Jedi Academy Policy Updates

Jedi Council – The Jedi Council, consisting of massadoobie, DJ Sith, Jacen Solo, Buzz, and Virtue, exist to run the Academy.  There is, however, a hierarchy in the Council.  Massadoobie and DJ Sith are at the “top” (think of Mace Windu and Yoda).  They have final say and veto power over every decision made in the Academy.  They are also required to listen to and respect the opinions of the other Council members, and to consult the full Council for their opinion on important matters.  Basically they are the leaders, but not dictators.
Jacen Solo, Buzz, and Virtue, as Teaching Coordinator, Enforcer, and Community Liasion respectively, have specifically assigned roles.  Buzz, as Enforcer, is in charge of the discipline of the Academy.  He controls bannings and expulsions and generally controls the conduct of the members of the Academy.  Jacen Solo, as Teaching Coordinator, is in charge of the Jedi Academy Trainers and Knights.  He, along with the Lead Trainer and Lead Knight, set class requirements, trial contents, promotions, and game certifications.  Virtue, as community Liasion, is in charge of keeping the lines of communication running between all levels of the Academy.  He handles delicate discussions, serves as a listener for complaints and issues, and generally keeps all levels of the Academy working together efficiently.  As council members, Jacen Solo, Buzz, and Virtue have the power to settle disputes, and in the absence of massadoobie and DJ, fill in as lead Academy representatives.  They are also required to provide their opinions and knowledge to the full council, as well as help with day-to-day running of the site (applications, trial exams, etc.)

Academy Trainers – The Academy trainers are responsible for running classes on Academy servers.  They are required to run at least one class per week, but they are encouraged to run as many as they can.  Trainers also are responsible for conduct on the servers.  They are given password to the Academy mod to help them control the conduct of members on the servers.  THIS IS NOT A LICENSE TO ABUSE ADMIN COMMANDS.  Trainers should utilize their more powerful admin commands (kickban, sleep, etc.) only for times when things get completely out of hand.  Instead, Trainers should ALWAYS try to talk to the person and defuse the situation before it gets out of hand.  ADMIN COMMANDS ARE A LAST RESORT.  Any use of kick or kickban must be reported to the Council to determine appropriate punishment for person who was kickbanned (and to keep track of the amount of kicks and bans).  Trainers also make recommendations for knighthood or trainership. 

Lead Trainer --  The lead trainer, along with his/her assistants, is in charge of the trainers.  He is charged with organizing meetings, serving as an immediate level of communication for the trainers, helping enforce Trainer requirements (such as the class minimum) and class contents/structures.  He is also the main person in charge of setting up Trainer trials, with input from the Teaching Coordinator and Lead Knight.  He also helps out with the Knight Trials.  He works with the Teaching Coordinator and the Lead Knight in these matters and in general matters involving the teaching departments.

Academy Knights – The Academy knights are seen as our highest ranking students.  They are separated for their attitudes and skill and given special status.  With the approval of FaDed, our Lead Trainer and Lord Exar Kun, our Lead Knight, they are allowed to assist or teach classes.  Other than that they are responsible for helping trainers whenever possible.  They are also expected to serve as representatives of the Academy, welcoming new members and showing the ropes, along with helping to settle arguments when JATs are not around (or even if they are).

Lead Knight --  The lead knight, along with his/her assistants, is in charge of the knights.  He is charged with organizing meetings, serving as an immediate level of communication for the knights, and helping to coordinate Knight teaching privileges and promotion requirements.  He is also the main person in charge of setting up Knight trials, with input from the Teaching Coordinator and Lead Trainer. He also helps out with the Trainer Trials.  He works with the Teaching Coordinator and the Lead Trainer in these matters and in general matters involving the teaching departments.

Academy Staff – Academy staff is given their roles on a “what can you do for me” basis.  Staff positions are meant solely to provide support to the Council and the Jedi Academy as a whole.  They serve a specific purpose, and they must stick to their purpose.  THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY OUTSIDE OF THEIR SPECIFIC STAFF ROLE.  They have no right to use admin commands or to punish members of the Academy, unless expressly granted.  Although they do hold a somewhat elevated status, and are allowed to access higher forums for discussions, they do not have the right to act above any student or trainer in the Academy.

In Summary:  Council sets Academy-wide policy, settles major dispute, mediates minor disputes, make recommendations, and makes sure things are running smoothly.
Trainers run classes, control server conduct, give trials, and make recommendations for knighthood and trainership. 
Knights help run classes, help maintain server control, help welcome and help new members or members who, well, need help…  basically the knights help a lot, along with developing their skills more either to become JATs or simply to, you got it, keep helping.
Staff do the specific job they volunteered for.