Assistant Dean of Students and Student Judicial Services Director Tara Pereira said the University is taking steps to reconstruct SJS at the Student Association Senate meeting Tuesday night.
A student found with one gram of marijuana in their room should not be punished in the same way a student convicted of sexual assault would be–a much harsher crime in the University’s eyes, Pereira said.
“If students admit to it and recognize that they made a bad decision, do they need a judicial record?” Pereira said. “After their rooms have been searched and telling their parents, we have already driven home the same message that we want you to leave with. We want students to learn from their actions, not be overly punished.”
Pereira acknowledged SJS has had issues with transparency, saying they have been working on being more open about the context of their decisions.
“[It] seems like we’re doing shady things that we are not doing,” Pereira said.
Pereira said the University is creating alternative punishments for “college-like behavior.”
“Having a party in your room with underage drinkers should not block you from holding a leadership position on campus,” she said.
About 80 percent of college students chose to make alcohol apart of their college experience, Pereira said, adding that she understands that an alcohol abstinence campaign in ineffective.
“Underage drinking is illegal, however a majority of you still decide to make the choice to drink. Despite knowing the ramifications, if you choose to consume alcohol, we want you to do it safely. Do no put yourself or friends in difficult situations,” she said.
SA President Jason Lifton and Executive Vice President Rob Maxim have been working with Pereira since the summer, and both credited her with helping to transform SJS policy.
“It’s amazing seeing her take over SJS and craft it in such a way. She has a full vision and a way to implement everything,” Maxim said. “I’ve never seen an administrator in an administrative office so responsive to individual student feedback.”