Civitas Council

Civitas Council is the second aspect of the judicial system of Converse’s system of self-governance, pertaining to the principles of social conduct known as “Community Values.” Civitas Council is a group of students elected by students to handle violations of Community Values. Civitas Council was established to help students maintain a healthy attitude towards attending college, living in a community, and the social aspect of college life. The safety, health and well being of each student at Converse College is the priority of Civitas Council. The goals of the Civitas Council are to protect the rights and privileges of all students and encourage educational development.

• Code of Conduct (PDF)

Regulations

Our Community shares the following Values and gives Civitas Council jurisdiction over them:

• Community Value I: Worth of an Individual Hazing, Harassment, Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Quiet Hours, Invasion of Privacy/Unauthorized Entry

• Community Value II: Personal Responsibility Lewd and Indecent Conduct, Public Display of Indecent Material, Alcohol Possession, Distribution or Consumption, Possession, Use, or Distribution of Illegal Drugs or Paraphernalia

• Community Value III: Respect for Community Authority Residence Hall Visitation Policy, Failure to Attend Required Events, Involvement in a Community Values Violation, Reckless Behavior, Possession of Firearms or Weapons, Possession or Use of Fireworks on Campus, Fire Safety

Convocation Series

The Converse College Convocation Series exists to encourage the development of all aspects of the human spirit. It stems from the core values of the College: Excellence, Integrity, Diversity, Respect, Community, Exploration and Progress. Through participation in a broad base of programs provided by the institution, it is believed that Converse women will gain a greater appreciation of life experiences beyond their area of study. The Converse College Convocation Series strives to enrich the student experience and encourages the development of women educated to succeed in an ever-changing world.

All undergraduate Converse students (residential and commuting) are required to attend Opening Convocation and Founders Day. These two celebrations bookend the academic year and serve as ties to and the foundation of the College. These two events bring students, faculty, staff, trustees and alumni together to honor and celebrate the course of another year for the college. These dates should be reserved by every student and held open to attend.

In addition to Opening Convocation and Founders Day, every traditional undergraduate student is expected to attend five additional Convocation events for each semester. January Term is counted with the spring semester. These additional events may be selected from the categories listed below. Students must attend at least one event from each category. Students must then submit Convocation online within 7 days of the event to receive credit for attendance. Civitas representatives will check the submitted pledges regularly to record attendance.

A student will be fined $30 for each event less than the six required per semester (Opening Convocation plus five selections in the fall and Founders Day plus five selections in the spring). Students may attend and receive credit for as many events as they would like. The College encourages students to experience all that Converse has to offer.

The four categories from which to select Convocation events are:

Opening Convocation and Founders Day must be attended by all. Students must attend at least one from each category and submit a slip for a total of 6 each semester.

Students are expected to show respect for the caliber of the program, for the stature and historical nature of the event and for the positive representation of Converse College and its students.