MANY STUDENTS at the University, especially first years, are left in the dark when it comes to sanctions as a result of alcohol-related incidents. The Undergraduate Record only lists a general outline of procedures, and rumors run rampant about the severity of getting caught with alcohol. The University has an obligation to overhaul their sanctions for alcohol-related incidents to make the information both more accessible and more applicable to the common student. Clearer and improved sanctions will alleviate fear students may have after a violation occurs, in addition to promoting the alcohol-free living areas that the University strives to provide.
While the Undergraduate Record is very explicit in listing what is prohibited, the same detail was not put forward in listing sanctions. A single sentence states that any student in violation of the alcohol policy is subject to the entire range of University Judiciary Committee sanctions, including suspension and expulsion. The intensity of the statement is absurd, since the range of UJC sanctions also includes oral and written warnings. With a violation that occurs rather frequently, the University needs to specify penalties.
In reality, according to UJC Chair Tim Ormsby alcohol-related incidents are only brought forth to the UJC if there is a pattern of behavior witnessed. Possible sanctions given by the UJC include community service, an educational class or, in more severe cases, getting kicked out of housing. However, these penalties are only applicable if the case is brought to UJC. Many alcohol-related incidents never even reach this point.
Instead, these alcohol-related incidents are handled by Residence Advisors. RAs can give Violations of Standard Conduct (VSOC), but have no sanctioning power, according to Chris Elliot, the area coordinator of Alderman Road dormitories. Usually, the student will discuss the matter with a senior RA on a first-time offense. Only on a second or third offense is the student considered for referral to UJC. Furthermore, the commonly-heard "three-strike" rule is a rumor. Unfortunately, most students are not informed of these various procedures.
The sanctions do not affect students in a straightforward manner. Since there is no definitive violation number or type that will lead to being brought before UJC, students have a reduced deterrent to commit another violation. Further, particular RAs may handle similar situations differently, leading to inconsistency in procedures.
Other universities have taken the initiative to choose clear penalties that have the potential to impact students' everyday lives. For example, the University of Maryland, in addition to other penalties, removes "priority points" that impact where the student will live the following year. Likewise, Duke University can revoke campus driving privileges in response to alcohol-related incidents. These sorts of penalties are strong deterrents and encourage students to respect the University's alcohol policy.
Perhaps just as important, these sanctions are public information. A simple search of "alcohol policy" in these and countless other universities' Web sites will bring up more information that you could ever want. These Web sites include examples of sanctions, along with other information. Some go as far as detailing all first, second and third offense penalties. In contrast, the University's Web site uses broad terminology without giving any substantial information that can be applied to a specific case. There is no reason why the University should be any less diligent in making information easily available.
Despite the lack of inclusion in the Undergraduate Record, the University does have excellent resources for alcohol and substance abuse. However, without proper policy, they are not utilized as well as they could be. The Center for Alcohol and Substance Education provides classes, consultation and individual meetings for students. According to Susie Bruce, the director of CASE, a nationally developed curriculum is the basis of the CHOICE education class. After taking the class, most students report fewer negative consequences of alcohol. A strong program, such as CHOICE, demonstrates the perfect example of something that should be specifically incorporated into the University's alcohol policy, but remains absent.
The current system of handling alcohol-related violations has not been a huge problem for only one reason -- there was a shroud of mystery surrounding it. Students fear the worst, such as removal from housing, suspension or expulsion. At a university where we seek knowledge and truth, such a policy runs contrary to our aims. By amending their sanctions correctly, the University can make its stance clear, while providing students the information to make wiser decisions.
Rajesh Jain is a Cavalier Daily Viewpoint writer.
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