NEWS
UW to evaluate code of conduct
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Cassie Kornblau:
- Incumbent Kind knocks down Barrett challenge (November 5, 2008)
- Supporting McCain amid Obamamania (October 27, 2008)
- Social media conquer politics (October 23, 2008)
- UW fundraising shaken (October 22, 2008)
- The graying of UW faculty (October 9, 2008)
Related Stories:
- Police crack down on UWM parties (February 7, 2005)
- Public debates student policy (May 9, 2007)
- Dean of Students, PACE work for new code of conduct (April 28, 2004)
- Indiana University students involved in porn filming could face repercussions (October 25, 2002)
- Forum yields conduct critique (March 5, 2008)
Share This:
by Cassie Kornblau
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Problems in neighborhoods surrounding the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus have caused the UW System to consider revising its code of conduct.
Currently, UW institutions can only discipline students for both academic and non-academic misconduct on campus, UW-Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The only exception to the rule comes when student-to-student assaults happen off campus.
This December, the UW System formed a committee to propose recommendations on how to expand its students conduct code.
The code could expand its coverage beyond campus for alcohol and drug-related offenses and criminal activities.
This news comes as the Madison Police Department released a report last week revealing violent crimes — such as homicides, robberies and rape — increased in Madison by 16.5 percent from 2005 to 2006.
Associated Students of Madison Chair Dylan Rath said he thinks there could be other solutions to consider before expanding disciplinary action to off-campus areas.
"I do not see how it will improve safety on campus," Rath said. "It seems inconsistent to start monitoring off-campus areas and apply university rules."
Students, Rath said, lead two separate and distinct lives — academic lives on campus and residential and social lives off campus.
The initiative, Rath said, could eliminate that distinction and reduce students' overall privacy.
UW sophomore Alyson Beckman said she did not believe the university should punish students unless they were physically on UW property.
"I think it is unrealistic for UW to expect college students to be on their best behavior all of the time and act like little angels," Beckman said. "At the end of the day, we are all kids in our 20s — young adults — who should not have to fear punishment."
Beckman added the university should only intervene in off-campus matters if a student is harming another student. At that point, Beckman said it should be dealt with by the administration.
— The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.
Anonymous (March 28, 2007 @ 7:26am):
Students, trust me...you do NOT want this!
I agree with Rath and Beckman.
This means the University would get involved when you are cited for a noise complaint.
Plus, the University would be spreading its resources too thinly over too big of an area. Campus police can focus on campus. Madison police can handle Madison issues off-campus. Like Rath says, how would this help campus safety???
I believe students should be punished for violent crimes, alcohol violations, vandalism, illegal drug usage, fake ids, underage drinking etc. HOWEVER, I don't need that on my academic record and have it tracked during my college career!!
Anonymous (March 28, 2007 @ 9:51am):
so where does the limit end? Can the University start having a code of conduct when I go home to California for Spring Break? They're trying to frame it as a safety initiative but really they just want more control over us.
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
