In an effort to better reflect the values of Ohio University, University Judiciaries has been renamed the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility.
OU officials chose the name because it echoes the purpose of the Ohio University Student Code of Conduct, which the office interprets and enforces, according to a university news release.
"Community is one of the five core values of Ohio University, and we seek to incorporate those values into every interaction that we have with out students,” said Chris Harris, director of Community Standards and Student Responsibility, in the release.
Harris began working as director of the office in August of 2010.
The change was also designed to instill more understanding among students, faculty, staff and parents that the scope of students’ actions is not limited to OU’s campus and affects residents of Athens as well, according to the release.
“One of our principle goals is to help our students recognize that they are members of a community that extends to wherever they choose to live and learn,” Harris said.
The responsibilities of the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility include receiving and addressing disciplinary referrals and keeping accused students informed of the office’s process and student’s rights, options and potential sanctions, according to its website.
Harris encouraged all students to become involved in the Student Conduct process in a positive manner — by remaining accountable to the OU Student Code of Conduct, applying to be on the University Hearing board or serving as an adviser for students in the organization Students Defending Students.
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