Cyber bullying on the college campus

This afternoon, the CI DSA Exec Team discussed the topic of cyber bullying. We were given the following two articles to read:

·         Where Pranks End and Abuse Begins located online at:  http://www.bu.edu/today/node/8732

·         Cyberbullying Goes to College located online at:  http://chronicle.com/blogs/innovations/where-pranks-endabuse-begins/27563

This group of professionals was also given the task of reviewing and answering the following questions:

1.      Campus procedures

a.      Does the Division of Student Affairs or University have a procedure for reporting complaints about cyber bullying?

2.      Tracking system

a.      Does the Division of Student Affairs or University have a method for tracking cyber bullying complaints?

b.      Are cyber bullying questions a part of our freshmen survey or other surveys?  Can such questions be added to these surveys?

3.      Education

a.      What should you and your staff know about cyber bullying?

b.      What should our students know about cyber bullying?

In preparation of this discussion, I reviewed the additional information from CI and CSU policy and procedures documents:

·         Student Code of Conduct:  Currently the Code of Conduct does not specifically address cyberbullying, however it does note in section 7 that “Conduct that threatens …any person…including threats, intimidations, harassment…” can result in discipline.  Also, Section 15e prohibits “Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or intimidating and abusive messages.”  The Code applies to actions done by students, however I am not sure where a person can report a cyberbullying complaint from a non-student. 

·         Chief of Police Welcome:  Chief Reed currently has a welcome letter on the CI site and has a link for “Internet Safety (Cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying, social networking best practices)” located online at:  http://www.csuci.edu/police/crime-prevention/Computer_Safety.htm .  This page provides good information on cyber-bullying and educates the campus community about cyber-bullying and how to protect oneself online.  The end of the page states “If you ever feel like you’re in real danger from someone online, let someone know and then contact University Police at 437-8444.”

·         Campus Policy IT.03.001 – Interim Policy on Responsible Use does not directly address cyberbullying, however it does note the campus’ expectation that those who use IT services must do so responsibly.

·         CI Statement on Harassment: This statement is in place as mandated by EO 927 which is the Systemwide Policy Prohibiting Harassment in Employment. This statement deals with employment issues only and does not address harassment of students.

I found the “Where Pranks End and Abuse Begins” to be an interesting article.  Although, the article was very brief (1.5 pages in length), it was informative.  Gasman (author) noted a new proposal heading to Congress this fall by NJ Senator Frank Lautenberg proposing a mandate for college campuses to provide education on the effects of harassment or lose federal funds.  This is an issue we will need to follow to ensure we are in compliance. 

I also appreciated learning about the recent analysis of over 70 studies which measured empathy of college students compared to their elders.  This analysis concluded that college students scored 40% lower on measure of empathy than their elders.  One of the researchers stated “It’s not surprising that this growing emphasis on the self is accompanied by a corresponding devaluation of others.”  Personally, I believe this is a reflection of ones’ stage/age in life rather than a reflection of “this generation.” However when talking with my colleagues a few mentioned an increasing trend for students and parents as being more aggressive in their interactions both in person and online. 

The second article from the Chronicle was much lengthier and provided a number of individual examples of electronic harassment of both faculty and students.  It noted venues of online harassment including Facebook, Juicy Campus, Rate My Professor, Craigs List, and College Anonymous Confession Board. I was most intrigued by the concept of “disembodied aggression.”  The internet allows for any individual to be a bully.  One no longer has to be physically stronger or in a position of power to bully.  Individuals can now bully others anonymously, in any location, and with any degree of viciousness without repercussion. 

As professionals in higher education, it is important to model effective and respectful communication.  When we see inappropriate communication, we must immediately address the issue.  It is also  important to engage students in a discussion on cyber bullying and civil discourse.  We must state our expectations for effective communication for students and note its importance in the professional setting.    

Helping College Men Transcend the 'Boy Problem'

This afternoon, professionals from the CSU Channel Islands Division of Student Affairs met to discuss a recent article from the ACUI (Association of College Unions International) Bulletin addressing the issue of the low percentage rate of male college students across the nation.  This article, in its entirety can be located online at:  ttp://www.acui.org/publications/bulletin/article.aspx?issue=22642&id=12587

This article discussed a number of issues surrounding this topic including age differences of entering freshman (men tend to be older), gender socialization, pressure to conform, effective interventions, and role modeling.

I was particularly encouraged by the statement noting "older men who modeled well-rounded concepts of masculinity" to "have significant effect on college men." This point validates the importance each person can make in another's life.  Two weeks ago, CI President Rush noted he came to CI because he wanted to "change the world."  I truly believe the work we do in Student Affairs does make a difference in the lives of our students...and can change the world.  It is though these individual discussions where we help our students to make meaning of their lives and their experiences.  We empower them, we help them to apply their curricular knowledge and co-curricular experiences, we challenge them to see differing perspectives, we help them to see there may be more than one correct answer, and we prepare them to be productive and contributing citizens of society.  When we have these conversations with an open heart and a willingness to learn, the relationship becomes symbiotic and we too open ourselves up for personal growth.  

Many questions arose from our conversation this afternoon.  What programs and services do our male students need to assist with retention?  How do we recruit male students and is it effective? Why do students leave CI?  Why do students stay at CI?  What needs do male students have which we are not meeting, but can?  If males are not entering college, where are they going? How is our K-12 system helping to prepare our male students for higher education?

For those who have read the article or for those who were present at today's discussion, please post your thoughts and reactions to this article. It is through this online format, I am hopeful additional learning, growth and "a-ha moments" can occur.