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Show m f THE FORUM - SEPTEMBER 9 S. 2012 Be On Your Best Behavior Revised Code of Conduct To Be Put Into Place Soon Tamcra Evans Forum Staff Writer A special commiaee is revising and up-daii- Westminster Ranks In U.S. News & World Reports College Guide Kimberly Pfaff Forum Staff Writer U.S. News & World Report included Westminster as one of Americas Best Colleges in its 1994 college guide. Although the guide does not offer an exact numerical rating forcollegesoutsideof the top 10, Westminster was ranked in the second quardle of Western Regional Liberal Arts Colleges, which means it ranks somewhere between 17 and 32 in this category. According to Vice President for Enrollment Management Craig Green, the data is difficult to interpret We do not know exactly how many schools we were peting against in this category, or exactly how the groupings were made. Each year the criteria are redefined and that changes how the schools are evaluated, he said. Research for the data does include both qualitative and quantitative measures, and com- both public and private institutions are considered, Green said. Comparative data about the colleges, including academic reputation, average SATACT score, freshmen in the top 25 percent of their high school class, acceptance rate, percentage of faculty with doctorates, student to Faculty ratio, cost per student, freshmen retention rate and graduation rate are listed in the publication. Westminster was included in the 1988 edition of the same compilation as one of the top 25 regional liberal arts colleges. According to Green, it is hard to compare the two ratings. We have to understand that they changed the criteria and we are not exactly sure what they are now, he said. However, it is always better to be listed than not. Green said. It is not going to change what we do or how we do things, but it is always nice to be acknowledged by an outside source as doing a goodjob. ng the student Code of Conduct to better serve die Westminstcr student body. According to Dr. Susan Heath, associate dean of students, the code is being updated to include a general statement of expectations for campus, along with specific rules to be followed. The current code of conduct printed in the student handbook has not been revised in years, thus leading to the current situation of the code being too vague. Its not very clear to students whats OJC, whats not OJC, said Headi, pointing out that the current code can be frierprcted in different ways because of the lack of specific prohibitions. The new code will include common sense procedures, policies of the college and xtiens which violate state and federal laws. Disciplinary procedures will also be laidout in the code with reprimands ranging from a warning to suspension from the school, d pending upon the severity of the offense. The reviaon is na being drafted because of a sudden increase in behavioral problems on campus. Weve been lucky said Heath, estimating that Westminster has had relatively few disciplinary problems. Approximately five or fewer students are brought up far conduct evaluation each year. The college also has a sexual assault policy caning out this semester in keeping con-dua- The year 1993 was one of significance at Westminster. With policy changes, April Fool's Day pranks and distinguished speakers, Westminster saw a lot of news. 1993 is also significant because a majority of the incoming freshmen class were bom in that year. The Forum looks back at some campus news that was occurring while many of the schools new students were just being bom. with federal laws. "The laws change, so we will have to make surewe are keeping current with federal regulations and policies, and with students needs, said Heath. Its time for this code of conduct to be reviewed and updated, said Heath, noting that a similar code far staff and faculty was revised in the early 1990s. I dont think it came out of any great outcry from students, although I think the new code will be much fairer to students, Heath said. At this time, the committee is reviewing current policies and procedures, looking for a better way to ensure consistent treatment of students. The committee is aiming to have the new code completed for approval this spring. If the new code does go into effect this school year, the revised code will be mailed to each student Once the code is completed, the committee will continue to meet, discussing campus issues such as safety. The committee members include Heath, Sheryl Phillips, actfor student affairs, Nick ing director of campus life, Ginny McClure, cn vice-preside- nt DeWitt, prevention program coordinator, Richard Brockmyer, director of facilities, Mark Burton.dircctorof safety, John RecfrASWC president and Kelly Hill, legal counsel. The process of filing a complaint against a student will remain the same. Anyone with a complaint can talk to Heath, hit formal complaints must be written for review. Disciplinary procedures are comprehensively explained in the student handbook. Financial Aid Applications Easier Under New System Tamera Evans reasons involving professional judgment by a financial aid administrator will not receive a Renewal form in the maili These students will have to apply for financial aid Forum Staff Writer Watch your mail in the coming weeks for the new and improved Federal Student ' ' 9 Vx- j i ( V 4 , V ,t V , y,'" V ' ... :C5 . w-'- please write the Environmental Defense Fund at: 257 Park Ave. South, NY, NY 10010 for a free brochure. |