Written by Helen Strickland // Graphic by Ben Evans
This summer, Harding University’s administration made changes to the student handbook. A new philosophy of discipline was introduced last spring that focuses on discipline as a case-by-case scenario as opposed to a “strike” system. These more recent handbook alterations will build on this. New updates include an emphasis on communication, readability and conciseness, said Dean of Students Zach Neal. Both Neal and University Executive Vice President Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson , highlighted the importance of presenting a clear message of Harding’s expectations to students via the handbook.
This is the first full year in which Harding’s new philosophy of discipline will be enacted, and this semester is the first semester of the student handbook changes.
“The student handbook is so important,” Thompson said. “It’s a guidance piece … It’s kind of a roadmap for how we are asking students to be a part of the community.”
Neal said though the handbook provides a code of conduct, it is more of a guide for the community on how to live together.
Student Government Association President Ella Duryea said she hopes these changes, along with Harding’s new philosophy of discipline, will bridge gaps between students and administration.
“You can learn and grow and mess up, and we still want you here,” Duryea said of the message from Harding’s student handbook.
Duryea noted that the new philosophy of discipline gives compassion to both students and administration at Harding.
Neal said the energy of new leadership fueled these changes. He said with new leadership comes a time to analyze previous policies and procedures.
Thompson said the handbook changes and philosophy of discipline are not meant to avoid disciplinary action.
“If someone is posing a threat or their attitude is not in the right place, we can’t just ignore that,” Thompson said. “We’re going to have to make hard decisions about whether students are ready to be here or not.”
Neal said that the process of shaping the student handbook is an ongoing one.
“We will always analyze and evaluate and continue to make decisions that we feel would be best for the community as well as the individuals within that community,” Neal said.
Thompson said student focus groups are being implemented to receive feedback about the possibility of future changes, including housing and conduct decisions, as well as check-in, curfew and visitation procedures.
Duryea said she is optimistic about the changes ahead.
“I think we’re going to see more of that [change] this year and in the years to come … we have things to be excited about,” Duryea said.
