Africa-Press – Liberia. The President of the University of Liberia (UL), Dr. Layli Maparyan, in consultation with the UL Board of Trustees, has established the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC) as part of her efforts to curb the rising wave of indiscipline and violence on the university’s campuses.
The committee comprises seven members and is charged with investigating violations of the UL Student Handbook. Additionally, the Committee is responsible for recommending penalties in line with the Student Handbook.
Those appointed to the SDC are: Mr. Andrew K. Dean, Faculty, as Chairperson; Cllr. Clara Cassell, UL Legal Affairs, Ex Officio; Amb. Felecia J.W. Dorbor, Student Affairs, Ex Officio; Ms. Janet U. Lolemeh, Staff Representative; Mr. Isaac Tulo Chea, Student Representative; Ms. Victoria D. Korgbay, Student Representative; and Ms. Bendu Kromah, At-large Representative.
In a memorandum addressed to the faculty, staff, and students on October 13, 2025, Dr. Maparyan stated that the SDC would begin its work immediately to the end of the 2025-2026 Academic year.
Thereafter, the memo states, “the committee will follow the guidelines outlined in the new and Revised UL Student Handbook, which will include the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Committee.
Dr. Maparyan further stated in the memo that the committee will meet at least once per academic semester and more frequently as needed to investigate reported violations.
The Committee will also present summary reports of its activities to the UL President and stakeholders once per academic semester to ensure prompt response and updates.
Meanwhile, SDC has begun its key mandates: receiving complaints, investigating alleged violations of the Student Handbook, and making recommendations for action. This follows its inauguration on October 23, 2025, at the university’s Fendall campus.
In an interview with UL Relations on Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Chair of the SDC, Mr. Andrew Dean, assured the university that the committee would operate with the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.
Mr. Dean thanked Dr. Maparyan for appointing him as Chair of the SDC and assured her of his full commitment to deliver.
“I feel very pleased and honored as a young man to be selected to chair the SDC; it is something I take great pride in,” Mr. Dean acknowledged.
“The SDC is now open to receive formal complaints regarding alleged violations of University rules, and all proceedings will follow due process – ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and respect for the rights of all parties involved,” Dean assured.
He further urged the students to uphold the core values and principles that define the UL’s vision and mission.
“Together, let us continue to reflect the spirit of our motto, in Latin, ‘Lux in Tenebri,’ in English (Light in Darkness),” Dean encouraged the students.
Apart from investigating acts of violation and recommending penalties, the SDC plans to raise awareness among students to exhibit good ethical behavior and adhere to institutional rules and policies.
“We not only take pleasure in investigating and holding students liable for their misconduct, but we are also focused on improving students’ actions by holding town hall meetings on prevention and ensuring a safe environment for teaching and learning,” Dean stated.
The SDC will investigate specific incidents of hooliganism, vandalism, violence, hostile and disrespectful behavior towards university authorities, the circulation of scurrilous leaflets or other publications containing false allegations, the destruction of the University of Liberia’s or other properties, on-campus strikes, boycotts, and demonstrations.
Appropriate penalties for violations of any provision of those rules range from a warning, suspension, and expulsion, depending on the gravity of the offense.
The establishment of the SDC is pivotal to Dr. Maparyan’s overall reform process for achieving her five ‘Es’: education, efficiency, effectiveness, excellence, and ethics.
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