VOLUME 3, NUMBER 1
FALL 2015
The University of Toledo Division of Student Affairs
Real Life, Real Learning
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU THRIVE! We’ve got what you need.
Real Life, Real Learning Dear UT Students, Parents and Friends:
Welcome to a publication that celebrates the journey of which you’re all a part: the transformation from first-year student to a proud graduate of The University of Toledo. We call this magazine RL for Real Life, Real Learning. It’s been created by the UT Division of Student Affairs to be for and about our students. What will you find in RL? Challenges, victories and celebrations — they keep it real and you’ll probably experience them all. They’re the basis for the stories we’ll share with you through RL. This time we’re focusing on programs and services that help keep your years here at UT safe, productive and focused on your ultimate success after graduation. Many times, students don’t take full advantage of these resources, simply because they don’t know or don’t fully understand how important such opportunities are. Let me urge you right now to review what’s inside this issue — because these are things that can make a world of difference to you in the coming years. There’s already so much here at UT that you can tap into to enrich your academic and your personal journey to a successful future. The University of Toledo also has a new president, Dr. Sharon Gaber — read about her on Page 6. As she charts the direction for our University, you can be sure that students like you will be at the heart of her plans. We hope you’ll be part of the great things that continue to happen here — those challenges and celebrations that keep it RL. Welcome!
Volume 3, Number 1 Fall 2015 Editor Cynthia Nowak Designer Anthony Tscherne Principal photographer Daniel Miller
COVER STORY
You’re covered! Thrive & succeed: resources you need
10
RL (Real Life, Real Learning) is published in Fall Semester by the Division of Student Affairs. Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Kaye Patten Wallace, PhD
Meet the Associate Veep Student Affairs AVP dishes!
24
Office of the Senior VP for Student Affairs 3630 University Hall Phone: 419.530.2665
Beautiful UT
Office for the Student Experience 2521 Student Union Phone: 419.530.5923
A campus for every season
26
Kaye Patten Wallace, PhD Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
2
Snapshotz
p.s. RL is also online: issuu.com/rlmagazine
22
More Resources You’ll Love
6
Platforms of Future
ON THE COVER: College is a time for exploration and growth – UT’s resources can be the extra juice to help you succeed.
Fine China. Chinese New Year festivities build cultural bridges of fun every January at UT. Below, Cheryl Thomas from the Center for International Studies and Programs served up traditional foods while student Wenchao Lu, at left, created a Chinese wish card; this one read “san yang kai tai” (an auspicious beginning).
Heart and soul. Music is always part of the Black History Month kickoff luncheon in February; UT Gospel Choir did the honors this year. Students and community members filled the Student Union Auditorium to hear Dr. Willie McKether, associate dean of the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences, talk about how Toledo’s African Americans used oral histories to share their challenges and triumphs.
Toledo’s own Crystal. American Idol musician Crystal Bowersox came to campus in November as part of Conversations in Real Life, presented by the Jesup Scott Honors College and open to all students. Bowersox signed copies of her latest CD at a dinner, then met with students in Doermann Theatre before sharing songs and stories from her life.
2 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
3 | FALL 2015
There’s power in remembering. The Division of Student Affairs combined two important educational moments when the Clothesline Project and RAINN Day gave students the chance to understand the realities of sexual violence. The Clothesline Project is an initiative in which women affected by violence create shirts to be displayed as part of their healing process, while RAINN Day was instituted by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, the nation’s largest anti-violence organization. Here at UT, residential students and student organizations embellished donated umbrellas with messages against violence. The event also included a chance to talk with professionals from the University Counseling Center. Students can always visit the Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program (SAEPP) in Rocket Hall 1810 or call 419.530.3431 for more information on creating a campus community free of abuse, harassment and other forms of sexual violence.
Rocketing upward. New Student Convocation is the yearly launch event that shows our newest students what being a member of Rocket Nation really means. After a Blue-and-Gold extravaganza in Savage Arena, new students get a chance to mingle with staff and professors — and with each other — at an outdoor picnic with food, fun and plenty of Rocket Pride. Besides the fun, students come back with proven strategies for academic success.
Famous and free. At UT, there’s never a shortage of challenging ideas from world-class guest speakers. The Distinguished Lecture Series is just one venue that brings to campus renowned movers and shakers from politics, business, technology and more. Most lectures offer free admission to UT students. Two recent visitors — who also met one-on-one with UT students — were from opposite sides of the political fence: Karl Rove and Paul Begala. This season’s distinguished lecturers include Apple’s Steve Wozniak and Robin Chase of Buzzcar fame.
