After the last six months of us being holed up at home with family, many would want to blow off some steam.
As a result, students can be bit antsy to get together with as many friends as possible and have the best time imaginable. However, this is not the time to be crowding dozens of people in confined spaces.
Frank Fernandez, the Chief of Police at Capital University, sat down to discuss what Public Safety’s plan is for keeping everyone as safe and sanitary as possible this semester in response to the pandemic.
The main thing is that there can never be more than 10 people gathered at any one party. If there are more than 10 people, there will be shut down.
In addition, everyone at said party will be “documented and sent to judicial affairs for disciplinary action” Fernandez said.
Obviously, this does not count out the normal common-sense strategy of staying six feet apart and wearing a face covering. Once Capital University lifts the COVID-19 restrictions, the ten-person limit will simply evaporate into thin air as well.
Jon Geyer, the Director of Residential and Commuter Life said, “As Capital has since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to follow the guidance from the State of Ohio, Franklin County, and the CDC. If we are able to safely loosen some of the guidelines we will certainly do so at an appropriate time.”
Geyer went on to explain that just like any other kind of disciplinary decisions made in regards to the Student Code of Conduct, students do have the ability to appeal these.
In addition to COVID-19 specific regulations, Public Safety will also be on the lookout for underage drinking. No alcohol can be served or consumed at a party when people under the age of 21 are present.
Tanya Poteet, university council member and Vice President for Institutional Integrity spoke on the matter as well.
Poteet made a point to say that, “As with any University policy, failure to follow the policies can result in being found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and the severity of the penalty is related to the severity of the offense.”
Students can also be found in violation if they are breaking these rules off-campus as well. Essentially, any action someone takes that can negatively impact Capital University is something that can be breaking the rules in the Student Code of Conduct.
More specific information in regards to appeals, sanctions, and other procedures, can be found in section one of the official student handbook, which can be found here.
