DISCIPLINING STUDENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21239, 20 July 1932, Page 10

DISCIPLINING STUDENTS.

OTAGO UNIVERSITY.

ACTION TAKEN BY COUNCIL.

SPECIAL BOARDS SET UP.

drastic measures of control.

[by TELEGRAM. — OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] DUNEDIN. Tuesday.

Recent events have directed attention to the need for a greater measure of disciplinary control over the activities of the students of Otago University. A definite step toward attaining this end was taken at a meeting of the University Council to-day, when drastic proposals for the establishment of new controlling authorities, together with the institution of strict regulations for the preservation of order and the punishment of misconduct among undergraduates, were outlined in a report prepared by a joint committee of the council and the Professorial Board.

The report, which was adopted, comprised two sections. One dealt with the disciplinary powers of professors and lecturers and the establishment of a board' of discipline, and the second with the constitution of a board of control, with definite powers with regard to the university buildings, lodgings and social amenities and events. An earlier suggestion for the establishment of a system of proctors in the university—as at Oxford and Cambridge—was considered, but after full consideration it was found to be impracticable. The board of discipline which has been set up will deal with all cases of misconduct among students, who may defend themselves against the charges made. The punitive powers of the board range from simple admonition to summary expulsion from the university. The intermediate penalties include private and public reprimands, the imposition of fines not exceeding £5, the repairing of damage and loss and rustication. There will be no appeal to the University Council from a decision of the board. The constitution of the new board of control transfers a great deal of authority in respect of the university buildings and grounds from the students themselves to I a body comprising 16 representatives of the council, the teaching staff, the Professorial Board and the Students Association. The board will be divided into a buildings committee, < a social committee and a lodging committee. The functions of these three committees are clearly set out, and cover practically the whole of the internal life of the university.