The University Senate addressed changes in punishment for riotous behavior during its final meeting on Thursday.
The changes aim to eliminate the possibility for students to complete web assignments if they are banned from campus.
Faculty members raised concerns about the time between temporary suspension and a formal hearing. It can take up to five weeks for the turn-around to occur. If a student is cleared, it may be impossible to catch up in classes.
These issues will have to wait until next year to be addressed.
Susan Fisher, secretary of the Senate, said despite minor changes, the rules are clear.
“I think the Committee on Student Affairs has been very responsive to this issue,” Fisher said.
She said the rules make a strong statement against riotous behavior while being fair to students.
Another change discussed was commencement ceremonies, which will be moved from Fridays to Sundays next year.
Tim Gerber, professor of music, said faculty, parents and students have expressed positive feelings about the change.
“Many students have remarked it’s a family-friendly move on our part,” Gerber said, noting that it may be easier for family members to travel to a commencement held on Sunday.
Also during the meeting, OSU President Karen A. Holbrook discussed her role on the Commission for Higher Education. Gov. Bob Taft appointed the commission to recommend improvements in higher education in Ohio.
Holbrook said the governor asked the group to address specific issues, including goals for higher education, strategies for increasing student success and better access for students from low-income families.
“He’s taking this very seriously,” Holbrook said. “We think it’s very exciting and a chance … to be very innovative.”
Fisher said the president’s involvement will allow the University Senate to help implement those goals.
“She can serve as a liaison between what’s going on in the commission and what’s going on in the Senate,” Fisher said.
Holbrook said the commission will probably meet again in July.
USG President Mike Goodman spoke to the Senate for the first time. He outlined the goals of USG for next year.
“Students are working more hours to afford their education than ever before, they’re paying more money to go here and they’re starting out better prepared academically,” Goodman said. “Students are beginning to seek out more attention and expect more services.”
In addition to GEC reform and improved relationships between students and the community, Goodman said USG will focus on the daily life of undergraduate students. Initiatives include a smooth implementation of the student activity fee, renovation of the Ohio Union and increased support for undergraduate research.
