Student Conduct and other thoughts

Worry ye not, co-workers. I'm not giving away any of our conduct secrets here. Nor am I going to divulge any private or confidential information, kids. That's not like me.

I've come to believe some additional things in recent weeks about the student conduct process. Granted, my experience at Indiana with it was limited (I'll ne'er forget my first case... so young was I), but I thought I had a pretty clear understanding of it by the time I got to Mizzou. While I would argue that I wasn't wrong in that assertion, I would now say that I had no idea the breadth and depth of knowledge that I would acquire here.

Now, I'll also admit that my experience has been less-than-average when it comes to numbers. My particular hall (before this whole Master Plan thing kicked in) was definitely below-average in terms of conduct numbers; but I'm proud of the fact that I sought out opportunities to help other HC's with their halls. I'm glad I was able to consistently meet young men and women from different parts of campus, involved in the process for a variety of reasons. While the number one situation - alcohol - comes as no surprise to anyone, the variety of contexts in which I would meet these students is something I could have never predicted.

What also amazes me is that I'll never hear it all. Even with our sub-7,000 residence hall population, I know that we will never run out of new excuses that we hear, new "reasons why I shouldn't be in trouble," and new instances of complete and total apathy. It's a good opportunity to reflect on my upbringing, I suppose, and realize that something my parents (okay, so it was mom, let's be honest) instilled in me - namely, shame for my misbehavior - is becoming all too often a rare thing. Don't get me wrong, I interact with plenty of students who show understanding and remorse, and they make the job abundantly more than worth it... But to know that there are just as many people out there who don't even feel the need to cooperate when they're already in trouble for doing something is just beyond me. It's a good reminder about the value of honesty and openness that I need to continue to push for in my interactions with others.

In a completely unrelated note, I now know an author! My friend Lauren (yes, the same Lauren who got me involved in Alternative Spring Break and Roller Derby) has announced her signing on to a Young Adult lit group. I'm uber-excited for her... and it's not just because she's asked me to do the Author Photo for the book :)

Oh, and for those of you sickened by outward displays of affection and lovey-doveyness, please cease reading now.

I LOVES MAH BOO!