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
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