4 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
5 | FALL 2015
Fit and fitter
Platforms of The Future
No surprises; the Student Recreation Center rates high on any Most Visited Facility list, thanks to its extensive inventory of fitness equipment, aquatics venues and training/teaching programs. Keeping ahead of the fitness curve is high on Student Affairs’ own list of priorities, so periodic upgrades are a must. Recent additions of strength equipment and cardio machines were in response to student input, and the popularity of the new features attest to how important good health is to our student population.
New UT president primed for student success History was made at The University of • A nearly 40 percent increase in Toledo on March 12 as the Board of enrollment at Arkansas, while Trustees unanimously voted to name simultaneously increasing Dr. Sharon Gaber UT’s 17th president. incoming student preparedness and “The University of Toledo is one of “I see diversity; the most important institutions in the region and in Sharon Gaber, we have a president who can provide transformational leadership at a University deeply interwoven in the communities we serve,” said Board Chairman Joseph Zerbey. At a news conference following the trustees’ vote, Zerbey highlighted Gaber’s accomplishments during her tenure as provost of the University of Arkansas, including:
6 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
• An increase in Arkansas’ six-year student graduation rate; and
“I’m excited, honored and incredibly thankful to the Board of Trustees for this opportunity,” Gaber said.
Next on the agenda are some major aesthetic upgrades.
so much great work already happening at The University of Toledo and so much potential that we can achieve working together.
• A reclassification by the Carnegie Foundation of the University of Arkansas to a Very High Research institution, a reflection of more than $120 million in external research expenditures in 2014.
The Family Rockets. Revamped, expanded and at your fingertips — the UT Parents and Family webpage helps parents and families stay as updated, informed and engaged as their students — maybe even a little bit more! Find critical information and answers you can share as family members of Rocket Nation: utoledo.edu/parent.
7 | FALL 2015
Success Coaches: a resource for life Sometimes students have questions about college. Sometimes they have questions about life. And sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference. That’s why UT’s Success Coaches are such useful resources: They can field the questions about navigating
WE CAN HELP YOU THRIVE! Each student’s UT experience is unique, but everyone can use some occasional help! Thanks to partnerships that cover every aspect of campus life, students like you can find the personal support you need during your entire academic journey. These are just some of the programs, services and opportunities that can help keep you safe, healthy and on your way to graduation and beyond!
8 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
the sometimes-confusing realities of college as well as the questions that get — well, a little more personal. For success coach Jose Rosales, building mutual trust is at the heart of helping students. “It’s finding a way to connect,” he says. “Each student will have a different point of connection. I’m fortunate in having had a lot of experiences: as traditional student, as a returning student, as college athlete, a first-generation student, and someone from low socioeconomic status. “So I just wait. Sooner or later, something triggers a connection, and the conversation takes off. We go from there.” That’s how he connected with first-year student Luis Silva. “I was struggling,” Luis says. “I’m from Chicago and being a Latino, I sent Jose a text asking, ‘Can we meet?’ And he’d ask about my academic progress, or what was the next step for me.” Such communication starts early and usually extends through a student’s
first year, says Marissa Reid, a Success Coach in YOUCollege: “Students often don’t know what they don’t know! We reach out very early on and help them get acclimated to campus and comfortable with the transition from high school.” A number of YOUCollege students from last year’s program volunteered to become peer mentors for firstyear students, she added. “They were so pleased with the help they received from the coaches that they wanted to become part of the effort, so now they help us as YOUCollege Ambassadors.” First-year homesickness is an area where these ambassadors particularly shine, she notes. “A lot of homesick students prefer not to deal as much with an adult, so our ambassadors can give them the kind of social interaction they need.” Both coaches emphasize the same message for first-year students: See your coach, trust your coach, stay in contact with your coach.
Tiffany Whitman, at left, advises Melaney Goosby, a junior who’s thinking of law school after graduation.
