Creating an A+ advocate system

The push to establish a reformed Student Advocate System for judicial charges and complaints is a noble effort, but the system could use some further modifications. The proposed system is just in its attempt to personalize and facilitate the often-convoluted judicial process for students. There is no doubt that such processes can be complex and intimidating, and the addition of student advocates to represent students is a helpful one.

However, the list of advocates must comprise of members who are capable, professional, and objective. Although students can arguably better represent fellow students, and may do so at a greater comfort level, the new system must be careful not to create or intensify a divide between students and the administration by allowing for student advocates who will be biased in favor of any particular party. Should this occur, the system, along with the student advocates who uphold it, would lose validity and credibility. Likewise, the Dean of Students Office must work to ensure that administrators involved in the process are indeed neutral in both speech and actions. Only with this kind of neutrality and objectivity can there be a truly fair trial, free of a feared student/administrator "us vs. them" rift.

It has also been said that the new system involving student advocates can more likely ensure a judiciary hearing rather than mediation, a means the Dean of Students Office often supports. Yet it is necessary to note that while judicial processes through an advocacy system may be needed in certain cases, mediation is sometimes the better route. When both parties can come to an agreement without a disciplinary hearing, there is often no need to push for a complex process that drains energy and resources.

Finally, there must be an incentive for students to become advocates, in part to ensure accountability and a higher level of professionalism. One possibility is to attract students who are interested in a pursuing a legal education or a future career in law. Since Tufts has no specific pre-law program and few well-known initiatives for aspiring lawyers, experience as a student advocate could prove ideal.

It seems that the TCUJ and the administration have put much effort into detailing the student advocate system. Hopefully just as much effort will be put into attracting the caliber of advocates needed to make the system work.