In this week’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting this week, the organization conducted a reading, discussion and vote on requesting to alter the structure of Conduct and Honor boards.
The resolution requests a discussion with Community Standards to alter the structure of Conduct and Honor Board and to change the language in the Student Handbook regarding Conduct and Honor Boards.
When asked, President Kevin Napier stated Community Standards are "the people who review the language that goes into the resolution."
Currently, the change is believed to be needed because too many justices are required to serve in Conduct or Honor Board hearings and students have opting for administrative hearings.
The proposed language:
"The Conduct & Integrity Board is comprised of students selected by an application process involving student representatives from the Student Government Association and staff from the Office of Student Conduct and Integrity. This Board is supervised by the Office of Student Conduct and Integrity. The Conduct & Integrity Board consists of five students (from a pool of fifteen to twenty students developed through the selection process). One of the five students will serve as chair of the hearing board as a non-voting member, except in cases of a tie, who leads the hearings and facilitates discussion among Board members. This Board hears cases involving violations of the Code of Conduct Standards and Regulations and the Honor Code of Conduct Standards and Regulations. The Associate Dean of Conduct & Integrity has final approval authority over the decisions of this Board. The hearing advisors to the Conduct & Integrity Board are appointed by the Associate Dean of Conduct & Integrity, subject to the approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs."
Treasurer Dustyn Hall moved to fast track and approve the second reading of the resolution in order for SGA to vote on it quicker. Executive Senator for Committee Relations Joshua Darst said fast tracking the resolution seemed like a drastic step in a decision like this.
Napier responded by saying the issue of Conduct Board and Honor Board has been a discussion for several years, and the resolution is the best one SGA has been able to decide on.
SGA voted by paper with 16 votes in favor of approving the resolution, eight votes not in favor and five abstained votes. The resolution was passed and the proposal will be sent to the Community Standards committee for review.
During the adviser’s report, Michael Lennon, director of environmental health and safety, discussed voiced concerns from students about fire marshal room entry policies.
Lennon said there is a double knocking procedure, meaning that fire marshals have to knock twice before entering rooms. According to Lennon, fire marshals are also to only inspect room while students are on campus, not on breaks.
Executive Secretary Lucas Hobson asked Lennon why some items were taken, and Lennon responded by saying when items are taken they are generally marked with a room number and given to front desks.
According to Lennon, there have been more violations this year than in the past and that it’s hard to prioritize marking items to notify residents and getting fire marshals in and out of rooms efficiently.
Lennon also said fire marshals don't technically have to give an advanced notice, but do so out of courtesy for Longwood residents. Executive Director of Facilities Management Angela Stimpson is currently reviewing the procedure for fire marshals.
The Men's Club Lacrosse, Imprint Praise Team and Photography Association organizations' constitutions were approved.
Men’s Club Lacrosse President Alex Belen said the club is meant to provide a safe environment for the sport and that there’s currently 16 people interested.
Jamesha Watson came in to talk on behalf of the Imprint Praise Team, a dance team that will perform to songs of God. Watson said there will be workshops, showcases and that the group will participate in community service. Eight people are currently part of the team.
Photography Association President Sam Chase said the club is for people who want to take photos and expand their portfolios. Chase said that there are currently 29 interested members.
The next SGA meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 27 in the ABC rooms located in Lankford Student Union at 3:50 p.m.
SGA took the final vote on a new resolution to propose how the currently student-run Conduct and Honor Boards will run in the future. SGA President Kevin Napier pictured above.
SGA took the final vote on a new resolution to propose how the currently student-run Conduct and Honor Boards will run in the future. SGA President Kevin Napier pictured above.