“Depending how this is worded, you could get kicked out of school for nothing that has to do with school.”

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students can be penalized for misbehavior on campus, but a new committee will determine if there could be consequences for their behavior off campus as well.

The University of Wisconsin System has organized a committee to look into Chapters 17 and 18, which provide penalties for breaking rules on campus.

According to Chapter 17, that includes behavior toward other university community members and actions on university property or relating to university activities. A couple examples are damage to university property, stalking and harassment, selling or delivering a controlled substance or sending messages online with a false identity.

The consequences range from written reprimands to expulsion, depending on the charge.

But Chapter 17 could be expanded. According to an e-mail from Jane Radue, assistant director for UW System office of review and audit, the committee will “examine some issues that have arisen with respect to Chapter UWS 17, including its applicability to misconduct occurring away from campus.”

Kyle Duerstein, UWM Student Association (SA) director of legislative affairs, is one of the student members of the committee and is opposed to applying university penalties to students’ behavior off campus.

“Depending how this is worded, you could get kicked out of school for nothing that has to do with school,” Duerstein said.

Comparing the potential changes to “Big Brother,” Duerstein said, “I will fight vehemently to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

But some members of the community feel strongly about tougher enforcement off campus. At the October Board of Regents meeting at UW-Platteville, Regent Jesus Salas said neighborhood associations and local government officials said they would like to see stricter enforcement of off campus conduct.

“They want to alter Chapter 17 to expel students for off campus infractions,” Salas said.

At that same time, UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago said he is aware of the situation and working to address citizen concerns.

It was at that time when Regents President David Walsh said he planned to form a committee that would include students and other concerned groups to look into the matter.

The committee is now made up of six administrators from UW campuses across the state and two students.

Shorewood Police Chief David Banaszynski said he is for stronger consequences for student misbehavior off campus.

“I think they want the kids to become good neighbors,” Banasynski said. “There is no detention in college.”

Banasynski said for the most part the problems in Shorewood are noise complaints about loud parties.

“We’re hoping to keep it that way,” Banasynski said.

Ellen Eckman, chairperson of the development and long-range planning committee, said she wants to make sure if Chapter 17 is approved in Milwaukee it will be in Shorewood as well.

“We don’t want students to have different expectations,” Eckman said.

After the conclusion of the Chapter 17 committee’s meetings, they will submit a plan to the board to be reviewed for final approval. Final dates are yet to be approved.

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