An Inside Look Into the Peer Review Board

"We are students too," said Nate Weaver, who is a first-year member of the Peer Review Board. Megan Taylor, the Board's secretary, went on further to say that she wants students to know that when they come before the Board, the atmosphere should be a positive one. According to Taylor, the Board's goal "is not to 'punish' those who have done wrong, but to rather redirect them onto a path of growth in themselves and in Jesus Christ."
While, yes, the Board's job is to discipline those who come before them, their main purpose is to restore the individuals back to the Messiah community. As a Board, we believe in the importance of upholding Messiah's rules and Community Covenant. When students who have violated Messiah's standards come before us, the Board's job to determine whether students are responsible for the alleged violation and, if so, to determine sanctions that are appropriate, just, and redemptive. While discipline is never easy, it is necessary. Just as God disciplines his children for their own good, the College must also discipline. God is both a loving father and a judge. He loves us unconditionally, but this does not prevent Him from punishing us. God is disappointed when we disobey Him, but He desires that we would long to live for Him every day of our lives. God wants us to learn from our mistakes and struggles. Through these situations, as Christians, we come to a better understanding of God's provision and abundant love for us His followers. The Board works hard to educate and restore students back to the community.
So, you are probably wondering what are typical cases that the Board hears and what are the typical decisions? Well, the Board often hears cases involving alcohol, disrespect for the rights of others, chapel dishonesty, and accountability. No, the Board does not hear visitation or candle violation cases. These are typically resolved by the resident director.
But how can someone be held responsible for accountability? Well, as defined in the dictionary, accountability refers to being held responsible for another person's actions. If a student is aware of a behavior or situation that is occurring and does nothing to stop it, that student may be held accountable. This is most often associated with alcohol violations where students who were not drinking but who were present at a party with alcohol. The Community Covenant instructs us as members of the Messiah community to encourage growth in others, to confront inappropriate behavior, and to affirm others in order that as a community we can prosper and demonstrate glory to God.
When a student comes before us for an alcohol violation, a typical sanction is disciplinary probation; sometimes, random room checks and educational components are also considered. Disciplinary probation affects student leaders who are asked to step down from their leadership positions.
When addressing disrespect for the rights of others or chapel dishonesty, students are often given a formal warning and asked to write a letter of apology.
Lastly, for accountability violations, students are given a formal warning and sometimes asked to write a two to three-page paper that addresses accountability from a Biblical perspective by looking up verses that pertain to accountability.
In summary, the Peer Review Board hears cases regarding disciplinary situations and determines the outcomes of each situation. While at times, as the chair of the board, the job was challenging, it also allowed me to come to an understanding of each person and each separate case. One student told me that she felt very comfortable when she came before us. Lastly, I want students to know that we are not here to judge you, but instead to listen to you and help you to learn from your mistakes.
Finally, I want to encourage you to consider becoming a part of the Peer Review Board and being a part of restoring students back to the community. By being a part of the Board, you become a part of a team of students who work together to make difficult yet important decisions. Nate Weaver will be the Chair of the Board next year. Any one who is interested can apply to be on the Board in the fall semester. Information will be made available at that time.