Voice mechanisms are ways through which persons can communicate with other persons in a formal approach. In universities, voice mechanisms serve as methods through which students can converse with their seniors i.e. lecturers and chancellors alike regarding more serious issues. The importance of an efficient voice mechanism in any setting regardless of the industry cannot be stressed enough. In Rowan University there are in place a lot of student policies that aim to enhance discipline and accountability while at the same time ensuring comfortable interactions (Rowan University, 2014). Some of these policies contain voice mechanisms so as to make them effective. The policies are many to serve various functions, but the notable ones include “Students-At-Significant Risks to the Health and Safety of Self or Others” and “Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policies.”
First, “Students-At-Significant Risks to the Health and Safety of Self or Others” is a policy that illustrates the guidelines to address a student that possesses a significant danger to him and that of others (Rowan University, 2014). In more detail, it articulates that any individual who believes that a student may pose a danger to himself such as suicide ideation should contact any of their supervisors directly. And if the danger is immediate then the police and/or paramedics ought to be called. The policy is focused more on staff although students may use the same voice mechanism in case of a similar scenario. The “Students-At-Significant Risks to the Health and Safety of Self or Others” policy is designed to prevent a catastrophe if it was anticipated.
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Moreover, “Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy” is another policy with a voice mechanism albeit with a different purpose (Rowan University, 2014). Its intent is to prevent sexual harassment of any student under any given circumstances to ensure one of their fundamental rights is protected. If a violation occurs, students who are either aware of the act(s) or have been directly affected are urged to report the matter immediately. Thereafter, they will be prompted to offer a concise statement detailing the facts of the violation. Depending on the magnitude of the offense violated, students may seek medical care. And if criminal behavior is deemed to have occurred then the university will help the student in contacting law enforcement.
Both the two policies offer sound voice mechanisms to students. Despite their diverse nature both “Students-At-Significant Risks to the Health and Safety of Self or Others” and “Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy” offer students a clear communication path. Nonetheless, due to the nature of its topic subtleness, the “Sexual Misconduct and Harassment” Policy is used more often. First and foremost, cases of sexuality and harassment are much more common than self-harm in any given place, and Rowan University is no different. Alternatively, the policy is not limited to rape but is inclusive of other misconducts thereby opening the door for many individuals to use its voice mechanism.
Additionally, unlike the “Students-At-Significant Risks to the Health and Safety of Self or Others,” the “Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment” Policy offers educational services to students regarding sexual violence, harassment or exploitation. The statements mentioned above support the view that the voice mechanism of the Safety of Self or Others and Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy is used more frequently. However, the frequency is not per se a positive thing in terms of a voice mechanism. A voice mechanism should not only allow persons to be more open but also ensure their feedback or complaints are acted on as quick as possible. Therefore, it remains a challenge to Rowan University to realize the full potential of these two voice mechanisms.
References
Rowan University. (2014). University Policies: Student Life/ Student Affairs . Retrieved from https://confluence.rowan.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=39946532.
