In an informational report to the Penn State Board of Trustees today (May 11), Joseph Puzycki, director of judicial affairs, outlined collaborative riot prevention efforts between the University and State College borough.  He also discussed observed trends in the 1,200 to 1,400 student misconduct cases at University Park and 500 to 700 cases at other Penn State locations brought before the office each year.

The Office of Judicial Affairs is charged with defining and communicating community standards and interpreting and enforcing the Code of Conduct. Most recently, that responsibility has focused on riots involving Penn State students over the past two years, the latest one occurring last March. Of the 27 cases handled to date, 14 student participants in the March disturbance have been suspended from the University. Thirteen cases are still pending and may result in further suspensions or expulsions.

In addition to sanctions, the office has amended the Code of Conduct to state that inciting, participating, or failing to leave the scene of a riot or group disruption when instructed by officials is a conduct violation. The office has also implemented clearer guidelines for responding to off-campus student misconduct and will have a stronger, more consistent response to group disturbance participants and minor repeat law violations.

“The Office of Judicial Affairs is committed to maintaining a zero tolerance policy toward those who choose to participate in riots in any way,” said Puzycki. “In addition, we will continue to partner with State College borough officials to put more effective riot prevention and enforcement measures into place.”

However, riot issues constitute only a small percentage of student misconduct cases reviewed by the Office of Judicial Affairs each year. The office handles between 1,200 and 1,400 cases at University Park each year, and also reviews between 500 and 700 student infractions annually at other Penn State locations.

“Alcohol and drugs, disorderly conduct, and theft and damage to property continue to be the most frequent violations that we deal with,” said Puzycki. “However, we are seeing a rise in incidents of computer misuse, classroom disruption, and misconduct due to emotional and psychological problems.”

Puzycki also noted that incidents involving academic integrity – including cheating and plagiarism – have risen sharply in the past year, the result of a new policy requiring colleges to refer all academic violations to the office. As of May 7, there were 47 reports of academic misconduct – up from 12 cases in 1999-2000 and eight in 1998-1999.

Sanctions issued by the office vary depending on the nature of the infraction and a student’s prior record. Approximately 85 percent of all sanctions issued consist of disciplinary warnings, probation, and/or education interventions. However, the remaining 15 percent of penalties handed down as the result of more severe violations or repeat offenses include varying levels of suspension or expulsion from the University.

Student response to the sanctions leveled by Penn State in recent years is supportive. The office conducted a survey of each student sanctioned for code violations between 1997 and 2000. According to Puzycki, more than 94 percent of respondents felt that they were treated respectfully, given fair opportunity to explain their behavior, and offered sufficient options for resolving the situation. In addition, 96 percent felt the decisions of the office were fair, and 97 percent believed the University’s punishment was fair and appropriate.

In addition to responding to allegations of misconduct and managing crises, the Office of Judicial Affairs trains, evaluates, and provides consultation to staff at all Penn State locations and manages records and reports. It also works to stimulate learning through student advising, mentoring, peer education, leadership development, and educational sanctions.

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Contact:  Tysen Kendig, Department of Public Information, (814) 865-7517 or tysen@psu.edu.