New code will be easier for students to understand, OU -officials say
The Ohio University Student Code of Conduct has received a makeover, but officials say proposed changes will barely affect disciplinary action for most students.
“I think we’ve done a good job … It’s going to be easier to understand, and our process hopefully will be a little less scary,” said Martha Compton, director of the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility.
University officials from multiple departments drafted a new code this summer that includes the same principles and concepts of the current code, but makes it easier for students to read and understand.
Here is a rundown of major changes:
- The offenses would no longer be separated into “A” and “B” level offenses.
- The phrasing “mental or bodily harm” has been removed from the code.
- Separate sections have been added for hazing and sexual misconduct.
- All alcohol violations will appear under “Alcoholic Beverages Violations,” rather than in different sections. It will be the same for marijuana and other drugs, appearing under “Controlled Substance and/or Drug Violation.”
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Appealing to the Vice President for Student Affairs has been removed for cases where the sanction is only probation.
More offenses are technically punishable by harsher punishments, such as suspension or expulsion, but Kaitlyn Patton, the Students Defending Students director, said she believes more suspensions won’t happen because she trusts the staff in the community standards office.
Last year, only 36 students were suspended, according to the end of the year report from the office. During the 2012-13 academic year, 92 students were suspended, with 100 routinely suspended each year prior to that, Hall-Jones said.
The entire draft code is available on the community standards home website until the end of the day Wednesday. There is also a comment form so students can submit feedback.
“We’re listening, these are all proposed changes,” Compton said.
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