No. New students in the SJS community all go through the 60-day probationary period for three reasons: to allow you to get comfortable with the supergroup, to allow the rest of the SG to get to know the character, and to allow players to make changes to their concept before becoming established characters.
60 days? Why such a long time?
Because Saint Joseph School is most interested in players who are in it for the long haul. The SG has existed for over three years, and many of our players have been here since the beginning. 60 days isn't really that long, and for a roleplay group, it's the blink of an eye.
Can a probationary member can be removed from the SG without due process?
Yes, that’s true. If the concept proves to be overly troublesome, or your behavior is unacceptable, a student on probation can be removed from the group summarily. However, this is not always the case: even probationary members are often consulted when their character concept or roleplay drifts into problematic areas. This is precisely why a character on probation is given an evaluation at 30 days: this affords new members the opportunity to fix problems before being removed from the SG.
What other limitations or requirements are put on me while I'm a Freshman?
Students in probation…
- Are expected to take the time and energy to introduce themselves to the SG.
- Need to get registered on these forums and post their backstory. The backstory will need to be revised and edited into a final draft during this time.
- Cannot ask for Extended Academic Leave from the supergroup. Even Standard Academic Leave is discouraged without a prior discussion with the Student Council, because a prolonged absence can affect your evaluation.
- Cannot vote in Student Council elections.
- Must meet with the Student Council at 30 days, and again at 60 days for evaluation before they will be officially offered full membership as a Sophomore.
After 30 days, the character and any problems will be addressed and discussed in a meeting with the Student Council. Goals will be set for both the character and the player to work on for the next month. The player will also be given the opportunity to give feedback or comments about the supergroup to its leaders. At the end of the 60 days, the player will meet again with the Student Council, and the goals set a month earlier will be revisited and the character will again be evaluated.
What about changing my concept? If I’m unhappy with the character, I can just change it?
More or less, yes. Freshmen can make reasonably radical changes to their concept within the 60-day period without causing a huge fracas. However, if you make changes of any substantial nature, you will need to update your Student Profile on the forums and consult with a member of the Student Council to inform them of the changes. You should also take care that you do not transform the concept into one that is not longer acceptable for SJS.
Can I just lay low for 60 days and be granted full membership?
No. As mentioned above, after 30 days, and again at 60 days, you will need to come and meet with the Student Council to become a full member. Typically, this happens at Office Hours, but Freshmen can (and in fact, must) make an appointment if OH falls at a bad time for them. The Student Council relies primarily on the collective opinion of the existing members to guide their decision in these meetings. If no one has ever seen you before, you will almost certainly be removed from the roster. You will also be removed if you fail to meet with the Student Council or if there are significant problems with your character or concept adjusting to life in SJS; it is in your own best interest to meet with the Student Council and freely discuss your character.
Can my probation be extended?
No. If after 60 days in the supergroup, you fail to meet the criteria for full membership, you will be removed.
