West Virginia University officials have released data regarding student conduct cases for the 2011-12 academic year.
The University Committee on Student Rights and Responsibilities (Student Conduct Board) heard 55 cases this year, 41 in the fall semester and 14 in spring, an increase from the 41 for the 2010-11 academic year.
Corey Farris, interim dean of students, said the increase in cases reflects the University’s commitment to deal with students who break the law and endanger the safety of others.
Farris also credited law enforcement and fire officials on and off campus for their efforts to curb inappropriate student behavior.
“In some cases, we had students get expelled from the University for their actions,” Farris said. “It’s a hard lesson, but at the end of the day, we’re here to protect the well-being of the WVU and Morgantown communities.”
There were 10 expulsions (one academic and nine non-academic) this year, as well as 26 suspensions and deferred suspensions. Sixteen cases are pending.
Of the 55 cases this academic year, 21 were for malicious burning. Other violations included drug use, sexual assault and destruction of property. This year’s cases involved 68 students – 60 males and eight females. A case can involve multiple students and multiple violations. Last year’s 41 cases involved 39 males and two females.
Through WVU’s disciplinary process, a majority of the students were required to perform community service, serve probation and/or enroll in professional treatment programs.
“While there are some students who have created problems in our community, those involved in serious levels of disciplinary action make up a small minority of our general student body,” Farris said. “Nearly all students respect their neighbors, respect their community, provide thousands of hours of community service, and are focused on obtaining their degrees.”
University officials will continue holding students accountable for their behavior on and off campus through an educational-disciplinary process, Farris said.
For more information on the WVU Student Conduct Code, go to http://studentlife.wvu.edu/office_of_student_conduct/student_conduct_code.
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