A mistake can be an education in itself. For those in the UB community who cross legal lines, redemption may take the form of community service. Since 1990, the Office of Judicial Affairs has been matching violators of school policies with service sectors throughout the university.
Approximately 40 percent of students assigned to community service live in the residence halls, according to Todd Kamenash, assistant ombudsman of judicial affairs. Violations of residence hall policies including removing lounge furniture, discharging fire extinguishers and disrupting quiet hours, can all result in community service hours.
The remainder of student infractions is referred to the Student Wide Judiciary and the town of Amherst, and may involve alcohol or drug issues, assault or driving while intoxicated arrests.
"The time a student is required to serve is determined on an individual basis depending on the circumstances," said Kamenash. "If the violation occurs in the residence halls, the number of hours a student must work are assigned by the directors there."
The community service location is determined by Judicial Affairs.
"Each site has a supervisor and we're in contact with that supervisor," said Kamenash. "On rare occasions, an organization might hire that individual for pay. But if the requirements for community service are not met, a student's registration may be suspended."
One of the largest providers of service positions is Alumni Arena. Athletic events such as football, basketball and volleyball games require volunteers to take tickets, serve as ushers and clean up after the event.
"Students might have to do between 10 to 130 hours of community service, but the average is around 40," said Eric Cudeck, coordinator of event operations at the arena.
Off-campus duties are also available for students to complete the required hours.
"Two Sundays ago we took 12 kids to clean up Main Street after Friday and Saturday's crowd had gone and people were going to church," said Cudeck. "We started at 8:30 and went to 4 in the afternoon, going from Highgate to Bailey and down Bailey to Winspear. It's the second time we've cleaned up Main."
As for violators who face adjudication, the number of hours to be served is subject to a lengthy offer and counter-offer process.
"As far as we're concerned, sentences are determined on a case-by-case basis," said Trevor Torcello, chief justice of the Student Wide Judiciary. "Most students make a deal with the university and the university makes a counter-offer. Then the student makes a plea arrangement which we either approve or reject. If there are contested facts, we have a trial before the undergraduate justices."
While commonly administered as a means of instilling social responsibility, community service is not strictly for offenders. There are many students at UB who choose to participate in local service organizations for the satisfaction of giving back to the community. UB hosts several student groups devoted to service work, such as Circle K, Phi Eta Sigma and the Community Action Corps. Fraternities and sororities, in addition to Student Association clubs, also participate in community service.
Neil Bonzagni, a senior chemistry major, said he has participated in the Big Brother program for more than three years. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters program provides mentors and role models for less-fortunate or troubled youth.
"I can have responsibility and give back to the community and at the same time drive go-carts and meet people from different disciplines," said Bonzagni. "We've gone to Sabers games, Bills games, movies, group outings and wrestling matches. When I first met my little brother, he was 13 and only interested in video games. Now he's 16 and only interested in girls. It's cool watching him grow up."
While personal satisfaction plays a role in many volunteer programs, other factors can be equally important. David Twoey of the UB Environment and Society Institute, said community service could be a tremendous addition to his r?(c)sum?(c).
"I wanted to gain experience on my teaching career," said Twoey, who volunteered for SAACS, the UB chapter of the Student Association of the American Chemical Society.
"I did a lot of tutoring as well as demonstrations promoting chemical awareness at the Buffalo Science Museum, and recently I got involved in the TIFFT Nature Preserve here in Buffalo. It's dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and appreciation, two things that are very important to me."
