Simko: Change to come to alcohol policy, arts, diversity, sustainability
Austin Simko '09 - SGA President
Issue date: 9/10/08 Section: Commentary
Now that classes are in session and activities are in full swing, I would like to welcome everyone back to campus. This is a time when everyone is energized and excited about what they're doing on campus, whether it's sports or a cappella or any of the other wonderful available at Wheaton. For me, I am excited about the important changes that SGA is seeking to bring about. I'd like to tell you a little about the change we seek and the change we want you to be a part of.
We will seek to amend the alcohol policy by instituting a roll-back provision. Such a provision will allow students to lower their level status over time with good behavior. The mistakes made by students in their freshman year should not tarnish their experience through Commencement. This policy denies students the opportunity to earn a lower level status, elevating the mistake of one night over the good behavior of years. And this policy of permanent guilt and unremitting punishment is inconsistent with our values because it refuses to acknowledge our fundamental ability to atone, improve, and better ourselves. Our goal is not the creation of a "get out of jail free card" for flagrant offenders, but rather a qualified opportunity for the majority of us who are responsible.
We also wish to help the Administration adopt an Amnesty Provision which will allow those in violation of the alcohol policy to solicit help from Public Safety for their friends without fear of punishment. While we must always call on the best of students, we must also understand the reality of human nature and remove the barriers that impede and prevent students from seeking help for a friend in danger. Safety must come before all else.
Over the course of the next year, we will work with the Administration to infuse students into the sanctioning process. This will offer a student perspective to a process that upholds our community standards. It is our belief that as student involvement in the sanctioning process increases, the number of violations will decrease. This is because a student body that has a hand in governing itself is a student body that respects the standards by which governing is done.
We will seek to amend the alcohol policy by instituting a roll-back provision. Such a provision will allow students to lower their level status over time with good behavior. The mistakes made by students in their freshman year should not tarnish their experience through Commencement. This policy denies students the opportunity to earn a lower level status, elevating the mistake of one night over the good behavior of years. And this policy of permanent guilt and unremitting punishment is inconsistent with our values because it refuses to acknowledge our fundamental ability to atone, improve, and better ourselves. Our goal is not the creation of a "get out of jail free card" for flagrant offenders, but rather a qualified opportunity for the majority of us who are responsible.
We also wish to help the Administration adopt an Amnesty Provision which will allow those in violation of the alcohol policy to solicit help from Public Safety for their friends without fear of punishment. While we must always call on the best of students, we must also understand the reality of human nature and remove the barriers that impede and prevent students from seeking help for a friend in danger. Safety must come before all else.
Over the course of the next year, we will work with the Administration to infuse students into the sanctioning process. This will offer a student perspective to a process that upholds our community standards. It is our belief that as student involvement in the sanctioning process increases, the number of violations will decrease. This is because a student body that has a hand in governing itself is a student body that respects the standards by which governing is done.
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