Spring Break
Students upset by policy, University yet to give notification
Student leaders ask for input, answers
CAROLYN CRIST
Issue date: 9/30/08 Section: News
A new policy dictates all students must report their arrests to the University, and campus leaders are angry that the administration hasn't notified students.
"I am incredibly frustrated by the fact that this policy passed without a single student being notified," said Student Government Association President Connor McCarthy. "I hadn't heard a word before seeing it in The Red & Black on Friday morning."
Brad Valentine, president of the Interfraternity Council, said the same happened to him.
"Unfortunately, the first time the Interfraternity Council was made aware of this issue was from a publication in The Red & Black. Since that time, numerous members of the IFC have raised concerns regarding the new policy," he said.
McCarthy and Amanda Ruckel, executive director of University Judiciary, met with Rodney Bennett, vice president of student affairs, to express their concerns.
"I e-mailed Vice President Bennett on Friday and carbon copied the senior administration, and from what I gather, the senior administration received my response well," he said.
"They are apologetic about not notifying students, but regardless, this has been passed and we have to figure out how to change it because the student voice has to be heard."
Bennett declined to comment on specifics of the policy.
"I'm spending time drafting a way to communicate what the policy is and how it will affect students," he said. "I'm trying to do that as quickly as possible. I know there is anxiety surrounding the issue and I don't want anyone to have undue heartache."
Valentine and Kathleen Robinson, president of the Panhellenic Council, said many students have come forward with concerns.
"We are in discussions to fully understand the implications of these changes," Robinson said. "At surface level, our concern is that it appears there was no student input into this decision. We are continuing to explore the issue along with the leadership of other student organizations."
"I am incredibly frustrated by the fact that this policy passed without a single student being notified," said Student Government Association President Connor McCarthy. "I hadn't heard a word before seeing it in The Red & Black on Friday morning."
Brad Valentine, president of the Interfraternity Council, said the same happened to him.
"Unfortunately, the first time the Interfraternity Council was made aware of this issue was from a publication in The Red & Black. Since that time, numerous members of the IFC have raised concerns regarding the new policy," he said.
McCarthy and Amanda Ruckel, executive director of University Judiciary, met with Rodney Bennett, vice president of student affairs, to express their concerns.
"I e-mailed Vice President Bennett on Friday and carbon copied the senior administration, and from what I gather, the senior administration received my response well," he said.
"They are apologetic about not notifying students, but regardless, this has been passed and we have to figure out how to change it because the student voice has to be heard."
Bennett declined to comment on specifics of the policy.
"I'm spending time drafting a way to communicate what the policy is and how it will affect students," he said. "I'm trying to do that as quickly as possible. I know there is anxiety surrounding the issue and I don't want anyone to have undue heartache."
Valentine and Kathleen Robinson, president of the Panhellenic Council, said many students have come forward with concerns.
"We are in discussions to fully understand the implications of these changes," Robinson said. "At surface level, our concern is that it appears there was no student input into this decision. We are continuing to explore the issue along with the leadership of other student organizations."
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 10
Good luck
posted 9/30/08 @ 9:47 AM EST
FWIW, faculty and staff are subject to this too. The originator of the plan was Chancellor Davis. I suggest contacting him!
concernedmother
posted 9/30/08 @ 10:21 AM EST
Athens is not a place I would live in. Unforunately my son goes to school there. There should be no bars or joints so these kids are tempted when they are away from home for the first time. (Continued…)
Cappie
posted 9/30/08 @ 10:32 AM EST
"If I can't do anything or express my concern, why do I even have the title?"
A least you came to the realization that you are an administrative puppet a lot earlier than past presidents have. (Continued…)
zaid
posted 9/30/08 @ 2:27 PM EST
Connor McCarthy is a pushover. Always has been always will be.
K
posted 9/30/08 @ 3:33 PM EST
I am so sick and tired of the UGA community not taking responsibility for the actions of their students. If you get arrested, chances are you did something wrong. (Continued…)
jack
posted 9/30/08 @ 3:49 PM EST
quit bitching zaid and do something useful with your time. this year's sga has done more than any in the past and certainly more than i've ever seen you do. (Continued…)
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