Unknown sanctions issued for joyriding

Kiley Mackie
Staff Writer
Mar. 4, 2004, Page 1

Further Doane sanctions have been issued against sophomore Sherri Chilcott for borrowing a friend’s car on false pretenses and attempting to drive to California with freshman Teresa Sorenson.
In addition to Chilcott’s removal as a residence assistant in Sheldon Hall, Kim Heier, dean of Student Leadership, administered further punishment in a private, formal hearing with Chilcott earlier this week.
Though Heier declined to comment on the sanction itself due to the sensitivity of the case, she said Chilcott appealed the decision to the student status/leadership committee.
The committee, which is comprised of faculty, staff and students, heard the appeal but decided to uphold the sanction.
Heier said that before she conducted the formal hearing, Chilcott had an informal hearing with Russ Hewitt, director of Residence Life.
After both hearings were over, Hewitt and Heier conferred on what was to be done.
“In student disciplinary cases, we take into account all factors,” Heier said. “We have to consider the ramifications the student’s actions had on other students.”
Chilcott has now had to face the music from both the Crete police and the college.
However, Sorenson has let at least half of the discord fall on deaf ears. Though both students have been issued formal charges of Unauthorized Use of a Propelled Vehicle, better known as “joyriding,” by County Attorney Ted Eickman, Sorenson has avoided Doane’s punishment by deciding not to return to campus.
“Teresa will not be coming back to school,” Heier said. “She removed herself on her own accord.”
Sorenson did not come to collect her belongings but had acquaintances pack and send them to her. Heier said her absence does not make her exempt from all Doane repercussions.
“Though Teresa is no longer a student here, the incident will be recorded in her record as well,” Heier said.
Heier said that she is unaware of Sorenson’s plans or whereabouts and refused to comment on Chilcott’s current status.