With so much emphasis being placed upon the outcome of Saturday’s football game, the issue of student behavior is in the spotlight at Ohio State.
But because OSU has a strong relationship with the Columbus Division of Police, the university is often notified when the authorities suspect a student has been involved in a criminal activity, said Pat Hall, director of Student Judicial Affairs.
He said after the Office of Student Affairs has been notified, the first step in its procedure is to determine whether the university has jurisdiction over the incident. According to the Code of Student Conduct, the university has jurisdiction over six specific instances.
If it is determined that the university has jurisdiction, the office sends the student a letter, formally called an administrative summons, which details the rules the student allegedly violated during his or her offense, Hall said. The letter also informs the student that he or she is required to schedule a preliminary conference to discuss the charges.
During the conference, Hall explains to the student the Code of Student Conduct, the role of the university’s judicial system and the distinction between the complaint which was filed and the charges brought against the student.
“I specify for them in writing what the possible sanctions are that could be placed against them if they are found to be in violation of the charges,” Hall said.
The conference then presents the student with three options to resolve the issue.
Hall said the majority of students request an administrative decision, which requires the student to admit in writing they did violate the code as charged. After interviewing all involved parties, Hall gives an administrative decision, which is a sanction that will be imposed upon the student.
University sanctions range from a formal reprimand to permanent dismissal from the university.
Students are also given the option to request a hearing with Hall or in front of a university judicial panel.
Hall said the charges taken most seriously by the university are ones that include weapons, violence toward others and destruction of property.
Due to a statute in Ohio law referred to as 1219, the Office of Legal Affairs gets involved in cases dealing with violence. John Reilly, associate legal counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs, said this involvement is totally independent of the Code of Student Conduct and the student’s criminal case.
“A hearing takes place to determine if the individual should be removed from campus until the criminal case is resolved,” Reilly said.
Hall said this year has been a great one so far.
“Overall I’ve been tremendously impressed with the students at Ohio State,” he said.
Although this game is important, OSU will be judged by the way fans act, regardless of the game’s outcome, Hall said.
“My hope would be that everyone that goes to the game would conduct themselves in a manner that reflects their pride in the Ohio State community,” he said.
