Brock University is beginning the school year with substantial changes to its Student Code of Conduct.

In addition to a revamped and more user-friendly look, the document has headed in a new direction by introducing restorative justice practices to address misconduct.

All students enjoy the rights and freedoms afforded by the Code and are bound by the terms within it.

“We are getting away from using fines or other punitive measures when possible,” said Darryl Veld, Brock’s Manager, Student Affairs. “We want educational initiatives to help change behaviour and return students to their positive standing in the community.”

The vast majority of misconduct cases involving students are minor in nature.

Cases will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine whether they will take a traditional path — appearing before the Student Conduct Council for review — or, if appropriate, for a restorative justice conference.

The council hearing provides students with an opportunity to tell their side of the story before a decision is made as to whether or not they are responsible for the infraction. “Outcomes are then levied on the student, not with the student,” Veld said.

Under the restorative justice conferences, students will need to consent to the process and take ownership of their actions before the harmed parties are invited into the conversation.

For instance, if a window is broken in residence, the responsible student may have to learn from the person who fixed the damage to see the impact their actions have had, or may have to help a residence don who got the late night call about the damage.. It may also mean writing a restorative paper explaining the consequences one may face had the incident occured off-campus including paying for the damage and tarnishing one’s reputation and job prospects.

“What we want to do is identify all the harm that was caused,” Veld said. “It’s not just about the broken window — it’s about real people who were put out by that conduct.”

Veld and Student Affairs Case Co-ordinator Olivia Fabiani then work with the student to find an appropriate way to repair the physical and figurative damage that was done.

“We’ll have an agreement with the student at the end of that meeting that they’ll sign and use to move forward with the agreed upon outcomes, whatever they may be,” Veld said.

A handful of university campuses across North America have begun moving in the restorative justice direction with certain types of misconduct, such as alcohol-related issues.

At Brock, some situations, including those where a victim may not want to see or have dealings with the accused again, will not be considered for the new resolution approach.

“We want to make students aware that the impact is bigger than their actions,” said Fabiani. “We want to give them empathy and help with key life skills — how to make amends and take responsibility.”

Completed following consultation with the Brock University Students’ Union and Graduate Students’ Association, in addition to senior administration, the new code is supplemented by a chart identifying the steps for the restorative justice and conduct council processes.

The new code, which applies to undergraduate and graduate students, also has an enhanced section that outlines students’ rights and responsibilities.

The full document is available online.