Studying at a well-established university, like the University of Idaho, comes with perks. There are exciting events like Homecoming and Dads’ Weekend, parties on Greek Row, discounts at local stores and of course the buzzing downtown life.
However, being a Vandal also comes with some responsibilities, outlined in the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct. These rules and regulations are the expectations the school requires students follow on and off campus.
UI expanded the jurisdiction of the Student Code of Conduct Jan. 1 in hopes to promote a safe and productive atmosphere. This means that any UI student caught violating the code of conduct off UI property can still be held accountable. Whether it is a fight between two students, receiving a Minor in Consumption ticket at a local bar or sexual harassment. If the school is contacted about the student’s violation, the school has the right to take disciplinary action against that student.
And that’s okay, because as Vandals we shouldn’t need a set of rules to guide us when it comes to how we act in public. We should remember that we represent our school and our peers while enjoying events.
It’s no secret that UI students have a reputation of being the drunken party kids in Idaho. But that’s not everyone’s fault. In all reality, the fault lands on a few students who made poor choices in the public spotlight, which is unfair to those of us who are responsible and still enjoy time with friends.
Each individual student represents every other student in the public’s eye. We have some great people representing us too. UI alumni have high positions in multiple big-name companies and even help run the City of Moscow. Current students at UI are starting their own businesses, winning scholarships for research projects, travelling around the world to volunteer and spending all semester in the wilderness learning about natural resources.
But as my old English teacher used to say, “One mistake can ruin a pile of hard work.”
If a student is caught being a menace, it’s not “Sue being a trouble maker,” it’s “a UI student causing us problems.” That one mistake can give an outsider the wrong impression about all UI students and how we act.
The Student Code of Conduct goes over the school’s policies on drugs and alcohol, sexual harassment, violence against peers, disruptive behavior and violations of the law. Anyone caught breaking this code can receive either a mandatory class on the code or be expelled from the university.
But even with the code of conduct in place, students need to remember that they represent thousands who are also studying as Vandals. So next time your Greek house is hosting an event, your group of friends decide to go downtown for drinks or your significant other and you go on a road trip, remind yourself that your actions affect not only your reputation but the reputation of all students. Being a Vandal means playing hard and working harder. Don’t destroy our work by causing trouble off campus.
Danielle Wiley can be reached at [email protected]