Academic advisers: at center of successful college experience for students When it comes to helping UT students thrive and ultimately graduate, everyone understands the power of a dedicated team. Tiffany Whitman, academic adviser for first-year students in the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences, is a team member who plays to win — with the stakes being students and their future. “Both academic advisers and success coaches have important roles,” she says. “Advisers like me are more involved in handling the academic issues students have; we provide more in-depth guidance, making sure they’re matriculating successfully through their classes.” Given the complexity of today’s degree requirements, such monitoring is essential to help students create a cohesive academic path that makes the best sense for them. As well, many students enter college unsure of what their ultimate direction will be. Advisers can open worlds to such students, she notes: “Before students declare a
major, they need to understand whether the professional field is a good fit for them. We’ll help them explore their interests and their strengths, then relate those qualities to career opportunities.” As well, advisers keep up on trends in employment and in education, so students can base their academic plans on the most up-to-date career projections. “We’re the resource when students aren’t sure what they need academically,” she says. Like all advisers, Tiffany — who’s now in her fourth year of assisting students — initiates direct contact with faculty when there are issues in a student’s academic performance. She also works closely with her college’s deans. “We act as the go-between faculty and students,” she explains. “Students sometimes find the transition from high school to college difficult and they’re reluctant to make the first approach to a faculty if they feel there’s a problem. That’s where advisers come in.” It goes without saying that she loves her job: “Really, you’re working with our future leaders, preparing them to go into the world.” Her mantra for students is simple: “See us as a resource — trust us as professionals. Build that relationship and it will help you as you move toward your career and life after college.”
9 | FALL 2015
Academic Resources, Too: If someone were to design a onestop academic support resource, it would probably look a lot like UT’s Learning Enhancement Center (LEC), located in the lower level of Carlson Library. The free services include walk-in tutoring in multiple disciplines: science, math, business and foreign languages; online tutoring is available in math, statistics, biology and accounting. As well, students who need help with time management or test-taking skills can find one-on-one support. With chemistry and math the support areas most often targeted by students, LEC partners with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics to provide graduate assistants for expert tutoring. LEC, though, is more than a place to get assistance from their tutors, notes Julie Radwanski, LEC academic services coordinator: “Students build
10 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
Learning Enhancement Center and Writing Center relationships and friendships by forming their own study groups that meet here. Commuter students can find a sense of community here, too — even if they just use LEC as a quiet place to study.” Students concur, judging by their comments:
“I love it here. They really help you out.” “The LEC is a very positive place to be. I think all students should see what they have to offer.” “I wish I had been coming from the beginning.” Repeat customers also beat a track to the Writing Center, where Dr. Michele Martinez, executive director of academic support, sees students at every level of study walk through the doors: “We have first-semester freshmen, we have students working
on their master’s or doctoral degrees — and we have the people and the expertise to assist them all.” Trained Writing Center tutors walk students through every variety of writing project, from research papers to job application cover letters to creative assignments like poetry or short stories. “Our tutors are guides,” Martinez says. “Sometimes all a student needs is help clarifying what an assignment is asking them to do. Other times they do best by making an outline before starting. Or maybe they want another set of eyes to read their first draft and suggest revisions. All those services and a lot more are right here for the asking. “Once students find us and understand what we have to offer, they come back over and over.”
TRiO Student Support Services Details at utoledo.edu/success/trio/
Not every student enters college with the same background and experiences. Some circumstances — like being the first in your family to attend college — can create more challenges for new students. TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) works to turn those challenges into personal victories for firstgeneration students, as well as those with disabilities, from low-income backgrounds or with any issues that might keep them reaching from their full potential.
TRiO’s offerings include everything from private tutoring to life-skills workshops to opportunities for leadership and employment. “We dispel the mystery of college, especially for first-year students,” Stone says. “We begin every year with a welcoming party where we talk with new students about things happening on campus. We walk them to the computer labs, watch them navigate the MyUT portal, make sure they have the skills they need.” The results are impressive, with 75 percent of TRiO SSS students in good academic standing. Students participate as needed, some staying active throughout their academic journey and others coming back periodically.
“In SSS, we’re a family, and we regard our students the same way a family regards a child: we want them to be successful,” says SSS program director Robin Stone. “To achieve that, we’re highly proactive. We work to anticipate every problem or issue that Stone identifies an early start as key: may arise with individual students “The point of our programs is to help before each semester starts.” students understand what they don’t know — then help them master what they need to know.” 11 | FALL 2015
IT’S MUCH MORE THAN ATHLETICS What Title IX means for you in practice is that The University of Toledo has procedures in place to protect students (and all members of the UT community) from all forms of sexual misconduct. University officials will work to address any sex discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct within the University community, remedy the effects of such events, and prevent them from affecting students further.
