off campus in Brunswick with a buddy from 3:30-5 pm. From 7:00 p.m. until dorm check-in, students are involved in structured workshops or activities.