On Monday, May 13, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ initiated its conduct process for individuals identified as taking part in the unsanctioned encampment on the university’s private property, vandalism and disruption to campus operations. For some students, this included interim measures of temporary withholding of degrees and persona non grata status.
Though the timing of the encampment and protests left minimal opportunity before degree conferral to complete investigations and hold conduct hearings, the university’s Office of Student Conduct has moved expeditiously to determine graduating students’ ability to take part in commencement-related activities. The office also worked with students who were living in residence halls, were enrolled in dining plans or had on-campus jobs to ensure they had continued access to all necessary services, regardless of PNG status.
Of the approximately 2,700 students who are set to graduate this week, 12 of the graduating students are involved in the conduct process, and the university hopes to resolve for these students in the next few weeks. Of these, three students are prohibited from participating in commencement ceremonies, due to their express statements or actions threatening to disrupt commencement activities and their level of involvement in the unsanctioned encampment. All others have been permitted to take part in their degree-conferral ceremonies, among other commencement-related activities. Decisions on the awarding of degrees will be made once the conduct process is complete.
The university looks forward to celebrating its outstanding graduates this weekend and maintaining the focus on their exceptional achievements. As noted in an email to the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ community earlier this week, all freedom of expression activity on university property—including protests during commencement weekend—must be reserved and approved in advance. Participation in an unapproved activity will result in referral to the relevant conduct process, even for those scheduled to graduate. The university also has implemented a variety of security measures, including requiring advance tickets for nearly all ceremonies.