Staying ahead of the curve To make sure that UT has the most effective and up-to-date practices in place, University officials initiated a comprehensive review of our Title IX policies, procedures, training and outreach, starting late last year. Also included was an assessment of the way the University tracks and investigates reports of sexual violence. That review included hiring Title IX experts from outside the University to personally speak with UT constituents, including students, staff, faculty and administrators. It was a lengthy process but very worthwhile — reflecting UT’s commitment to going the extra mile on all Title IX issues.
UMBRELLA PROTECTS ALL STUDENTS — NOT JUST ATHLETES! 12 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
UT is committed to keeping its policies and procedures aligned with the best practices from the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The takeaway message? Discrimination, harassment or violence on the basis of sex will not be allowed to create a hostile environment for any student or University worker.
Education makes everyone a resource An important part of UT’s Title IX compliance is training. Knowledgeable staff at every level means that the best practices become part of the UT culture. With that goal, all employees at the University will receive training so that they can help students who may approach them with questions on Title IX issues. As well, being sensitive to the needs of the accuser and the accused is part of the training. Because educating students is equally important, the University utilizes training to help them with critical life skills. Haven is a comprehensive online program showing UT students how they can play an active role in preventing sexual assault. All newly admitted students are expected to complete the Haven training, as well as AlcoholEdu, which focuses on preventing the abuse of alcohol and other substances. More programs are offered through the UT Counseling Center (utoledo.edu/ studentaffairs/counseling) and through the UT Police Department. This fall, UT initiated the “It’s On Us” campaign to enhance the campus community’s awareness of Title IX, and make everyone an active participant in keeping UT a safe and supportive place to learn, live and work.
I want to file a Title IX complaint – where do I start? The main responsibility for Title IX compliance rests with the University’s Title IX coordinator. The coordinator’s efforts are supported by three deputy coordinators who work with different campus groups: students, staff and faculty. For students, the deputy Title IX deputy coordinator is Mary Martinez in the Office of Student Conduct in Ottawa West Room 1015 on Main Campus. She can also be reached at mary.martinez@utoledo. edu or 419.530.8585. The Title IX website utoledo.edu/ offices/oid/title-ix/index is always being updated, and includes contact information for the Title IX coordinator and deputy coordinators, step-bystep directions on how to file a report, information on remaining anonymous, and links to additional resources. But remember: every UT employee plays a part in our commitment to uphold Title IX. Don’t hesitate to talk with any UT staff or faculty member with whom you feel comfortable; that person can guide you to your next steps.
Students facing sensitive Title IX situations will find trained UT staff to help them.
13 | FALL 2015
MYTHBUSTERS! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW TITLE IX?
MYTH:
Title IX only applies to athletic programs.
REALITY:
This is perhaps the most widely held misconception about Title IX. Athletics are not the only component of academic life governed by Title IX. Other areas that fall within the scope of Title IX include: • Recruitment, admissions, financial aid and scholarships • Course offerings and access • Counseling
HOW DOES TITLE IX COVER YOU? The law protects you in three important ways: • From sexual harassment by University faculty or staff; and • From sexual harassment (including sexual assault, sexual violence or other sexual misconduct) by another UT student; and • From any other form of gender discrimination by UT faculty, staff, other students or third parties; and • From retaliation or retaliatory actions against victims or their advocates who file complaints. 14 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
• Hiring and human resource issues relating to employees • Employee benefits Title IX also prohibits sexual harassment, which includes sexual assault and sexual violence. Additional information regarding what behaviors may constitute sexual harassment/ sexual misconduct is available at utoledo.edu/policies/administration/ diversity/pdfs/3364_50_01.pdf.
MYTH:
Title IX requires that male athletic opportunities be decreased to provide opportunities for female programs.
REALITY:
Title IX is designed to create parity in athletics, as well as other educational opportunities and experiences for men and women. Title IX does not require schools to cut men’s athletic programs. Each school determines how it will comply with Title IX regulations.
MYTH:
Title IX applies only to discrimination against women.
REALITY:
Title IX also protects the rights of men. Title IX requires that males and females receive fair and equal treatment in all areas of education.
MYTH:
According to Title IX, all educational activities and programs must be co-ed and open to both men and women.
