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OPINION & EDITORIAL

Students should respond to bogus policy proposal

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by Letters to the Editor

Monday, March 10, 2008

Last week, the Board of Regents released proposed revisions to Chapter 17 of the University of Wisconsin System Code of Conduct policy, and the review committee is looking for comments. Many students are unaware of Chapter 17’s significance to UW-Madison and to their careers as students. Chapter 17 describes what constitutes nonacademic misconduct and the process of addressing students’ misconduct.

As of right now, the proposed changes are clearly displayed, but some of the new terminology is vague. In the opening clauses, it states any act that “adversely affects a substantial university interest” could lead students to receive disciplinary action from the university. Frankly, nobody knows what interests the university, and its interests may vary from case to case. A student could argue that his or her actions do not interest the university at all.

Also, the proposed changes address the actions of a student anywhere “off-campus.” When I asked Associate Dean of Students Kevin Helmkamp what defines off-campus, I received the answer, the “entire world.” Do you want the university to punish you for something you did on spring break in Mexico?

Mistakes happen and should not haunt you in your academic life. I understand that the university should address some actions such as sexual assaults and rapes committed by UW students, but others do not fall within their jurisdiction. It is also not clear whether the university has the resources to investigate such a wide scope.

We are asking all students to give their feedback, whatever it might be, to ASM’s Legislative Affairs Committee. The feedback is due today, Monday, March 10. Simply go to the website www.wisconsin.edu/admincode/feedback.htm. It is not too late for our voices to be heard regarding an important issue that affects us all.

Julie Chou

Intern, ASM Legislative Affairs Committee

UW Freshman, Education

jschou@wisc.edu

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Anonymous (March 10, 2008 @ 9:09am):

any act that â��adversely affects a substantial university interestâ�� could lead students to receive disciplinary action from the university.

Could mean protesting against Reebok for it slave labor practices.

OR

You could be protesting human cloning, but because it uses a scientific process the UW has a patient on & makes money off of, guess what your expelled.

Good Plan

Anonymous (March 10, 2008 @ 2:57pm):

Julie

Students do NOT have "careers as students". Attending clasess is not a "career", except for the unfortunate few who have an endless supply of Mommy/Daddy money, never grow up, and never move on. You're getting degrees to secure and enhance a potential career after graduation.
Words have specific definition and meaning... something an Education Major should recognize and embrace.

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