Why PROsper Collegiate?

When students used to approach me for assistance with their honor code cases, I was happy to oblige. I had no connection to the honor code and respected the work of the Honor Council and faculty advisors. But as Dean of Students, it was my job to assist students. In these cases I could sometimes be helpful without undermining those connected to Honor Council. How? Well that has turned into the idea of PROsper Collegiate.

What was often apparent to me was that students were confused by policies and procedures. What is more, sometimes the responses they received reinforced that people in the know interpreted things differently. After retiring as Dean of Students at Trinity University in 2021, following 30 years there, I knew I was probably not done. Assisting students as they navigate student issues on campus - primarily in navigating conduct systems (all policies, academic policies, perhaps Title IX) - seemed like a great place to put my energy. My consulting firm PROsper Collegiate stands for Professional Student and Parent Educational Resources.

So, I begin. How does one connect with students who have been accused of violating policies? Not easily. But one way is to connect with parents. There are many platforms and websites (see Other Resources) that produce wonderful content for parents and families. It is often this group who suggests their students seek assistance (often legal). Through blogposts and articles on these sites, I’m sharing advice about some of the hot topics facing college students and their parents. While my experience allows me to assist in conduct areas, I am available for many kinds of consulting.

A former colleague looked at my webpage and said that I would have hated dealing with people like me when I was Dean. Though it was a good point, I disagree. My hope is that colleagues at various colleges and universities would welcome dealing with an industry insider. I understand student issues, intersectionality, student development, accountability, and the campus perspective. My hope is to effectively assist students without being adversarial.

Finally, some may find it ironic that as the “conduct guy” I am now assisting students. Well, those people don’t know me well. Certainly, I dealt with my share of difficult and contentious cases. Show me a dean of students without critics, and I will show you an ineffective dean. But I always approached conduct with student development, fairness, transparency, and authenticity as core principles. For example, I encouraged students found in violation for conduct offenses to apply to be RAs, serve on the conduct panel, or advise on the process. I worked extensively with Greek students to craft a reasonable student-centered party initiative, offering amnesty for looking out for others.

Some guiding principles and insights to the process:
- Student conduct processes need to be student-centered. Students should have the agency in determining how to approach their cases and should fully represent their best interests. Schools will insist!
- Students and parents need objective assessments of allegations, report details, and options for how to proceed.
- In most cases, students can have a person-of-support present in meetings, interviews and hearings. There are often specific restrictions on that person - ones that can require some understanding of the process.
- Sometimes students need assistance in exploring bigger issues: How do I defend myself? Do I defend myself? Are there any informal resolutions to explore? What will appear on my academic transcript? Is this the place for me anymore?
- Legal representation can be important - especially if a student says anything that can result in criminal and/or civil consequences, particularly in Title IX cases. And sometimes legal involvement can be counter-productive for a number of reasons.
- Students often face deadlines and can’t wait. I will be available and accessible to clients facing tight scheduling windows.

About the author: David Tuttle spent over 30 years in higher education in Residential Life and Student Affairs and has sent four children to college. He is the proprietor of a student and parent assistance service, PROsper Collegiate, LLC. Contact him here: david@prospercollegiate.com.