REALITY:
Title IX specifically allows for, or has been interpreted to allow for, single-sex programs in a number of categories. Included are: religious schools, traditional men’s/women’s colleges, social fraternities/sororities, youth service organizations such as The Boy/Girl Scouts of America, and beauty pageants.
MYTH:
Gender bias in science, medicine and engineering is not prohibited by Title IX.
REALITY:
The under-representation of women in science, medicine and engineering may violate Title IX. Educational institutions are required to provide women in these disciplines the resources, support and promotional opportunities comparable to those available to their male colleagues.
MYTH:
Victims of Title IX who file complaints of discrimination are not protected from retaliation under Title IX.
REALITY:
The U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title IX provides protection for whistle-blowers who accuse educational institutions of sex discrimination. The court’s opinion is that reporting such incidents is crucial to Title IX enforcement; such reports would be discouraged if retaliation goes unpunished.
15 | FALL 2015
COUNSELING CENTER: here for you when you need it
Dr. Stan Edwards
The University Counseling Center team is unified, motivated and open for the business of helping students through tough spots, says its director, Dr. Stan Edwards. “We’re ready for our newest students as well as for our returning Rockets,” he says. “Each student has his or her own needs when they come to the Counseling Center, and it’s our constant challenge to meet each student at the point of that need.”
The center’s central message?
“Any student who needs help can find it here.” The free services available to all enrolled UT students include the center’s two newest programs: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention (ATOD), and the Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program (SAEPP). Students can get the most current information on alcohol — by far the drug most abused, Edwards notes — as well as on the many substances that can be encountered today. Since 16 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
UT is a tobacco-free campus, the Counseling Center strengthened its smoking cessation programs. A campus community that’s free of abuse, harassment and other forms of sexual and intimate partner violence is a goal of SAEPP, he says, adding that the University’s trained staff advocates give students an extra layer of support. “In both programs, we work to educate our students and the University community,” Edwards says. “Our educational programs and events are really useful venues to meet informally with our staff.” Often, he notes, students who come to the events become more comfortable with the idea of counseling, and set up an appointment to meet with one of the center’s trained and certified counselors. “Especially for first-year students, college can be an adjustment, and we help them understand that the stress is normal — and that there’s no stigma attached to getting help if they need it,” he says. Full details at utoledo.edu/ studentaffairs/counseling.
UT POLICE DEPARTMENT: ALLIES AND PARTNERS IN SAFETY
“We’re not here to bust you; we’re here to create a safe environment for living, working and learning.” University of Toledo Police Chief Jeff Newton wants to share that message with every student within the campus jurisdiction. “We’re here to serve students, here for their safety, protection and education,” he says.
Unlike the police department of a big city or a small town, UT police officers are selected to work in a unique environment, one that’s multicultural, international and highly educated.
And they cover UT around the clock. Whether classes are in session or not, UTPD officers are on campus 24/7. They serve on groups like UT’s Anti-Bullying Task Force. They meet weekly with Residence Life staff to proactively address issues before they become problems. They regularly present safety programs for commuter students. To help prevent relationship abuse, a UTPD officer who’s a certified counselor gives a “Healthy Boundaries” class to define what positive relationships look like.
“Our officers are highly sensitive to issues relating to the mix of people on campus,” Chief Newton says. “We expect high levels of professionalism and education from our officers, an ability to connect with students and faculty. That’s what we look for when we hire — a particular set of attributes and a particular disposition.” The comprehensive training that UTPD officers go through is of a higher level than police from many municipalities around the country, Newton says. “University officers have to be Jacks and Jills of all trades; they need to be able to take accident reports, meet with crime victims, and be able to stand in front of an audience to give a safety presentation.
Social media provides even more avenues for connecting the University. Newton encourages students to use the UTPD Facebook page and Twitter page for updates, even if they’ve already signed up for UT Alert (see page 22).
“We’ve solved a lot of crimes using social media,” Newton says. “If we have an image of a suspect, we’ll share it that way.” Parents can also use UTPD social media to receive the same updates as their students get.
“If it’s necessary, they have to be able to chase down a bad guy and execute an arrest. Our officers do all that and a lot more.”
