Forum to discuss code
Jessica Rapp
Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: News
Empty beer bottles scattered on the countertop might suggest a celebration. But some students aren't celebrating the University's current method for dealing with students who violate the alcohol policy.
Student Senate will host a forum Nov. 12 to give students the chance to discuss revisions for the Student Conduct Code. The Board of Governors approves revisions to the code every three years and closely considers Senate suggestions.
Senate member sophomore JoEllen Flanagan has met with Dean of Student Affairs Lou Ann Gilchrist to discuss what Senate feasibly can change in the code and to gather student feedback. She said she has put much of her focus toward revising the Good Samaritan policy because that is what has attracted the most concern.
Under the Good Samaritan Policy, if a student has reported a friend who is under the influence of alcohol and in need of help, the University upholds the right to prosecute under the code but will consider overlooking the offense depending on the situation.
Flanagan said she thinks a policy that guarantees the protection of students would be beneficial. The amnesty policy would prevent the student aiding a friend from getting in trouble with the University, eliminating the fear that students might have to make a tough decision, she said.
"Students should feel comfortable enough to report that someone ... is physically ill to the point of having alcohol poisoning," she said. "That's not a safe environment. That's not good. That's not conducive to growth, it's not conducive to development and it's the exact opposite of what this University should be trying to do."
A policy that leaves intoxicated friends nervous to report an incident might be problematic in reporting a sexual assault case, she said. Flanagan said she's found from talking to representatives of the Women's Resource Center that women who report a sexual assault will often go to the police but that the police will concentrate on whether or not the student qualifies for an MIP before taking care of the situation.
Student Senate will host a forum Nov. 12 to give students the chance to discuss revisions for the Student Conduct Code. The Board of Governors approves revisions to the code every three years and closely considers Senate suggestions.
Senate member sophomore JoEllen Flanagan has met with Dean of Student Affairs Lou Ann Gilchrist to discuss what Senate feasibly can change in the code and to gather student feedback. She said she has put much of her focus toward revising the Good Samaritan policy because that is what has attracted the most concern.
Under the Good Samaritan Policy, if a student has reported a friend who is under the influence of alcohol and in need of help, the University upholds the right to prosecute under the code but will consider overlooking the offense depending on the situation.
Flanagan said she thinks a policy that guarantees the protection of students would be beneficial. The amnesty policy would prevent the student aiding a friend from getting in trouble with the University, eliminating the fear that students might have to make a tough decision, she said.
"Students should feel comfortable enough to report that someone ... is physically ill to the point of having alcohol poisoning," she said. "That's not a safe environment. That's not good. That's not conducive to growth, it's not conducive to development and it's the exact opposite of what this University should be trying to do."
A policy that leaves intoxicated friends nervous to report an incident might be problematic in reporting a sexual assault case, she said. Flanagan said she's found from talking to representatives of the Women's Resource Center that women who report a sexual assault will often go to the police but that the police will concentrate on whether or not the student qualifies for an MIP before taking care of the situation.
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