U Could Finish creator receives appeal decision, punishment reduced

Shortly after hearing the news that UCF has decided to implement a new registration process based on his "U Could Finish" website initiative, Tim Arnold was notified that his appeal had been reviewed and although his probation was reduced, the university’s original decision was sustained.

Arnold was being punished for two counts of violation of the UCF Golden Rule Handbook under Section 14 “Misuse of Computing and Telecommunications Resources” after creating a website which allowed students to receive real-time alerts when classes they needed became available.

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities sanctioned a hold on his academic record and required him to write a five- to eight-page paper on what he would do if he were placed in the role of a UCF administrator and had to update the system.

Arnold was also required to take a $15 coaching session. He opted to take the coaching session on Monday hoping officials would notice his attempt to follow the rules and handle the situation appropriately.

“It [The coaching session] was an open discussion about what happened and how I could learn from it,” Arnold said. “I gained a new perception about what the university might be thinking.”

Arnold turned in his appeal on Wednesday afternoon and received a response this afternoon advising him that the original decision was sustained, with the exception of his probation which was reduced from two semesters to one semester. He is still required to complete the rest of the punishment, including writing a paper on the outcome of his coaching session.

“All I requested was to be able to continue in my leadership position.” Arnold said.

His leadership role as treasurer for the Society for Marketing Professionals was terminated after he was put on probation.

“I’m disappointed that on the same day that they announce their new innovation inspired by my action they continue with their punishment,” Arnold said.

The innovation Arnold is referring to is a new registration system developed by UCF and unveiled this morning as a new, easier way for students to register for classes.

According to a press release, UCF has been developing this process as an enhancement to its current course registration process for some time but moved forward with the implementation of it in response to Arnold’s "U Could Finish" website. The enhanced process will be ready for student use in spring 2013.

Unlike the "U Could Finish" website, UCF’s new system will allow students who are waiting for an opening in a class to be automatically registered for the class as soon as a seat becomes available.

“My goal was to fix this problem for students, and since the school thinks they found a solution I’m happy,” Arnold said.

When asked if he plans to continue in the next step of the appeal process, Arnold said he isn’t closing any doors but hasn’t decided if he will move forward with legal action.