Questioner: Stephynie Perkins (Communication Department)
Question from the Floor posed to Pamela Chally, Interim Provost and VP of Academic Affairs
1a. During the last week of class in the spring term, a faculty member was suspended because several students brought alcohol into the classroom unbeknownst to the faculty member. The University Police was tipped off that alcohol was in the classroom and came to the class. It was reported that the students will go before the Student Conduct Office, and that the faculty member has been suspended indefinitely until this incident can be thoroughly investigated. How and when did the University Police know about this alcohol related incident in the classroom and if they knew before the start of class, should they have informed the faculty to be on the lookout?
1b. In order for faculty not to be reprimanded or suspended, has the administration created specific step-by-step written guidelines for faculty to follow in case this kind of incident occurs again?
1c. What is the due process for faculty who are caught up in this kind of activity unbeknownst to them?
Answer from the Floor by Pamela Chally, Interim Provost and VP of Academic Affairs
1a. One of the students in the class posted a picture on Instagram that somehow made it to UPD during the class.
1b. I sent some suggestions about that to Dr. Parmelee yesterday. I don’t want to do it misjustice by reporting it without having it in front of me, so I will be very happy to answer that question and include what I had sent to Dr. Parmelee yesterday.
1c. I don’t feel that I can answer that at this point. I will say this: they certainly can appeal, they can grieve. That is certainly their right to do that.
