The University of Idaho student code of conduct was written in 1969. Now, 44 years later, Dean of Students Bruce Pitman said it’s time for an update — the largest of which would be an extension of the code of conduct to cover off-campus activity.
Philip Vukelich | Argonaut
Dean of students Bruce Pitman advocates for a new student code of conduct at the faculty senate meeting, Tuesday in the Idaho Commons. One of the primary changes Pitman proposes is to extend the jurisdiction of the code of conduct to off University of Idaho campus borders.
“It was written before Virginia Tech, before Title IX … the environment, the culture and the students were, frankly, different when this was originally written,” Pitman said at the faculty senate meeting Tuesday.
Pitman and associate dean of students, Craig Chatriand, presented the first draft of potential changes to the code of conduct under the pretense that the final draft would be vastly different.
Pitman and Chatriand also presented the draft to the ASUI senate at their pre-session Wednesday, and still plan to present the draft to as many student leaders, faculty and staff members as possible over the course of October. Pitman said they want as much feedback and discussion as possible to take place before moving forward with the changes.
“The promise is that when it comes time for a vote, we have done our utmost to have the conversations that need to take place and that we’ve paid attention to the issues,” Pitman said.
The changes to the code of conduct focus on several major issues Pitman said are present in the current code. The first goals are to simplify the process of dealing with violations of the student code of conduct, as well as make the appeals process faster and less formal.
“Right now it’s very legal oriented,” Pitman said. “It feels like a criminal process with the forms and language currently in use.”
The largest change to the code will likely be the most controversial, Pitman said. Should the proposed changes take place, the student code of conduct would also be in effect off campus in any community touched by the University of Idaho or its branches. Pitman said the University of Idaho is one of the last universities to make this change.
“We are very rare in confining the conduct system to our campus,” Pitman said. “The University of Washington, Washington State University, the University of Montana and Boise State University all have adapted codes of conduct that apply off campus.”
ASUI President Max Cowan said although there are concerns from students, he is pleased with outreach to students and the timely response of the Dean of Students Office to feedback already received from students.
“I think with changes as large as the ones they are proposing … I think it’s really important to make sure that everybody is being consulted and everybody has an opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions,” Cowan said. “I feel that they’re going through the best process that they can in making sure that everybody’s opinions are heard.”
Cowan and Pitman said the potential changes are one of the most important issues the university has faced in a while because it will affect every student at UI for years to come.
“It’s time to have the conversation, one of the more important ones we’ve had on our campus in awhile,” Pitman said. “The bottom line today is we’re saying let’s have the conversation.”
Pitman said there is one obstacle that could stand in the way of any progress once administrative and student leadership across campus have approved the changes. Under section 2200 of the Faculty Staff Handbook — the Statement of Student Rights — any amendments to the student code of conduct must be approved by a student vote.
The statue requires at least 35 percent of the student body must vote on the changes, and of that 35 percent a two-thirds majority in favor of the changes is required. In addition, an affirmative vote of a majority of the university faculty at a meeting where a quorum is present is required.
“We are working with the appropriate people to see what we can do about this,” Pitman said. “Because those are very difficult parameters to work with.”
Pitman said anyone interested in learning more about the proposed changes, wishing to give feedback or express concerns is welcome to set up a meeting with the Dean of Students. Pitman said drafts and documentation are also available through the office for those interested in reviewing the draft.
“The other promise is we will not bring this forward until faculty senate leadership feels it’s ready to come forward,” Pitman said. “At this point we are unsure of a voting date.”
The conversation about the potential changes began last spring when the Idaho State Board of Education asked UI to consider its alcohol, education and safety policies.
“You know that we have been taking a hard look at ourselves and how we address safety and alcohol related issues,” Pitman said. “We feel these changes are long overdue and will help address campus safety issues.”
Kaitlyn Krasselt can be reached at [email protected]