OUR VIEWS Consensus Opinion

The Office of the Dean of Students and the Student Rules and Regulations committee have drafted changes to the Student Code of Conduct that will positively affect students' rights if approved by the Faculty Senate next month. The proposed changes increase the level of professor participation in student academic misconduct cases. They also include a definition and sanctions for acts of harassment. The final change is a guideline that sets a maximum amount of time that students and student organizations have to respond to honor code violations.

Currently, students accused of academic misconduct only hear about it when contacted by the Dean of Students office and not their professor directly. If the changes pass, students will be able to hear about the allegations from their professors and talk to them about the allegations directly. Alternatively, students have the right to opt out of the new system. The changes will make the resolution process more efficient. It is important that the Faculty Senate approve these changes.

Students must also become more aware of their new rights and responsibilities before they are faced with a violation. We encourage you to read the code of conduct, available at www.deanofstudents.gatech.edu.