The Student Advocacy Center, a department of Student Government, is here to provide the student body of American University with information on a range of topics.
Typically, we speak to students after they have come into conflict with the University, be it for a violation of the Residence Hall Regulations, a breach of the Academic Integrity Code or something along those lines. And while we know this is an important service, the members of SAC also feel that the best guidance is preventative, given before a problem arises.
It is with this in mind that I present a few words of advice to help you better live within the University’s rules, secure your privacy and avoid unnecessary, unpleasant run-ins with University staff.
Oftentimes, students come to us with questions about their resident assistants and what rights and responsibilities both parties have. There are a few issues here I would like to address.
SAC advocates always advise that students be polite with RAs and answer their questions honestly. Failing to comply with the directions of university officials, including housing staff, is listed under AU’s prohibited conduct. Furthermore, dishonesty, fraud and misrepresentation in university matters are also prohibited — so be honest.
That said, if an RA asks you a question you don’t feel comfortable answering, don’t feel compelled to answer. There is nothing wrong with saying you are uncomfortable and not answering. Again, it helps to be polite. If you are anxious about letting an RA into your room, you have the option of speaking to them in the hallway. If they suspect a policy violation is in progress in your room, they can enter, but talking in the hallway is a way to clear up any misunderstandings while preserving your privacy.
Also, if an RA asks to look in your refrigerator, shelves or cabinets, you do not have to let them. Only a Residence Director or Public Safety Officer can order a search of the room. RAs can look around the room, but are limited to gathering evidence on what is in plain sight. With that in mind, I’ll mention that knowingly and willingly being in the presence of alcohol or drugs in the residence halls is a violation of AU rules.
Advocates are also trained in matters concerning the Academic Integrity Code. We see students every year who have run afoul of these rules because they don’t understand them or didn’t know about them.
So a few words of advice: The most important thing I can tell a student is to cite everything in a paper. If it is questionable, take the five minutes and cite it anyway. Plagiarism is an incredibly serious charge and even a minor violation will result in failure of the class. Honest mistakes are tolerated, but if there is even the slightest chance you need to cite something, write up the attribution. Saving a few minutes is not worth it when your GPA or college career are on the line.
Many students also accidentally violate the code with reference to Inappropriate Collaboration. This one can be confusing, as often professors will encourage their students to work together. Take it too far though, at the professor’s discretion, and you may be in violation. If you are worried you may be inappropriately collaborating, ask your professor. Also, only turn in original work.
There is more I could tell you, so stop by the SAC office in MGC 264 or email us at SAC@AUSG.org.
Our advocates are here to help you. Everything we do is confidential and we aren’t here to judge you.
We’re students, just like you. It’s college, stuff happens; we get it.
Matt Kabak is the Director of the Student Advocacy Center
