Kelsey Swanson
First and last name: Kelsey Swanson
Year in school: Senior
Major: History and Economics
Home city/state: Turlock, California
1. Where did you work?
I am involved on-campus as a member of the Peer Judicial Board and University Discipline Council
2. What was the title of your position?
Same as above
3. When did you work there?
I have been a member of the Peer Judicial Board for 2 years (from Sept. 2003 to present) and the University Discipline Council for 1 year (Sept. 2004 to present)
4. What did you do?
I am responsible for hearing cases that come to the board, weighing the evidence to see if there was a violation of the student conduct code, and assigning an appropriate sanction for the violation.
5. How did you hear about this position?
I heard about the Peer Judicial Board in my Emerging Leaders class my freshman year, and was encouraged to fill out an application. I became involved in the University Discipline Council from my work on the Peer Judicial Board.
6. How does what you learned through this experience relate to your coursework and/or career goal?
My career goal is to become an attorney, and so being on both boards has given me the opportunity to not only observe, but to also be a part of the University judicial system. My experience has also helped me in my classes, especially in analyzing texts and other documents, determining the merits of different points of view, and, more generally, listening carefully to what people say.
7. How did this experience help you develop your skills and abilities, your personal qualities, your values and perceptions?
It has greatly helped me with my communication skills, especially in letting the student know why we came to the decision that we did. It has also shown me the value of the rule of law and the respect we should have for it. People do make mistakes, but instead of meaningless punishment, we are trying to help students learn from those experiences.
8. What did you learn about yourself that surprised you?
I learned that I could be decisive. Before, I always struggled to make important decisions. However, being a part of the judicial system has shown me that I can make informed decisions in a timely manner by fairly looking at the evidence at hand.
9. How would you describe the value of this experience to other students?
It is a great opportunity to be a part of an important process on campus. We are a community at Santa Clara, and, as members of judicial boards, we are trying to uphold the values and ideals of this community.
10. What advice would you give to students interested in doing this?
Stay involved and informed! Be willing to devote a part of your time and really keep an open mind. We are trying to give everyone a fair hearing, and so remaining impartial is of the utmost importance.
