Many students do not realize the
consequences they face when it comes to on-campus alcohol and drug
violations, said Dee Dee Rominger, the sergeant of Crime Prevention
for the University Police.
From Aug. 24 through Sept. 14 there have been
15 alcohol and/or drug violations on the Appalachian State University
campus, according to the University Police Media Logs.
Four of these violations have led to arrests by the University Police,
who are sworn North Carolina Police Officers.
A medical transport was also required at Legends for one of these
violations.
There were two reports of DWIs, one leading to an arrest on Howard
Street, the other to an arrest on Poplar Grove Road.
“We normally try to deal with everything as much as we can
on campus. We don’t want these students, whether you’re
a freshman or a senior, to leave with a criminal record,” said
Rominger.
For the fall and spring semesters of the 2001-2002 school year,
the Office of Student Judicial Affairs found 356 students responsible
for alcohol violations. The office also found 74 students responsible
for drug violations involving marijuana and six students responsible
for drug violations involving substances other than marijuana, according
to a report by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs of yearly
alcohol and drug violation totals.
“Being responsible for a first-time alcohol violation can result
in an educational sanction, which includes general probation, attending
an alcohol education workshop, and paying a fee of $50. Being responsible
for a second violation can result in an educational sanction which
includes specific probation, meeting one on one with a counselor,
paying a service fee of $100 and notification of parent or guardian.
A third situation in which a student is found responsible can result
in suspension from the university for a minimum of one semester,”
said Judy M. Haas the director of the Office of Student Judicial
Affairs.
“Drug violations vary depending on the type of allegations.
Certainly dealing or selling is considered to be more harmful to
the learning environment of the university than use and possession
of marijuana, though the university does not condone either, sanctions
vary accordingly,” said Haas.
First time possession or use of marijuana can lead to an educational
sanction of specific probation, 25 hours of community service, a
$50 service fee, meeting one on one with a substance abuse counselor,
the notification of a parent or guardian and possible drug testing
during the student’s probation period, said Haas.
First time possession or use of marijuana is the most common drug
violation on Appalachian’s campus, said Haas.
If a student takes responsibility or is found responsible of a second
drug violation he or she can be suspended from school for a minimum
of one semester, said Haas.
All of this information is included in the Code of Student Conduct,
which is online at http://www.judicialaffairs.appstate.edu.
Rominger brings a copy of these consequences, found on pages 36
and 37 of The Code of Student Conduct, when she gives presentations
about campus policies to Freshman Seminar classes and other groups.
“Students need to be aware that these outcomes exist and that
they are now in a place where they are responsible for their actions
both on and off campus. Students need to think about the decisions
they are making and make sure they are ready to accept the consequences
for their choices,” said Haas..
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