Monrovia, Liberia – To enforce discipline and encourage accountability among its student body, the University of Liberia (UL) has taken a significant step with the official launch of its Students Disciplinary Committee (SDC).
Established on October 10, 2025, the SDC’s duties include receiving complaints, looking into suspected offenses, and offering suggestions regarding issues pertaining to violations of the university’s rules and regulations. After years of requests from students, faculty, and staff for an organized and open process to deal with allegations of misconduct on campus, the committee was established.
At a news conference held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, on the UL Fendall Campus, the committee’s chair, Mr. Andrew Dean, gave the university community his word that the SDC will conduct itself with the utmost impartiality, professionalism, and integrity.
“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 emphasized.
He further urged students to uphold the core values and principles that define the University of Liberia, and to contribute to a safe, respectful, and academically focused environment. “Together, let us continue to reflect the spirit of our motto, Lux in Tenebris Light in Darkness,” Dean concluded.
The committee’s formation has been applauded by the higher-ups, who see it as a welcome move to address growing issues with student behavior, such as academic dishonesty, disturbances in the classroom, violent acts, and disobedience of university rules. Over the years, UL has faced difficulties that have frequently interrupted classes and damaged the school’s reputation, such as mismanaged student protests, exam fraud, and acts of intimidation and vandalism.
Officials claim that in addition to addressing these problems, the new disciplinary body will also demonstrate to students the value of moral conduct and adherence to school policies. It is anticipated to promote a more orderly learning environment by acting as a preventative and remedial mechanism.
The Students Disciplinary Committee brings together a diverse group of members representing key sectors of the university community. They include:
Mr. Andrew Dean, Chairperson
Amb. Felecia J.W. Dorbor, Secretary
Cllr. Clara T. Freeman, Legal Representative
Ms. Janet Y. Lolemeh, Staff Representative
Mr. Isaiah Tulo Chea, Student Representative
Ms. Victoria D. Korbgay, Representative of Students with Disability
Ms. Bendu S. Kromah, Female Representative
According to education experts, the creation of the SDC is a reflection of the University of Liberia’s continuous reform initiatives, spearheaded by President Dr. Layli Maparyan, which are intended to enhance administrative accountability and student governance.
Critics argue that upholding discipline is crucial for both academic success and institutional legitimacy, especially in public universities with sizable and varied student bodies.
They point out that the establishment of the SDC makes it abundantly evident that the University of Liberia is dedicated to fostering a culture of accountability, deference, and order—values that are essential to the institution’s goal of turning out graduates who are both morally pure and capable professionals.
Reported by: Moses Kpakolo
