What's Happening?
Colette Shaw, co-host of the student conduct podcast Ms. Behavior, has initiated a book club named Just Desserts & Dissertations, aimed at student conduct professionals. The club's first meeting, held via Zoom, focused on discussing a dissertation by
Erin Kaplan, an associate dean and director of student conduct at Swarthmore College. Kaplan's research, titled 'How the Student Conduct Process Impacts Student Sense of Belonging,' explores the often-overlooked positive outcomes of the student conduct process, such as building rapport and increasing student confidence. The book club provides a platform for professionals to connect and apply recent research to their work, addressing issues like campus protests and cheating allegations linked to advanced artificial intelligence.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of this book club highlights the growing need for student conduct professionals to adapt to evolving challenges in higher education. By focusing on research and practical application, the club aims to improve the student conduct process, which is crucial as institutions face increasing incidents of campus unrest and academic dishonesty. The initiative underscores the importance of relational approaches in student conduct, which can enhance student retention and connectedness. This development is significant for universities striving to maintain a supportive and fair disciplinary environment, ultimately impacting student success and institutional reputation.
What's Next?
The book club plans to hold another session in the fall semester, continuing to explore relevant research and its application in student conduct. As the club grows, it may influence broader changes in how student conduct offices operate, potentially leading to more widespread adoption of relational approaches. This could result in a shift in perception among students, who often view conduct processes as punitive. The ongoing discussions may also inspire new research and collaborations among professionals, further enriching the field of student conduct.
