University Park

Online quiz helps students know the Code of Conduct

University Park, Pa. -- Most people think about the Code of Conduct at Penn State only after hearing about students who might have strayed outside the code's parameters. That's why the University's Office of Judicial Affairs has devised a way for students to learn more about the Code of Conduct and perhaps win a cool prize in the process.

The "Know the Code Quiz" was developed under the guidance of Assistant Director of Judicial Affairs Gary Miller. Found at http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja the quiz is comprised of 14 interactive questions, complete with sound effects that instantly tell students whether each response is correct. It has been updated and revised, so even if a student completed it last year, it won't hurt to refresh their knowledge of the Code of Conduct and students might learn something new.

"We're trying to educate students about the code and the disciplinary process," Miller said. "We encourage students to go online and take the quiz to learn more."

Of course, mention "quiz" to a population that is immersed in quizzes, tests, papers and projects and it's not exactly an invitation to mass participation.

"We didn't want to make it unwieldy,” Miller said. “It's short, sweet and to the point. When we were writing it and developing it, we asked undergrad students, 'what type of questions would you put on this quiz and what kind of information would you want to know?'”

"The ultimate goal is to help students realize what it means to be a responsible member of the Penn State Community," he added. "By learning more about the Code of Conduct, students will understand what is expected of them and will be able to make informed decisions."

As incentives for students to take the quiz, prizes will be awarded, and have included iPod alarm clocks, digital picture frames, Penn State flash drives, and Penn State hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts and hats. The prizes are awarded periodically during the semester. Also, the first 20 students who complete the quiz and list the newswire as their referral source will win a Know the Code metal sport bottle in addition to being entered into the drawing.

The inducement of prizes and the brevity of the quiz have helped build student response. It also helps Judicial Affairs compile some data, as well.

"When a student takes the quiz, they are entered in a drawing," Miller explained. "We have them put in information about where they learned about it and put in their scores. So far this semester, about 500 students have gone online and taken the quiz. Last year we had approximately 875."

"We're getting the word out more and more. We've been working with resident assistants, faculty members, and our colleagues within the Division of Student Affairs, getting them to encourage students to take the quiz."

The quiz isn't limited to University Park students, because the code of conduct applies to all Penn State students, regardless of the campus they attend.

"Anybody can go online and take the quiz, but the prizes are reserved for students," Miller said. "When you mention free stuff to students, they most likely will go online and take it. It's important for parents and families to know it's quick and easy and students might even win some free stuff."

In addition to the quiz, there will be information sessions in the HUB-Robeson Center Auditorium from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 22; 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30; 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 8.
 
The purpose of the sessions is to review the Code of Conduct, demystify the campus discipline process, and clarify student rights and responsibilities. The students are divided up into groups, given a case study inspired by an actual incident on campus, and then asked for their thoughts as a group. During the discussion of the case studies, Miller highlights the violation(s) of the Code of Conduct and talk about the process and possible sanctions. Topics covered include Academic Integrity, Alcohol, Drugs, and Sexual Misconduct.

Last Updated September 15, 2009

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