The Michigan Daily-Thursday, April 15, 1993- Page 5 iFC fights to change attitudes f Greeks by Julie Robinson Daily Staff Reporter In an effort to promote public rela- tions and improve its tarnished image, the Interfraternity Council (IFC) passed ,a "Statement for Human Dignity" last night. IFC members said they hope this statement will inspire people to change their attitudes. The statementoutlinedthelFC'spoli- ides regarding an opposition to hazing, encouragement of safe sexual behavior and consumption of alcohol in a respon- sible manner. According to the state- ment, the IFC "will not condone any form of sexually-abusive behavior." AttheirmeetingIFCmemberspassed the statement - which aims to be an official presentation of the IFC's views - with minimal opposition. The docu- ment was drafted in three weeks. "I think it's a great thing," said Pi Lambda Phi Rep. Seth Albin. "This is; something concrete on paper that we can show people we're just like you, that we believe in the same things you do. Just because a couple people make a mistake it shouldn'treflect on the whole system." Pi Kappa Phi member Dave Garcia served as the driving force behind the statement. He said he hopes that, among other things, the statement will promote "achange in the attitudes and behavior in the average Greek member." Garcia added, "I think it was impor-; tant to say that we as a system don't; condone these actions, and to tell others to please adhere to these standards." Greeks who violate the statement will not face any sanctions from the IFC itself.' IFC President Polk Wagner said the statement will promote change in a sys- tem plagued by negative stereotypes. "The biggest way we can improve isa with education. This starts itoff,"he said. "It is definitely something we are going to look to build on." I Academic code punishes students ELIZABETH LIPPMAN/DaIly Access denied Students check their course guides while waiting in long lines to CRISP in Angell Hall. Annual pow wow to celebrate Native American song, dance caught ci by James Cho Daily Staff Reporter Students should think twice before bringing a crib sheet to their Biology final or borrowing a few passages from Cliff Notes for their next Great Books paper, sayUniversityofficials who know students who have suffered the conse- quences. "Most students who say they have to cheat on an exam don't consider the costs," said Eugene Nissen, assistant dean for the LSA Office of Student Academic Affairs. University punishments for viola- tions of academic integrity range from a reprimand letter to suspension. The LSA Code of Academic Con- duct specifies the types of academic dishonesty punishable by the Univer- sity. Offenses include plagiarism, cheat- ing, double submission of papers, fabri- cation of data, falsification of records and official documents, as well asmali- cious tampering of computer property. "Plagiarism and cheating on exams are two common forms of academic dishonesty," Nissen said. When a professor or teaching assis- tant believes that academic dishonesty may have taken place, a complaint is submitted to the LSA Office of Student Academic Affairs. The charges are turned over to the Academic Judiciary Hearing Board. A student who admits to the accuracy of the charges may waive the right to a hearing andpunishment will bedecided by a panel consisting of one student member and one faculty member of the Academic Judiciary. The Hearing Board consists of two students and two faculty members. Fac- ulty members are appointed by the LSA College's Executive Committee to serve two-year terms and students are ap- pointed by the LSA Student Govern- ment for one-year terms. The hearing board of the Academic Judiciary hears the cases presented by the complainant and the student in- volved. "We keep an open mind. Iknow the student side and I'm sympathetic. We try to do the right thing. No one likes to ieating find someone guilty," said a student member of the hearing board, who wished to not be identified. The board determines whether the charged student is innocent or guilty of academic wrongdoing. "The student is assumed innocent until proven guilty. Students are given the benefit of the doubt," said a faculty memberofthehearing board, who spoke on condition of anonymity. If innocent, all charges are dropped and no punitive action can be taken by the University. If a student is found guilty of a charge of academic misconduct, the hearing board decides whether the in- fraction was major or minor. "There is no tight definition of a major infraction. Cheating on a test, forging has always been regarded as major. Every case is looked at in its own merits. If the hearing board determines that an infraction is major, the board is required to impose a one-term suspen- sion from the College," Nissen said. Conviction of two separate offenses results in automatic expulsion from the University. The penalty for minor offenses may include disciplinary probation, a tem- porary notation placed on the transcript orrequiring extra credithours for gradu- ation. "A studentfound guilty used to have to take an ethics coursebut this is chang- ing because ... the University classes that deal with ethics are more theoreti- cal than personal," Nissen said. He added the shift now has moved toward public service, suchasprograms offered by Project Serve. The control of the course grade rests with the instructor. A student punished by suspension or expulsion may appeal for clemency to a three-person appeal board. "Convictions of academic dishon- esty are embarrassing," Nissen said. "We all make