17 | FALL 2015
What’s
diversity all about, really? For one thing, it’s not just about one area anymore. Not just race or cultural background, not just gender identity or chronological age — not even whether you prefer zombie apocalypse fiction or Jane Austen for giggles! But they are all part of the anything-but-mathematical equation that makes UT a diversity-rich university. “Diversity today is an exciting reality,” says Dr. Kaye Patten Wallace, senior vice president for student affairs. “Thanks in part to our students themselves, there’s a stronger recognition of everyone’s uniqueness. Students come to college with identities that have already been developed through their experiences; they expect those identities to be recognized.” Diversity resources at UT cover academics, social life, career preparation, extracurricular activities, cultural bridge-building and many other aspects of your student experience.
This is also home to TOLEDO EXCEL and Upward Bound, two programs that help low-income and first-generation college students create the edge they need to complete their degrees and enter into satisfying careers. 18 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
Through the Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Engagement, students and the entire University family regularly tap into a wealth of resources that help forge a positive campus culture. Two premiere assets of the office take that culture of strength into the wider world: the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women and the Minority Business Development Center. The Center for International Studies and Programs (CISP) was established in 2011 to help UT students explore their world through opportunities in study abroad, National Student Exchange, Camp Adventure, Washington Center Internships, the Global Health program and others.
At UT, we go beyond recognition. We welcome and we celebrate the diverse identities of Rocket Nation.
The Office of Multicultural Student Success in the Student Union is the hub for many programs and initiatives aimed at increasing academic success for our students. It’s a place where students from every background — African American, Asian, Latino, LGBTQA, Native American and others — can find academic and social programming, services and advocacy. The office also sponsors trainings, workshops and mentoring programs and services, and helps raise awareness about multicultural and social justice issues.
Blade runners. The Confucius Institute at The University of Toledo, part of a national initiative, provides education in Chinese language and culture, the development of and enhancing Chinarelated scholarly research, academic programs and educational programs. A vibrant example was this acrobatic dance presented at UT by the Hanban Performance Troupe as part of a spring pageant.
CISP works with American students interested in studying and living in other parts of the world and helps UT’s international students make the transition to life at UT and in the United States. Regular information sessions outline the opportunities and help students get started on what can be the journey of a lifetime.
Rising stars of tomorrow. Students had multiple opportunities to meet with business leaders during the past season of the yearly lecture series that’s part of Brothers on the Rise — a UT program to help young African American and Latino men (and women!) reach academic and professional success. Carol Goss, an advanced leadership fellow at the Harvard University School of Business, spoke about setting and reaching personal goals, and Rodney O’Neal, chief executive officer and president of Delphi Automotive PLC, opened the floor for questions students brought.
Other resources you’ll want to explore: Office of Accessibility 419.530.4981 Center for Religious Understanding 419.530.6190 Brothers on the Rise 419.530.5506 Disability Studies 419.530.7244
Vive la France! Sarah Egziabher is one of the many UT students who was able to enlarge her world through the study abroad opportunities offered through the Center for International Studies and programs. 19 | FALL 2015
Know your code:
Here’s how the Student Code of Conduct protects you.
All students, from the time they successfully apply at “Having a strong Student Code of Conduct means The University of Toledo to the day they walk at graduation, fewer gray areas where behaviors that can damage our are held accountable to the Student Code of Conduct. positive campus culture are immediately identified and The code outlines the University’s expectations for addressed,” she says. “And by knowing what the code behavior. That includes behaviors that violate the code, requires, students and student organizations can avoid and there are procedures in place to handle violations. damaging actions and behaviors from the start — which benefits everyone. Sounds heavy, but as Dean of Students Tamika Mitchell explains, the primary purpose of the code is to protect and educate students, not punish them.
20 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
“Really, the code creates a better student experience at every level.”
Things you may not know about the Student Code of Conduct
“By providing high standards of behavior, the Student Code of Conduct is an important part of the overall education of each student.”
The Office of Student Conduct, located in Ottawa West Room 1015, oversees the real-time application of the code. They develop and interpret the code — it’s a living document that’s reviewed regularly. The office is responsible for code enforcement as well, and for educating students about their rights and responsibilities as members of the UT community. “We take our job seriously and work to promote a campus culture of integrity and respect,” says Mary Martinez, student conduct officer. “By enlisting every student to understand and live by the Student Code, we all contribute to creating a civil learning environment. That means students can concentrate on their personal growth and academic success rather than get caught up in undesirable behaviors or their fallout. The Student Code of Conduct can be accessed through the Division of Student Affairs website, (utoledo.edu/ studentaffairs) under Campus Safety.
