Conversation centers on conduct code, safety

Students met with University administrators at yesterday's ASUW Sunday Conversation for open discussion regarding issues pertinent to campus.

Student safety generated a lot of discussion between concerned students and administrators. UW Police Department (UWPD) Chief Vicky Peltzer discussed a recent change in the post-riot campus climate. She also mentioned that non-students allegedly perpetrated other recent incidents near campus.

"Ninety percent of our problems are from people who have no connection with the community here," Peltzer said.

Last week's announcement of a continued police presence north of campus also raised concerns for students who felt punishment for lesser crimes, such as jay-walking, might deter people from asking for police assistance regarding more serious safety issues.

Students cited poor communication between students and police as a large part of the problem.

In a separate session of Sunday's forum, Ernest Morris, vice president for student affairs, told students that an off-campus extension of the code of conduct would not have prevented the riot that occurred in the area north of campus the morning of Sept. 28.

Morris said that by being present, the students' provided unintended cover and encouragement to those who engaged in crimes. Of those identified as being of "continuing interest" to the police, said Morris, none are students.

"It is not at all clear that the circumstances of that night warrant an extension of the code," said Morris. "We have not yet come to any conclusions as to how we might proceed."

Although the administration hasn't yet taken a stance on the issue of extending the code, Morris promised to come back to the Student Senate in the event of any changes.

"If we were to propose a modification to the student code of conduct, we would not do it by fiat," said Morris. "That's not how we do it. It would have to go through a very public process."

Student fees and the 210-credit policy were also discussed at the forum.