She says, "Because the cases are confidential, we don't get much outside attention or pressure from other students."

In fact, Grayson feels that student input on the board contributes to making it a more effective institution. "The decisions that we make have the potential to affect all students, and it helps to have access to a student perspective," she says.

While there is one disciplinary board at the College that does include students, it has little effect on campus decisions. In 1986, the Student-Faculty Judicial Board was founded to hear unprecedented cases and those with extreme implications for the Harvard community. Six of this committee's 12 full-time members are students.

But the Judicial Board plays quite an insignificant role in the administration of Harvard affairs--to date, it has heard only one case, and it is unclear when or under what circumstances the board would be called together again.

Who You Gonna Call?

In most instances, a student called before the ad board of the College is represented by his Assistant Dean of Freshmen or his Allston Burr Senior Tutor. The student can choose to be present as well.

If students want different representation, they can choose between the dean of freshmen, the secretary of the ad board, the director of the Core program, or any assistant or associate dean of the College who is a regular board member. The student cannot, however, choose to be represented by a lawyer.

HLS does not impose such a restriction on its students. According to Grayson, students "frequently" seek legal counsel.