BRENT HAL
The Honor Code Office has released the 1995-96 statistics regarding disciplinary measures taken against students found in violation of university standards.
The findings indicate that each semester around 300 students, or roughly one percent of the student body, is asked to report to the Honor Code Office to discuss a violation of the Honor Code with a full-time professional counselor. After discussing the nature of the violation, a student is then dealt with in one of seven ways, ranging from exoneration from any discipline to expulsion from the university.
'This information should be of interest to the BYU community,' said Rush Sumpter, Honor Code Office director. 'There (are) some good lessons students, faculty and staff can derive from these statistics.'
'Each case is handled individually, depending on the circumstances and attitude of the individual,' Sumpter said. 'We work to handle each case in a loving, trusting manner that invites the violator to repent and return to full acceptance at the university as much as possible.'
The report shows that seven percent of violators received only counseling from the Honor Code Office with no formal discipline, 26 percent received a formal warning from the university, 39 percent were placed on probation for a period of time, and 28 percent of the cases required the student to withdraw from school.
Statistics were also released regarding the percentage of cases in each class. Freshmen make up 23 percent of the student body, but 32 percent of the violators. Sophomores run at 18 percent of the student body and 18 percent of the violators. Juniors, however, represent 22 percent of the student body but only 15 percent of the violators. Seniors make up 28 percent of the student body and have 29 percent of the discipline cases.
'The statistic that concerns us the most is the rise in cases from the junior class to students who are seniors,' Sumpter said. 'We have some ideas but are still trying to determine the cause.'
Half of the cases involving students leaving school, or 14 percent of the total, represent students whose bishops did not renew their ecclesiastical endorsements.
Sumpter said no statistics are kept on the amount of students who leave the university for disciplinary reasons and later return and do well. 'I think the percentage is high,' he said. 'We try to make each case an opportunity for the student to evaluate his or her commitment and return once the repentance process is complete.'
Sumpter also said that these statistics are difficult to compare to other years but fully believes the quality of people at BYU is better than ever. 'I have no doubt that more worthy students are being admitted every year,' he said.
Not one of the discipline cases was handled by the Honor Code Council, but rather the Honor Code Office. Sumpter said he believes students often are confused by the two organizations.
Jeannie Papic, Honor Code Council coordinator, said that the HCC has never been involved in the discipline of students. 'The HCC's function is with the education of students about the Honor Code and has never been involved with disciplinary measures,' she said.
Honor Code Council Chair Desmond Eppel said the confusion between the Honor Code Office and the HCC is a problem that needs to be addressed. He cited two recent letters to the editor which appeared in the Daily Universe that alleged the HCC was involved in the discipline of recent violators.
'The HCC had nothing to do with that,' he said. 'We only promote the Honor Code as an educational tool and are not involved with any discipline whatsoever.'
Sumpter agreed. 'Those cases were handled purely by full-time professionals of the university,' he said. 'No student on any level is ever involved in decisions about the discipline of another student.'
Sumpter also said the letters written to the editor claimed the students were placed on probation for their actions. 'In reality, they were given only a warning, which is different than probation. We realize in many cases we are dealing with good kids who will not be repeat offenders. That's why the system is set up in this way.'
Eppel also said that the Honor Code Council's name may confuse some people because of its close association with the name of the Honor Code Office. A plan to change the name has been proposed to the administration and has received support from Sumpter.
'I applaud any effort to help the student body recognize the true nature of the HCC,' he said. 'I feel bad for the student volunteers who donate so much of their time to that organization and then get a bad rap from someone who doesn't understand the HCC's function.'
Students who want to learn more about the Honor Code Council or are interested in becoming a member can get information from 366 SWKT or by calling 378-3758