1.
The Student Code of Conduct applies to all students, from time of application to UT to the awarding of a degree and all student organizations.
2.
Students are held accountable to the Student Code of Conduct for behaviors that occur both on and off campus.
3.
The Student Conduct process is educational, progressive and separate from the legal process.
4.
The Office of Student Conduct promotes a safe living and learning environment for students.
5.
The standard of evidence for finding a student responsible is the Preponderance of Evidence (in other words, what is more likely to have occurred).
6.
In conduct hearings, students are found responsible/ not responsible for student conduct violations — rather than guilty/not guilty.
7.
Students who are found responsible will be required to complete the given sanctions; sanctions can range from a warning to suspension or expulsion.
8.
FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law) does not allow The Office of Student to release information to parents/guardians unless written permission for the student is received. Exceptions to FERPA include incidents that include safety concerns, such as alcohol or drug use.
9.
The Office of Student Conduct performs background checks for employers worldwide.
10. The Office of Student Conduct performs conduct record checks for students applying to study abroad.
21 | FALL 2015
MORE RESOURCES YOU’LL LOVE! Night Watch escort service It’s late. The sun’s long since set and UT is quiet. A lone student needs to reach a campus destination but feels uncomfortable making the trip solo. Not an issue. Night Watch — the UT escort service that’s been providing safety and security for students for more than 20 years — is just a quick phone call away. A program operated and manned by UT students with ongoing support and weekly input from The University of Toledo Police Department (UTPD), Night Watch utilizes two-student
patrol teams that provide escorts to locations on all three UT campuses: Main, Health Science and Scott Park. Off-campus destinations in the immediate area are covered as well. The Night Watch number — 419.530.3024 — is printed on the back of every student ID card. Night Watch is available Sunday through Thursday from 7 pm 3 am. The service also operates a substation in the hallway of Carlson Library Sunday through Thursday from 7 pm to midnight. On Friday and Saturday,
Not On My Watch
the Night Watch office is open from 7 to 10 pm.
Safety first for October! To mark National Crime Prevention Month, the Not On My Watch campaign uses a partnership between the Division of Student Affairs, the Anti-Bullying Task Force and The University of Toledo Police Department (UTPD). It kicks off every October with a series of interactive events: alcoholfree tailgates, bystander intervention training, international travel tips, security engraving — even free flu shots!
A recent innovation is intended particularly for freshmen students who park their cars in the gated and secured Lot 21 on the Scott Park Campus. To assist the influx of students who will be coming back to campus Sunday evenings after visiting family and friends, Night Watch crews not on runs will be parked at the curb cut near Lot 21, making them visible to students who park there, and available by calling 419.530.3024.
Not On My Watch offers four weeks of safety-related programs and activities, showing students how they can become active participants in their own safety, says Virginia Speight, associate vice president for Student Affairs and director of residence life. “By combining the resources of offices and departments that work closely with students every day, we’ve been able to develop safety programs and activities that will really engage our students, and help them adopt habits that will improve their personal safety — and by extension, campus safety,” she adds.
UT Alert Did the Level 3 snow emergency cancel your classes? Is there a campus situation that everyone needs to avoid? Get the latest information immediately! UT Alert allows students, faculty and staff to sign up for text message, email or phone call alerts if there is a campus emergency, class cancellation or other critical information. Sign up at the MyUT page or go directly to utalert.utoledo.edu.
LifeLine Response Help is at your fingertips with LifeLine Response EDU, which you can use to immediately sound an alarm when help is needed. The closest 911 center is notified and will use real-time GPS location to send help. “All college students these days carry a cell phone, and this application essentially puts the code blue emergency phones on campus right in your pocket to notify authorities if you are ever in need of help,” says UT Police Chief Jeff Newton. “The unique safety features in this app add to our overall efforts to provide a safe campus.” Download the app at llresponse.com/download_edu.html.
22 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
23 | FALL 2015
THE LOWDOW from Student Affairs’ new associate VP Campus safety, life in the res halls, your exciting first year! Virginia Speight, associate vice have surveillance cameras, and all president for Student Affairs and guests are required to sign in. director of residence life, lives her job. “More than that, we are really here Really lives it — as a resident of The for the students 24/7. Students can University of Toledo. always talk to a professional staff “I live right here on campus, so member at any hour, and the same what students are experiencing, I customer service you get at 2 p.m. probably have experienced also,” she you get at 2 a.m.” says. “It’s not a typical choice for administrators, but the things I’ve learned make me much stronger at understanding where students are coming from. Because that’s critical: knowing where your customer is coming from.”
