To the Editor:
Thank you for the great participation and coverage of the mock COS hearing ("COS demonstrates trial process, Riner plays part," October 18, 2005). I am grateful to Student Assembly and Tri Kap for hosting the event. Noah Riner '06 played a convincing accused student who took the sanction really well and the crowd offered thoughtful questions and observations into the process.
Just to clarify, I would like to follow up on a couple of points from your article. First, the COS Chair is Dean Larimore or the Dean's designee. It is not an elected position and my role in actual hearings is as COS Secretary. Second, regarding fights in the community, students should not engage in physical altercations at Dartmouth. Even if you are faced with a self-defense situation, the best way to deal with the situation is to walk away. As I said at the program, students who hit others are often suspended, so do not risk the consequences -- walk away.
The members of the COS work hard to provide a fair process for all students. Thank you for your continued interest and involvement in the process. If anyone has questions or would like to talk more about the COS or the Academic Honor Principle, please contact me.
April Thompson
Director of Undergraduate Judicial Affairs
