Last week the Butler Community College Board of Trustees met to discuss the student judicial process.

The divisions of Student Services and Student Life have been reviewing the judicial process at Butler, in particular, looking at actions for probation, suspension and expulsion. The college's reason behind reviewing these issues is to identify judicial procedures that are in alignment with the academic appeal procedures and maintain the students’ rights of due process.

Past responsibilities of investigation fell solely on the shoulders of the vice president for student services and the dean of student life.

Once an incident was investigated the vice president for student services would make a decision for probation, suspension or expulsion.

The president could choose to support the recommendation of the committee, reject the recommendation or make an independent decision.

This method made the vice president for student services the investigating officer, judge and jury.

Butler has recently reconstructed their Campus Safety and Security Department which has supplied the college with a team of individuals who can investigate issues.

Before the board makes final decisions on the topic they will review the processes and procedures with Attorney Ray Connell to ensure all rights of due process are present for the students.

A final recommendation will be presented for a decision by the board during the August meeting for use in the 2008-09 academic year.