mistakes in judgment. I will always write aletter of explanation for a student, who has a permanent notation, applying to law school or medical school, if it helps." by Michelle Fricke Daily Staff Reporter Almost every major Indian na- tion in North America will be repre- sented at this weekend's 21st annual Ann Arbor Pow Wow. Recognized as one of the leading Native American celebrations in North America, the pow wow will be held this Saturday and Sunday at Crisler Arena. The University's Na- tive American Student Association (NASA) and Minority Student Ser- vices are sponsoring the event. More than 1,000 champion danc- ers, singers and artisans from across the United States and Canada will take part in the celebration. Dancers of all ages will reflect their Native American tradition in elaborate social dances that tell sto- ries - often about battles or the spiritual world. The dancers will also be competing in categories such as traditional (old style) and fancy dance. Dorene Red Cloud, aNASA member and head student dancer, emphasized that the meaning behind the dances is more important than the competitive aspect. "Dancing is not only about competi- tion," Red Cloud, an Art School senior, said. "For me its becoming closer to my tradition and culture." Native American artisans and craftmakers will also be displaying and selling authentic products, which will include baskets, turquoise jewelry and beadwork. Michael Dashner, coordinator of the event, emphasized that the Ann Arbor Pow Wow is an experience the entire family can enjoy. "There's something here for every- one," Dashner said. "The idea is to edu- cate people that Indian culture is alive and thriving. It is not just a part of muse- ums." An important facet of Native Ameri- can history, pow wows have been occur- ring for hundreds of years. "After a long and sometimes harsh winter, the Indian people had a chance to get together with their families and friends and celebrate the gift of life," Dashner said, in a prepared statement. "At contemporary pow wows today Native (American) people gather to sing and dance, meet old friends and make new ones." Red Cloud also stressed the impor- tance of this weekend's gathering. "Pow wowshelp retain our tradition and culture," Red Cloud added. "It also helps those who aren't natives to break free from stereotypes and understand Native American peoples better." Dashner emphasized that the Ann Arbor Pow Wow is a completely non- profitevent. While the University's con- tributions will cover about one-half of the expenses, gate admission will take care of the remaining costs. The event is open to the public and doors will open each day at 11 a.m. Committees of MSA MSA elects chairs to manage committees Budget Priorities Chair: Jacob Stern Vice Chair: Mark Bierdsack Campus Governance Chair: Julie Neenan Vice Chair: Scott Ferber Rules & Elections Chair: Roger DeRoo Vice Chair: Andrew Willeke Communications Chair: David Pava Vice Chair: Stephanie Logan External Relations Chair: Devon Bodoh Vice Chair: Taryn Markl Commissions No Vice Chairs for these Women's Issues Chair: Loretta Lee Academic Affairs Daniel Cherrin Peace & Justice Tanya Clay Student Rights Vince Keenan Environmental Issues Noah Hall Health Issues Margaret Whittaker by Adam Anger Daily MSA Reporter With the recent election of new members to the Michigan Student Assembly, representatives elected new leaders for their committees and commissions at last night's meeting. MSA is composed of 11 different committees and commissions to carry out its function as the voice for stu- dent concerns on campus. "They are the ones who coordi- nate and lead special interests of stu- dents and MSA," said PresidentCraig Greenberg, in describing the role of each of the newly elected committee chairs and vice chairs. Each chair and vice chair elected last night stated plans to improve the workings of theirrespective commit- tees, which carry out MSA's day-to- day activities. The Budget Priorities Committee (BPC) has the responsibility for mak- ing recommendations for the alloca- tions of funds to students organiza- tions. Newly elected BPC chair Jacob Stern said, "I would like to see us more consistent in giving money to student groups." The Campus Governance Com- mittee is responsible for facilitating and advocating the participation.of different student groups, individuals and college governments in Univer- sity decision-making. "The most important aspect of this committee isjumpstarting it and getting out to student groups and asking for help," said new Campus Governance Chair Julie Neenan. 'MSA is an incredibly boring thing, you have to sneak up on people,' -David Pava new communications commission chair David Pava, newly elected Com- munications chair, said, "MSA is an incredibly boring thing, you have to sneak MSA up on people." Unlike committees, MSA com- missions are geared toward broader issues of campus, state and national importance and have many chairs that are not MSA members. "We have many new members as chairs and vice chairs that are very enthusiastic," Greenberg said. He continued, "I think (chairs and vice chairs) will be a very important part of revitalizing MSA." 21st Annual DANCE FOR MOTHER EARTH Ann Arbor Pow Wow SATURDAY, APRIL 17 & SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 1993 CRISLER ARENA, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 1._1_ S I "Fi Gain valuable marketing, negotiation, and finance experi- ence. The Michiganensian Yearbook is looking for a business manager for the 1993-94 school year. Re- Arra~srr L'vA*