F E ATU RE S
8
New judicial ‘points^ system
introduced to students
APPROACH CLARIFIES
CONSEQUENCES, BUCKLES
DOWN ON SUBSTANCE USE
BY TY GOOCH
Staff WfMTiK
Guilford is making a point with its new
judicial system.
A point-based system is now in effect,
with the hopes that these judicial guidelines
will clarify the sanctioning process and
crack down on substance abuse.
The point system assigns a numerical
point value to violations of the Student
Code of Conduct. Director of Student
Judicial Affairs Sandy Bowles was the
main contributor to the development of
the system.
"We had a system with a lot of gray
areas," said Bowles. "The new point system
is an effort for students to clearly know
where they stand in their relationship to
their remaining on campus."
The point system outlines yearly point
limits for students which vary depending
upon class level. First-years may accrue
75 points, sophomores 60, and juniors and
seniors are limited to 50. Once a student
surpasses his or her point limit, the student
is suspended.
"(Point limits) take out the amorphous
gray piece that bothered students and give
us guidelines for our Quaker values of
integrity and justice," said Vice President
for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Aaron Fetrow. "This also eliminates the
ability for us to play favorites."
With this change in the judicial system,
the school has put a greater focus on drug
and alcohol violations.
"Ninety-five percent of what we deal
with is substance-related," said Bowles.
"The majority of our time and effort is-
spent dealing with substance use."
With the point system's emphasis on
substance abuse, the school plans to treat
drug abuse very seriously. Students are
still limited to two drug offenses during
their time at Guilford, but there are other
changes being made.
"We are treating covered smoke
detectors much more seriously than we
have in the past due to safety concerns,"
said Bowles. "Possession of drug
paraphernalia or weed combined with
a covered smoke detector is grounds for
suspension."
First-year Robert Flansury supports the
strict policy.
"I think that if you come to college, you
shouldn't be doing drugs," said Hansbury.
On the other hand, first-year Abe
Kenmore disagrees.
"Being suspended for only two drug
violations is a bit harsh," said Kenmore.
Like drug violations, the administration
-will treat alcohol violations much more
seriously.
"We had drawn a strict line on marijuana
but not so much on alcohol, which not only
confused the students but us as well," said
Fetrow.
In the school's effort to combat the
abuse of alcohol, students are now limited
to three alcohol violations during their
time at Guilford before facing suspension.
Previously, students could receive three
alcohol violations per year.
Despite these tightened policies
on alcohol, the school recognizes its
prevalence in college culture.
"We're not trying to stop drinking," said
Bowles. "We're just trying to get students
to re-evaluate their usage."
Resident Advisor Taylor Alston, a junior,
supports these changes.
"People will be more careful about
choices they make," said Alston.
Still, satisfaction amongst students
differs. The administration remains open
to suggestions.
"There are plenty of chances for students
to get involved with the judicial process,"
said Bowles. "If students are interested,
all they have to do is send me an email."
Bowles can be reached at sbowles®
guilford.edu.
In the meantime, the point system
remains in effect. With its strict drug
and alcohol policies, the school has
made a clear point to the community:
substance abuse will not be taken lightly.
THERE ARE THREE WAYS STUDENTS MAY
BE SUSPENDED FROM THE COLLEGE:
1. Receive at or above the number of points for year level
2. Be found responsible for a second drug violation
(regardless of points)
3. Be found responsible for ANY Level 3 violation
YEARLY POINT LIMITS
First-years - 75
Sophomores - 60
Juniors - 50
Seniors - 50
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