In a unanimous vote Thursday, a University Board of Regents committee showed its support for a new administrative policy prohibiting students from rioting.
The policy grants the Student Judicial Affairs office the authority to discipline students as granted in the student conduct code.
June Nobbe, interim associate vice provost for student affairs, said the policy extends jurisdiction to off campus for the University.
Regent Maureen Reed said she appreciated how quickly the policy was drafted and said it was an important step to curbing riotous behavior.
Regents also discussed the problems with students’ behavior off campus. Robert Jones, vice president for faculty and academic programs, said his office is planning to hire a staff member to work with the relationship between students and communities.
Gina Nelson, vice president for the Minnesota Student Association, said her group will assign students to participate on the neighborhood associations in Marcy Homes, Prospect Park and the Como area. Nelson said the associations currently do not have student representatives.
Other regents news
University President Bob Bruininks received an “A” from the regents Friday in his first performance evaluation.
The board reviewed Bruininks based on his ability to lead the University. Several regents on a review committee met with fellow regents, administrators, faculty and student representatives to identify Bruininks’ successes and areas to improve.
Bruininks also submitted his own evaluation, which highlighted his accomplishments.
“If we were giving grades, we’d have to give high ones – and we do,” Reed said.
Regent David Metzen praised Bruininks for his attention to academic investment. Metzen cited the partnership between the Mayo Clinic and the Academic Health Center and the newly funded Translational Research Facility as examples of these investments.
“I’m overwhelmed with the positive comments,” Bruininks said.
Metzen also said Bruininks created a strong executive team and handled the April 12 riot in Dinkytown well.
“The president is approachable, sincere and trustworthy,” Metzen said.
Metzen said Bruininks has been consumed with the budget this year and he looks forward to Bruininks expanding on his current achievements.
Reed said she would like to see Bruininks communicate more with the public about the University’s economic and social value to the state.
Bruininks should also work to define his goals and articulate them to the University community, Reed said.
Kari Petrie covers the Board of Regents and administration. She welcomes comments at [email protected]