Some potential policies for the 2010-2011 student handbook made by a student committee are going to the Baker University Board of Trustees Friday to be discussed and either accepted or rejected.
The group established a missing person policy, which was required by the Higher Education Act, a gambling policy and an inappropriate or disruptive behavior policy.
The new handbook recognizes self-destructive behavior and includes a statement on bake sales to follow health department codes. It also explains alcohol paraphernalia in residence halls and visitation hours.
Some students in residence halls have been caught with alcoholic items or guests who have stayed past visitation hours.
“I got in trouble for having alcohol paraphernalia. I know it was a policy that I broke, but I felt like the policy was not clear,” freshman Paul Baker said. “I had an empty bottle and I don’t feel like I should have been punished for that. I kept it for sentimental value.”
The alcohol paraphernalia policy might be changed, but freshman Hannah Schaake said the potential policy is still a little confusing.
“We can’t really be like, ‘well this beer stein with an event date is okay, but a shot glass with it isn’t.’ So, basically it was just like anything that will help you to consume alcohol rapidly,” Schaake said.
The committee also worked on changing visitation hours.
“We met last year about the visiting hours. It used to be midnight, I believe, and we decided 2 a.m. would be better,” sophomore John Babb said. “I guess this year the group decided to go by the roommate contracts so everyone agrees to a reasonable time for people to leave.”
The proposed policy says all students entertaining a guest must have permission from their roommate, and they can only stay for three nights without it being considered cohabitation.
Dean of Students Cassy Bailey said she has mixed emotions about not having visitation hours, but Baker thinks it could make an impact.
“It will give Baker students a sense of being adults, instead of being limited like children,” said Baker.
Schaake believes the policy would help resident assistants enforce rules better and residents to follow them.
“There’s just so much confusion. I have friends that go to KU and they’ll be like ‘Oh it’s 2 a.m., do I have to leave?’ It’s just ridiculous,” Schaake said.
Baker hopes the university implements the new changes.
“Well, if they’re going to be changed in that kind of way,” Baker said, “that’s a good step for Baker and bettering the experience of the students.”
