Three undergraduate students, and one graduate student, elected every D-Term (Elections are coming up on April 13th for those of you interested in running) join with three faculty members and one administrative member to make up this part of WPI's judicial system. Two of the three active full- time undergraduate students and one of the faculty members are elected by the student body, as are three student alternates. Once elected, the position is held for the following school year. These formalities are important if you are interested in running for an office but what is even more important, and should be known by the student body, is the purpose of such a committee.
The Campus Hearing Board (CHB) is responsible for deciding cases brought up against students in many areas including serious offenses such as Rape and Assault as well as allegations of Academic Dishonesty, mainly plagiarism. When any person is faced with such charges they are scheduled to meet with Janet Begin Richardson, Assistant Dean of Students and Case Officer to the CHB. Her responsibilities involve advising both parties involved in cases as to their rights and responsibilities and to act as a liaison to the board. Once a student has met with Assistant Dean Richardson, they can choose to go to a trial in front of the CHB. Of the near 200 cases every year, very few go in front of the board as students either fear such a hearing or departments are lenient and settle the matters internally so as to avoid further complications.
What is important for students to realize about the CHB is that it has been brought about for a good reason. Assistant Dean Richardson, in an interview on this matter, stated, "It is so critical for WPI to have students who care about the community and have a diversity of students involved with the board to provide a balance." This balance is maintained through the elections every year and do benefit the students here. Richardson also said that, "There are probably more cases of students being harassed than we hear about. They see people being victimized in TV shows like LA Law and fear the same victimization." What she felt most students did not know about the CHB is that hearsay evidence is allowed unlike a US court of law. This is how WPI has achieved a working judicial system to this point to aid students, not victimize them as Richardson suggests.
It is a shame that many of the assaults that take place on campus go unnoticed and unheard. Students do have an outlet and a way to deal with these problems. The CHB is here for the students. It's primary function is to hear alleged violations and determine what happened, not necessarily render judgement but rather deal with the case at hand in a private, individual way. Many more students could benefit from this part of WPI that are currently shying away, and it seems that unless students become more active in the community here, this will continue to be the case. If you feel you've been wronged or have any questions concerning the CHB, be sure to get a copy of this years Student Conduct Policies, or see Assistant Dean Richardson in the Student Life Office.