Regents consider plan to punish student for off-campus crimes

Talk about it

The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consider a controversial plan on Thursday to let schools punish students for what they do off-campus.

Residents near UW-Milwaukee have sought such a policy for a long time, to control rowdy behavior and criminal damage in their neighborhood. But students from smaller towns have told the Regents it’s not fair for the university to step outside its jurisdiction.

The new policy is two years in the making. If the board OKs it, the Legislature would be asked to make it a state law.

Schools could punish students for off-campus conduct that “adversely affects a substantial university interest.”

Sexual assaults, hazing, illegal drug abuse and computer crimes are possible examples.

Officials say municipal violations like loud noise and disorderly conduct could also be considered but the violations would have to be serious and repeated before the UW would take action.

The punishments can include anything from reprimands to explusions.

Tags: uw regents, off campus crimes, news, wisconsin