Florida A&M launched Wednesday a nation-wide search for administrators to “oversee anti-hazing initiatives” and to ensure bands comply with university rules.
In June, FAMU’s Board of Trustees approved an amended 2012-2013 budget with nearly $1 million allocated for the anti-hazing czar (the official position is the special assistant to the president for anti-hazing) and a music department compliance officer.
These two positions are part of FAMU’s plan to eradicate hazing through stricter enforcement of policy and greater oversight.
“Our goal is to rid our campus of hazing and continue our efforts to create a safer environment for our students,” Interim President Larry Robinson was quoted as saying in a press statement from the university.
The job search comes at a tumultuous time for the university, following the departure Monday of former President James H. Ammons and the continuing controversy around hazing at FAMU.
These searches begin about two weeks after FAMU launched the
search for a new director of marching and pep bands to replaced long-time band director Julian White who retired recently, ending a months-long struggle with the university for reinstatement.
Robinson said he hopes these three positions will be filled by the end of next semester.
Duties of the SPECIAL ASSISTANT/COMPLIANCE OFFICER as indicated by FAMU:
The duties of the Special Assistant include assessing the reporting and evaluation of complaints/reports regarding students who have allegedly violated the code of conduct relating to hazing; conducting investigative briefings with the President; monitoring the coordination of student briefings, hearings, and records/files maintenance; drafting of appropriate reports and letters; evaluating and implementing safety and educational programming. The Special Assistant will maintain a database and compile statistical hazing related reports and other data requests for external or internal entities per the request of the President. The Special Assistant will also monitor the maintenance of official records of anti-hazing agreements, police reports, judicial reports, and longitudinal hazing data. Working cooperatively and collaboratively with various university areas, the special assistant will develop various conduct and safety related programming and activities.
The Department of Music Compliance Officer will report to the Special Assistant to the President for Anti-Hazing. The Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring the overall compliance of the Department of Music, specifically bands and ensembles with university policies and procedures and the Department of Music guidelines specified in approved handbooks.
The Compliance Officer’s scope of work will include monitoring compliance with the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and Due Process Regulations to include anti-hazing and university imposed sanctions; academic eligibility requirements; meetings and practice limitations; travel; designation and collection of fees; and training and certification of faculty, staff and students. The Compliance Officer shall also monitor individuals and organizations under sanction by the university and national organizations.
The Compliance Officer will be responsible for the overall programming for the Department of Music. The Compliance Officer also will ensure that the department collaborates with various units on campus as well as off campus agencies and entities as appropriate. The officer will verify the completion of all required official certification forms including student physical examinations where appropriate; monitor student travel and practice related activities; maintain certification records; and report all instances of non-compliance to the special assistant, dean, Department of Music chair and directors.