Introduction: This case involves Jimmie, a first-year college student whose roommate, Jack, is caught with alcohol in their residence hall room for the second time. The incident sparks discussions on ethics, conflict management, and self-advocacy, all within the intricate web of roommate dynamics, shedding light on the complexities of university campus conduct hearings.
Keywords: Ethics, Conflict Resolution, Student Advocacy, Student Safety
Background: Jimmie, an 18-year-old Material Science Engineering major, is roommates with Jack, a 19-year-old first-year Criminal Justice student known for his love of partying. Jack has a history of alcohol-related incidents, including one earlier in the same semester where he was caught with friends drinking in the room he and Jimmie share. That incident led to Jack completing an online alcohol education course and his parents being notified. Despite the sanctions, Jack continues his behavior, often dismissing Jimmie’s concerns about the noise and partying in their room.
While Jimmie and Jack are roommates, they are not particularly close. Jimmie is more academically focused and often finds himself frustrated by Jack’s disregard for a quiet and respectful living environment. Jimmie has avoided directly confrontating Jack, fearing it might lead to increased tension or further issues.
Incident Description: One evening, while Jimmie is studying at the library, Michael and Annie, the Resident Assistants, respond to multiple noise complaints about loud music and shouting coming from Jimmie and Jack’s room. Upon arrival, they find a large crowd in the room, with several students who appear to be intoxicated. Due to the size of the gathering (about 15 students) and the uncooperative behavior of some attendees, the RAs decide to involve campus police, which is standard protocol for situations with potential safety risks.
When Jimmie returns later that night, he finds his room in disarray. Jack is visibly intoxicated, and the police have already dispersed the crowd. Jimmie, though compliant with the RAs, expresses his growing discomfort with Jack’s influence and starts to consider requesting a room change.
Conduct Hearing Process:
- Report and Investigation: The incident is officially reported, and Jack is identified as the primary person responsible for the alcohol and the gathering. The investigation reveals that Jack had ignored previous warnings and continued to host parties in the room.
- Meeting with University Officials: Jack meets with Malik, a Graduate Resident Director, who is known for his ability to advocate for students while holding them accountable. During the meeting, Jack downplays the situation, but Malik presses him on the repeated violations. Jimmie is also called in to discuss his perspective on the incident, where he expresses concerns about Jack’s behavior and its impact on his living situation.
- Conduct Hearing: During the hearing, Jack is confronted with the evidence and asked to explain his actions. Jimmie is asked to share how Jack’s behavior has made him feel his room. Jimmie says he feels unsafe and uncomfortable and also mentions his reluctance to report Jack earlier due to fear of retaliation or worsening their relationship.
- Decision and Sanctions: The hearing concludes with Jack being put on probation for a year, a referral to mandatory alcohol counseling, and Jack is prohibited from hosting gatherings in the residence hall. Additionally, both Jimmie and Jack are referred for roommate mediation to address their ongoing issues. Jack, frustrated by the outcome, becomes increasingly dismissive of Jimmie, further straining their relationship. Jimmie is also frustrated that he is obligated to put time into mediation that he doesn’t think will help and that further interferes with his studying.
This case raises key questions about creating a well-structured conduct hearing process that considers not only the violation but also the broader roommate dynamics. Important areas for reflection include:
- Fostering Confidence: What strategies can empower students like Jimmie to raise concerns early without fearing retaliation?
- Promoting Self-Advocacy: How can conduct hearings be transformed into opportunities for students to sharpen their self-advocacy skills?
- Implementing Ethics Education: How can ethics education be woven into campus life to shape more thoughtful decision-making?
- Maintaining Safe Spaces: What role should staff like Malik play in making conduct hearings supportive while fostering a safer community?
Discussion Questions:
- How can universities empower students to confidently communicate with roommates about concerns, including substances in the room?
- How might the situation have been different if Jimmie had been present during the incidents that took place in the room?
- What strategies can staff employ to foster an environment conducive to open, honest, proactive, and ethical discussions?
- In what ways can university staff, like Malik, ensure a safe environment for students to openly discuss challenging situations like the one described in this case?
Author Biography
Kaleb Scott (He/Him) is a recent graduate of the Master’s in Student Affairs program at Clemson University. He currently holds the role of Resident Director at Northwestern University, where he works with a diverse student population including athletes, first-generation/low-income (FGLI) students, and international students, among many others.