Prefects
Mostly written by Shai Tanaka
Naturally a Head Girl does not want all the routine of maintaining discipline amongst the students so she is likely to appoint a number of Prefects to help her with the more mundane tasks. Since this is Shokushu, such promotions tend to be a two-edged sword. Head Girls can and likely do, appoint Prefects to gain some advantage for themselves but having appointed them, they become responsible for the behavior of those Prefects and must face the Headmaster if their assistants create problems. Prefects can and likely do, gain opportunities to abuse their position over students but in return they only maintain that status by keeping their Head Girl happy.
Who are these Prefects?
Students who have been appointed by a Head Girl to help maintain the University. It should be remembered that no Prefect is ever off duty altogether. It is the responsibility of all Prefects, whether detailed for duty or not, to see that the school's rules are obeyed and good standards of behaviour are maintained at all times. Each Prefect is adorned with a dark navy sash that is a required addition to her uniform. Demerits will be administered to Prefects who are not in full uniform.
Once they are under the care and supervision of their assigned Head Girl, a Prefect's knowledge of the true intentions of the University may increase. Whether through loyalty to their Headmaster, or fear of the device implanted next to their heart, Head Girls will rarely mention the inner workings of the Administration, though it is obvious by a Prefect's exposure to some of the darker aspects of Shokushu that they will become more aware of their surroundings than normal students.
On occasion Headmasters may feel inclined to use a Prefect and will require their Head Girl to bring that young woman to them; perhaps even require them to participate. Though since Prefects are lower in rank they do not maintain a regular place with a Headmaster, who will tend to use his Head Girls far more frequently.
Since Prefects may acquire an extensive knowledge of the workings on Campus, but are of lower status than a Head Girl they rarely gain permission to return to Earth once they graduate. Usually this would occur only at the special request and in the company of a retiring Head Girl after suitable precautions had been taken. They may however aspire towards minor staff positions such as Lab Assistants at N.I.C.E. or work within the ADD. An exceptional young woman could even rise up to become a Head Girl, since any such vacancies will tend to be filled from the ranks of Prefects.
Q: What are Prefect Responsibilities?
A: The school revolves around a demerit system. The number of demerits a student receives reflects the punishment that will be administered. Prefects are responsible for distributing demerits to troublesome students.
There are several patrols to which a Prefect will be assigned. They begin with Morning Patrol, ensuring that all girls in their dormitory are ushered off to class on time. The second patrol is Lunch Patrol, ensuring that litter is deposited in litter bins while averting disorderly behaviour. Then there is Evening Patrol, ensuring that litter is deposited in litter bins, making sure students obey curfew and averting disorderly behaviour. At other times they may be seen patrolling corridors of the Campus when not in class, to ensure order is maintained.
Examples of disorderly behavior include such things as cutting class, inappropriate meetings between students, tardiness, lack of uniform etc. A prefect is required to report disorderly conduct to their assigned Head Girl at the end of each week, as well as administering punishment to those who break the rules. The administration of punishment can be quite enjoyable or entertaining to the one handing it out, so this encourages Prefects to be vigilant in their work. Naturally this may also tempt a Prefect to award demerits which are not truly justified, simply to gain an opportunity to abuse a student. Such behavior is accepted by Headmasters and Head Girls as it creates a sense of uncertainty and insecurity amongst students.
Q: Why become a Prefect?
A: It is a prestigious honor to serve your school as a Prefect; doing so counts as several extra-curricular activities and will look grand on any resume once you finally breach the working world. It enhances and hones leadership and organizational skills. It requires those who are willing to work hard and persevere. There are also several perks to becoming a Prefect including the obvious one of being able to terrorize fellow students and take advantage of them.
A Prefect is still required to live among the students inside of the dormitories in order to monitor activity but they get a better class of accomodation. Each Prefect room has a balcony, and is significantly bigger than regular dormitories. They contain their own bathroom complete with a bathtub as well as a separate shower box. There is a lush, king-sized bed as well as a comfortable living area and it comes complete with a small kitchen. Prefects are also allowed the luxury of technology within their mini-suites, TV's, MP3 players, etc.
