Extending code of conduct 'a piece of the puzzle' to curbing FOCO parties
The proposal will be discussed at the board of governors meeting on Thursday
Western University is looking at revising its student code of conduct to tackle misbehaviour arising from off-campus, unsanctioned events like "fake homecoming" — also known as FOCO.
Last September, more than 20,000 people attended Broughdale Avenue for the infamous student party that cost the city an extra $100,000 to police.
In March, the university struck an ad hoc committee to help address safety concerns raised by the community, London police, paramedics and city officials.
The committee is now proposing the university extend its code of conduct to review serious offences involving students at programs and events "not hosted, sanctioned, sponsored or organized by the University."
The proposed amendment would give discretion to the associate vice president of student experience "when determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over off-campus conduct." The official would consider the seriousness of the offence and risk of harm involved, among other factors.
The details of the proposal are outlined in a document going forward to the board of governors in a meeting on Thursday.
Not the only solution
The code of conduct usually deals with "non-academic offences committed by students." They could face penalties including warnings and expulsion.
Mitch Pratt, the outgoing student council president, is supportive of the effort to curb street parties; however, he said officials should tread cautiously when it comes to issuing strict penalties.
"We need to be very cautious whenever entering these conversations around student behaviour and student protocol. We come to a university to learn as an institution of higher learning. We need to talk about building citizens and not breaking them down," he said.
"The student code is meant to be that restorative justice model. So, have the students take this as a learning experience if they have an infraction … rather than a be-all and end-all, it's one strike and you're out … depending on the level of infraction in question," he added.
Pratt said revising the code of conduct is "a piece of the puzzle," and it "isn't going to be the only solution to this unsanctioned street party."
The community partners need to work together to come up with solutions.
The proposal will be discussed for a final decision on Thursday.