2008 Woodie Awards
Guns bring suspension, regrets
University Conduct Board suspends Hoin; return to TU undecided
Adam Tutor
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: News
When a resident assistant found five guns and ammunition in Junior Nathan Hoin's South Residence Hall room during closing Dec. 15, 2007, the University immediately placed an administrative order barring Hoin from campus and, upon decision by the University Conduct Board on Jan. 11, 2008, suspended Hoin from Trinity for one semester.
Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life David Tuttle said he was one of the first officials on the scene following the weapons' discovery in Hoin's room. Tuttle also composed the first report to students faculty and staff of the event, stating early indications were that "the student and weapons never posed a viable threat to anyone in the San Antonio and University community."
According to Tuttle, Hoin and his family fully cooperated with the University's inquires.
"Knowing the context of why the weapons were there, as well as the demeanor of the student, helped to deescalate the situation fairly quickly in my opinion," Tuttle said, though he said he wanted to stress that even the best of explanations does not excuse having weapons on campus.
Parents have provided the most feedback on the situation, according to Tuttle.
"They entrust the University in taking care of their sons and daughters," Tuttle said.
According to Tuttle, some parents believe it was handled well, while others believe that the punishment should have been more severe.
"I just focus on the student and make sure that they get a fair hearing," Tuttle said, explaining that decisions made by the University Conduct Board are not part of his role.
Two faculty members and one student hear cases brought to the Board, including most cases of more sensitive natures than cases brought to the Student Conduct Board, David Crockett, associate professor of political science.
Crockett was one of the faculty members who heard Hoin's case. Crockett said that the atmosphere was "very collegial" and that there was "wide consensus and not division" amongst the Board members during the decision-making process.
Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life David Tuttle said he was one of the first officials on the scene following the weapons' discovery in Hoin's room. Tuttle also composed the first report to students faculty and staff of the event, stating early indications were that "the student and weapons never posed a viable threat to anyone in the San Antonio and University community."
According to Tuttle, Hoin and his family fully cooperated with the University's inquires.
"Knowing the context of why the weapons were there, as well as the demeanor of the student, helped to deescalate the situation fairly quickly in my opinion," Tuttle said, though he said he wanted to stress that even the best of explanations does not excuse having weapons on campus.
Parents have provided the most feedback on the situation, according to Tuttle.
"They entrust the University in taking care of their sons and daughters," Tuttle said.
According to Tuttle, some parents believe it was handled well, while others believe that the punishment should have been more severe.
"I just focus on the student and make sure that they get a fair hearing," Tuttle said, explaining that decisions made by the University Conduct Board are not part of his role.
Two faculty members and one student hear cases brought to the Board, including most cases of more sensitive natures than cases brought to the Student Conduct Board, David Crockett, associate professor of political science.
Crockett was one of the faculty members who heard Hoin's case. Crockett said that the atmosphere was "very collegial" and that there was "wide consensus and not division" amongst the Board members during the decision-making process.
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