UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI Board of trustees expands code of conduct to off-campus students

The new code applies to student misconduct anywhere in the world.
CINCINNATI (AP) -- University of Cincinnati officials now may expel or otherwise punish off-campus students who get rowdy at parties within a half-mile of campus.
Trustees approved expanding the jurisdiction for the student code of conduct, which previously applied only within campus borders.
"A lot of off-campus student housing is within a half-mile of campus," said Jan Neiger, a university attorney.
The university wants to clamp down on illegal conduct and is responding to complaints from permanent residents irked at student behavior, school spokesman Greg Hand said Friday. The change was made earlier this month.
Many students participate in an annual drinking party for the May 5 Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo. Police and neighbors pressured the university to crack down on the parties after cars were overturned, furniture burned in streets and bottles thrown at officers in 2002 and 2003.
Celebrations were quieter this spring, and university officials credited written notices reminding off-campus students that a new state law requires expelling students convicted of rioting.
Code extends worldwide
The new code also applies to student misconduct anywhere in the world, such as on spring break, that the university believes would threaten or harm another student or employee.
"We want our students to be positive representatives of the university no matter where they are," said Daniel Cummins, director of university judicial affairs.
Tim Braddick, a senior from Cleveland majoring in criminal justice, said he thinks the new policy is a good idea.
"Cinco de Mayo really got out of hand a couple of years ago," he said. "There was no call for some of the things that went on."