In an effort to curb rowdy off-campus events, Western University is considering toughening its code of conduct for students who attend unsanctioned celebrations like "fake homecoming."
The university's Board of Governors will consider the stiffer penalties outlined in a report heading to their next meeting on Thursday.
Among the amendments under consideration will be extending the code of conduct's jurisdiction to include unsanctioned events that, due to their nature or the number of students involved, become associated with the university. The associate vice-president of student experience at Western would also be given discretion when determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over off-campus conduct.
"The associate vice-president [student experience] or designate will consider the seriousness of the alleged conduct, the risk of harm involved, whether the victim(s) are members of the campus community and/or whether the off-campus conduct is part of a series of actions that occurred both on and off the premises," the proposed amended code of conduct reads.
Sanctions for violating the school's code of conduct range from written warnings to loss of financial assistance to expulsion.
Currently, the code of conduct only applies to the actions of registered students on university property and at university-sponsored events.
The proposed amendments were recommended by an ad hoc committee formed by the associate vice-president of student experience last month. They are a direct response to increased pressure from London police, city hall, and the community for Western to hold its students accountable for the massive annual fake homecoming or "FOCO" celebration in the fall.
Last year's student-led party on Broughdale Avenue drew more than 20,000 revellers to the north London street and caused immense strain on emergency services throughout the city. The cost for policing the unsanctioned event was more than $100,000. The day ended with 134 charges being laid against 132 party-goers, more than 3,100 warnings, and more than 50 people treated at hospital. The London Fire Department also found fire code violations at 30 residences.