Committing to the Committee

Year after year, dozens of Exonians running for the Discipline Committee (DC) bombard their friends in need of signatures, and it seems the number of candidates grows to an even greater number every year. Student Council (StuCo) executive board and grade representative elections do not even come close to garnering the same amount of candidates. So what causes this surge of interest in campaigning?Most students at the Academy have been affected by the result of a Disciplinary Case in some way or another. Whether one is the recipient of a charge or a friend of someone in trouble, a DC case can be a life-changing and devastating experience. Requirement to withdraw seems an all-too-common result of many cases and anger has been growing among the student body about this. Many candidates see DC elections as a chance to represent their fellow students, including their friends, and help give them a chance to stay at Exeter if they deserve to. In other words, many Exonians feel a personal connection to the process and have a strong calling to participate. When dealing with StuCo positions, this emotional link is not quite there. Acting as a representative is a fulfilling and enjoyable position, but it does not determine whether a fellow Exonian can stay at Exeter or not and doesn’t feel as important to a lot of people.Running for the Discipline Committee rather than a StuCo representative has other attractions as well. It does not require any prerequisites. Candidates are not judged on what events they have planned, what committees they are part of or how they will make the Exeter experience more entertaining for others through events and other activities—it is not about how popular they are. Students vote for DC candidates based on their character, personality and prudence–traits that would make one a sensible, active member of DC. These are not qualities people can inherit over a week of campaigning; these are perceptions of a candidate that grow deep-rooted in the student’s minds from various little things—holding open the door for a stranger, waving at the cars while crossing the sidewalk or respect and thoughtfulness about another’s point at the Harkness table. The beautiful thing is that we have so many of these thoughtful, observant students at Exeter, and they deserve the chance to represent Exonians in front of DC.Most importantly, a myriad of students run for DC because their understanding of a case has a powerful sway on the faculty’s vote. A pervasive assumption surrounds the Exeter community that these Exonian representatives are not important because they cannot vote. There have been multiple cases, however, where the student members of the Discipline Committee have swayed the opinions of faculty. After all, students know the defendants best, exposed to how they act in the dorm and around campus. But not all student input is in favor of keeping someone at Exeter. Some elected students, realizing what was best for the Academy and the student, have even swayed opinions towards requirement to withdraw. Because of this influence, faculty respect and listen to what students have to say. Being an affiliate of DC may well be the most important position at Exeter, as many students’ fates are determined by the committee. It is a considerable commitment and responsibility, but it seems students are willing to sacrifice time and sleep to help their fellow Exonians.