The residence halls are also home to living-learning and special-interest communities such as those centered on political science and business, and on hot issues like sustainability. Virginia says, “I’ve been in the residence life field for many years, and it’s much more than just a job, because this is where students lay their heads. I take the responsibility very seriously.”
“Our responsibility is getting your students ready for the wider world.”
She knows many new resident The support goes much further, students (and their parents) ask about though. Students should check out safety measures, so she can share the the Welcome Week programs in the facts: “We have the systems in place halls to help them get comfortable to protect our students. The halls with campus life, she says. have live in-staff who are available at “Workshops in study skills and time all times. There’s a trained resident management help everyone make that adviser on each floor and a full-time successful transition to college. And hall director in each building. Each every building holds regular meetings residence hall has a front desk that’s between students and resident open 24/7. All the entrances and exits advisers.”
24 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
She has new responsibilities as associate vice president (AVP) for student affairs, a job that adds to her energy level. “I’m excited to add a new level to my job as residence life director,” she says. “I’ll continue working directly with students, but I’ll also be working with staff in the Division of Student Affairs.” With an eye on the new academic year, she adds, “The beginning of fall semester is one of the
most exciting times on campus. Freshmen are becoming acclimated to campus, interacting with new people and learning about who they are. Continuing students are gearing up for a new year full of academic success and social development. As the AVP, it’s exciting to work with staff and students to achieve our divisional mission.”
socially as well as academically. With those steps come increased responsibility for students, so she ends with some advice for parents of first-year students:
“Our responsibility is getting your students ready for the wider world. Many students now come from smaller towns, so parents and students may be used to small communities, where Taking a moment to outline that they knew everyone and felt safe. We mission, she notes, “Student Affairs understand, but we also know that exists to enhance every student’s pretty soon, students will be living experience here at UT. Our students and working in a wider environment. come from many different backgrounds So give us the chance to show them and continue to change as they how to grow and succeed in a wider discover themselves. It’s our mission community. to support them at every stage. “You’re handing your students off to “Student Affairs is the hub for collaborations, programs and services, all of them centered on our students, to promote success in the classroom and personal development in each student.” With years of experience to draw on, Virginia is more than ready to expand her role in helping the young adults on campus grow emotionally and
us, and we take that responsibility very seriously, but your child is an adult now. We show them the campus resources that are available to address any issues and questions they have, so please encourage them to use those resources. They can make a real difference in a student’s life.”
25 | FALL 2015
Beautiful Rocket Country
A university for every season The University of Toledo shines through every season of the year. Even if you’re not fond of Midwest winters (really, is anybody?), you’ll find something amazingly beautiful around the corner.
26 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
27 | FALL 2015
The Office for Student Involvement knows! Want to get engaged and active?
Get involved!
Looking for something to do?
Get involved!
Hoping to make a difference?
You know what to do —
get involved!
Studies show it, students know it: Campus involvement improves your college experience, creates new friendships and lifelong connections, and makes it more likely that you’ll successfully graduate!
And the earlier you start, the greater the benefits! With a multitude of student organizations, events, programs and services, you have a lot to choose from — the Office for Student Involvement is the place to begin! Visit them in Student Union Room 3504, or at utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/osi.
28 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING
Student Appreciation Day 2015 Thanks, students! Student Appreciation Day is the loud and proud “Thank you!” that’s written all over the hearts and minds that fill Centennial Mall for this annual late-spring event. It’s hosted by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and features free food, entertainment, challenges and more than a few surprises.
1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men are sexually assaulted in college.
Only
13%
40% of survivors fear reprisal by their attacker.
8 in10
victims knew their attacker.
of rape survivors report assault.
Only
2%
of incapacitated rape survivors report assault.
We can change those numbers! The University of Toledo is proud to join the White House and universities nationwide to stop sexual assault. It means creating a culture change where we all have a role to play. So we’re empowering the entire UT community through education, campus collaborations and community partnerships.
Take the It’s On Us pledge to be part of the solution and learn more at itsonus.org and at utoledo.edu/offices/oid/title-ix/index. 30 | REAL LIFE, REAL LEARNING