Prefects will have access to the school's academic supplies whenever they need them. [Though if some questionable items come up missing, expect to be investigated and punished if convicted.] On rare occasions Prefects are also allowed to enter the Administration building. Prefects have all-hours access to the cafeteria, but may also order non-traditional foods from the weekly outbound list. They are also allowed (encouraged) to perform disciplinary action against students on campus.
Who Qualifies?
Becoming a Prefect gives students a chance to cross over to the dark side so to speak, opening up new opportunities for roleplay. It also offers a unique way to retire a character in the instance you wish for your character to avoid the normal outs and secure a staff position at N.I.C.E. or ADD.
There will be a few requirements for those who wish to become Prefects. The reason being that they can initiate roleplays not normally available to students and, by their perceived status, they will tend to be approached by other players to give advice on the rules and structure of the game. Do not get discouraged though! For our newer students that have just joined us, if a Prefect position interests you, if gives a goal for your new character to work towards. Feel free to apply once you have reached the requirements.
- - In order to become a Prefect the player, not the character, must have been with Shokushu for an extended period of time {Six months or 800 posts, whichever comes first - presence on previous versions of this board counts towards these goals}
- - Prefects may be of any school year except the first in IC terms.
- - Student must have a complete profile including a history.
- - Your character must show ambition. Rebellious students must be reformed, or must learn to disuise their attitude. Remember if you break the rules you are subject to harsh punishment from your Head Girl. [Though some of these ladies may enjoy harsh punishment].
- - You must have a roleplay listing thread for review.
- - You must be an active, helpful player on the forums IC and OOC.
- - Seeing as how you must report to a Head Girl at the end of each week, you may choose a Head Girl that you wish to report to. Keep in mind each Head Girl is only allowed to have 5 prefects at any given time. (Prefects may willingly change Head Girls after acquiring permission from the Head Girl they wish to change to.) If you are impartial to whom your Head Girl is, you can be assigned one randomly.
Once you have completed the above criteria you may proceed using one of two methods:
Method One: If your Head Girl is willing you two may open a roleplay with one another, roleplaying your way into your Prefect position. If both parties choose they may continue to roleplay throughout their careers.
Method Two: If your chosen Head Girl is unavailable for roleplay, you are then required to create a short story depicting your rise to becoming a Prefect, so it may be added to your history.
The Prefect Profile
To apply as a Prefect, first make sure you qualify from the list above. Then post the following character information in the Prefects sub-forum of New Students:
- Character Name:
- Physical Description: [This includes the age, height, weight, hair color, measurements, etc.]
- Personality: [Your character's mental attitude, quirks and inner workings.]
- Qualities: [What skills, abilities, magical attributes and talents you will bring to bear as a Prefect]
- Profile: [A link to your complete profile on this board or an external site]
- Roleplay Listing: [A link to your roleplay list on this board or an external site]
- Head Girl: [Which Head Girl you’d like to report to. If left blank the Head Girls will decide which one wants you to work for them.]
- Additional Notes: [Anything else you want to say]
Keep this brief because detailed information should exist in your profile and history. Look on it as an overview of how you relate to becoming a Prefect rather than a full bio.
After your Profile is submitted, a Head Girl must agree to take you on and none of the mods raise serious questions about your attitude as a player.
OOC Notes: Potential Prefects may also be approached by a Head Girl who feels it might be a useful path for you. Refusing the offer because it doesn't suit you will not carry any stigma. IC Prefects will usually tend to be fairly advanced within the school since it makes it easier to establish authority over younger students; OOC as a player they are expected to be established within the roleplay and to have a good understanding of how things work. While Prefect may be seen as a status position, the primary purpose is to instigate interesting roleplay. Prefects are not exempt from the normal requirements of OOC consent for scenes and are not immune to the many attacks of the monsters on the island. Moving on to a place within the labs or ADD is normally seen as a way to retire a student, not a way to gain a new slant on active roleplay.