Student Policies and Non Academic Program Committee

Hello,

The SPNAPC met on 01/22/2008. In this meeting we went over the Mission and Vision Statement for the Office of the Dean of Students, the proposed changes to Misconduct codes 17 and 18, update on safety issues, and the impact of recession on students.

As some or all of you may know, Misconduct codes 17 and 18 -dealing with behavior in University lands- (dating from the 1970's) are being currently reviewed for changes. Some of the critical points include:

• Language needed to be updated. (e.g: Internet and E-mail were not present during 1970's)
• Off campus jurisdiction
• Definition of "Matter of substantial University interest"
• Role of attorney.
• Language to ban unaffiliated persons from campus.
• Proposal: sanction between reprimand and probation. Currently there is nothing in between.

As of now, the school is waiting on the Regents and the legislature, however it hasn't heard any progress.

Safety issues were also discussed during this meeting:

• How do you get info to students? Other than WiscAlerts, other options mentioned were: Students teaching other students, weekly column on safety and happening on campus, and facebook.

Regarding the economic downturn and its effects on the student population, it was said in the meeting that Crisis Loans (loans from the university of max. $500 and payable within a year) are increasing and that this trend is expected to continue.
Also, it was mentioned the importance of students contacting the Financial Aid office in case of change of economic status to reevaluate their aid package. However, there is no promise of additional aid.

The committee agreed to to address the following points next meeting:

• Undergraduate students survey
• New name for the committee
• Budget
  
• 5 min. presentations of different offices associated with the Office of the Dean of Students.