In an effort to help students make better choices and inform them about Grambling State University’s Student Code of Conduct, Judicial Affairs’ Angela Robinson hosts workshops and gives presentations.Her no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point attitude captures her audiences’ attention and inspires their interaction.
She spoke to a group of freshmen and sophomores Monday. Robinson began by telling them they have to follow the chain of command. She asked them to name people such as the directors of financial aid and housing, their area coordinator and the vice presidents of academic and student affairs.
“It is important for you to empower yourselves. First know who you can report something to, and document, document, document,” she said.
Robinson spoke about the dress code and told students how they should dress as college students. “A first impression is everlasting,” she said.
“It is important to me you know that you cannot go to class looking a mess. Do not wear house shoes and pajama pants. You never know who you may see.”
A student asked her about wearing pajama pants to the snack bar. Robinson told her to imagine what would happen if she ran into a potential employer while wearing pajamas.
Robinson informed students that GSU has a zero tolerance for aggressive behavior. She suggested attending peer mediation instead of fighting.
She spoke of the danger of putting too much information on Facebook.
“A potential employer may look on Facebook. Don’t think for the moment. Think long-term. Think about your careers,” she said. “Be prepared. You have no idea what can happen to you and for you.”
Robinson told young women to demand respect and respect themselves. “If you don’t, why should males?” she said.
She told young men to stop lying. “At the end of the day, be honest, and tell people where you come from, where you stand. People will respect you when you are truthful and honest,” she said.
Robinson addressed hazing. “Do not allow anyone to demean or disrespect you. If you have to pay bills, wash someone’s car or let someone beat you, what does that say about you,” she said. “Young people don’t do it. It is not worth it. If you tell someone, you are not weak, you are strong.”
“If people cannot respect you for your g.p.a., community service or church affiliation, tell them to beat it.”
Robinson said to take advantage of the opportunity to attend school. “Stop playing. Be positive. Go to class, and receive what your instructors have to give you.”
“Grambling State University is not playing, so you stop playing. Get involved with SGA. Come serve on the Judicial Affairs Board. If you are not active and involved, you should not have anything negative to say,” she said.
“Do not be disrespectful when someone is correcting you. I’m saying this to you because I care about you,” she said.
Beverly Crawford, director of Judicial Affairs, said when she receives feedback from Robinson’s presentations people say she is always energetic and full of information.
“Her primary goal inside and outside of the classroom is to strengthen awareness of the university’s expectations of appropriate behavior.
As a result of her presentations, our adjudication rate has decreased tremendously,” said Crawford.