University Park, Pa. -- A Penn State student at University Park is accused of copyright infringement for illegal downloading activity. Another is cited for underage drinking. Separate from any legal action these students might face, the University's Office of Judicial Affairs must review such cases for possible violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Cases are brought before disciplinary conferences as part of the review process, and students at Penn State have always had the opportunity to have an adviser present throughout their Judicial Affairs process. Most students previously used that option only when going before a full University Hearing Board. Generally, that adviser was another person from the University community who could ask questions related to the student's case but could not speak for the student.
Since fall 2007, more than 60 Penn State faculty and staff have volunteered for training to serve as advisers for students facing allegations of misconduct. Those trained advisers are now listed online through the Judicial Affairs Web site -- found at http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja/pdf/AdvisorsContactList.pdf -- where students participating in disciplinary conferences can make contact with them directly.
As before, students who are part of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) Legal Affairs committee are also trained as advisers and will still be available as an additional option for students.
Dave Yukelson, one of the volunteer advisers, works as a coordinator of student-athlete programs at the Morgan Center for Student Athletes, so one might imagine that he is used to offering impartial counseling services to students. Recently, he described his perspective as a volunteer adviser with Judicial Affairs.
"In each situation, my role as an adviser is to provide support and reassurance, clarify for the student what to expect, help them articulate their side of the issue, and in general communicate openly, honestly and respectfully," said Yukelson.
He has served twice as a volunteer adviser since he received training. In both situations Yukelson felt that the student appreciated having someone to talk with about the Judicial Affairs process who could "help guide them through the process in a non-judgmental manner … who could be a source of support and encouragement, also ease anxiety and help prepare them for what to expect."
When asked to summarize his experiences as an adviser, Yukelson noted, "I was really impressed with the way each of the students I represented carried themselves with confidence, integrity and character. In addition, I was really impressed with the professionalism of the Judicial Affairs staff and how educational the process was, for me and the students."
Yukelson's volunteer peers represent a wide range of academic and administrative units across the University. Judicial Affairs advisers hail from the colleges of Arts and Architecture, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Education, and Engineering, as well as the Eberly College of Science, the College the Liberal Arts and the Schreyer Honors College. Other volunteers come from the offices of Disability Services, Division of Undergraduate Studies, Educational Equity, Housing and Assignments, Intercollegiate Athletics, International Student Services, Morgan Center for Student Athletes, Penn State Veterans Organization, Student Aid, Student Affairs and Undergraduate Admissions.
Another volunteer adviser, Kathy Krinks, who works in the Housing and Assignments office, said she appreciated the ease of access of the impartial service. "This service is there for students to use," she said. "They do have an ally in what could be a very stressful situation for them -- all they need to do is make the contact."
Asked why he decided to volunteer, Yukelson explained, "There are always two sides to an issue. Being called into Judicial Affairs can be anxiety producing in and of itself. Whether the person is guilty or not, everyone needs to have an advocate who can help guide them through the process, help them clarify and articulate their side of the issue in an open and honest manner."