Western students now held accountable for off-campus conduct

Western University officials have approved a change to the student code of conduct that will result in students now being held accountable for their behaviour during off-campus, unsanctioned street parties.

The board of governors approved the amendment Thursday afternoon, as the university grapples with ways of dealing with inappropriate student behaviour during events like "fake homecoming," or FOCO.

The amendment gives the university the power to academically discipline students found misbehaving during illegal street parties, including expulsion.

Local lawyer responds

London Lawyer Michael Lerner sits on the board of governors. He feels Western should have dealt with the issue of unsanctioned parties a lot sooner by following the lead of Fanshawe College which successfully managed similar issues.

"They had a code of conduct and, more importantly, they enforced it, and there were consequences," said Lerner. "If this is just going to be another policy or statement that is not going to be enforced, then all it is, is a piece of paper."

Last September, more than 20,000 people attended an unsanctioned party on Broughdale Avenue. It cost the city an additional $100,000 in policing costs and resulted in dozens of people being taken to hospital. Western says it has also spent $650,000 over the past five years installing fences, hiring police and security and cleaning up after the unsanctioned parties.

• Western officials 'need to get a grip on FOCO', says London city councillor

In March, the university struck an ad hoc committee to help address safety concerns raised by the community, London police, paramedics and city officials. That committee recommended the university extend its code of conduct to review serious offences involving students at programs and events "not hosted, sanctioned, sponsored or organized by the University."

Infractions will be handled case-by-case

The amendment gives discretion to the associate vice president of student experience "when determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over off-campus conduct." The official would consider the seriousness of the offence and risk of harm involved, among other factors.

While he welcomes the amendment, Lernersays he feels there are still some people on the board whodon't understand the gravity of theproblem.

"I have a client who has lived on Broughdale for 56 years. She leaves her home on fake homecoming weekend, so that she doesn't have to see or hear what occurs," he said.

"That's a sad commentary on the conduct, not only of our students, but the students who are bussed in here from elsewhere."

The board of governors approved the change, fully expecting it will eventually be challenged in the courts.