In the first weeks
of classes, incidents of underage drinking became more common on
the Appalachian State University campus.
“Usually the first weekend [students] come in, they party quite
a bit,” said Major Larry C. Foster of the University Police.
“You have to accept that and deal with it.”
With students settling into life in residence halls and events in
Whitewater and Legends that allow alcohol, Foster said alcohol violations
become more common.
Though this is typical as students return to campus from summer
vacation, Foster said he does not consider it a serious problem.
“When you have this many students, it’s typical to have
violations. I don’t feel [Appalachian State has] an extreme
number.”
Director of Student Judicial Affairs Judy M. Haas said she considers
on-campus alcohol violations a major problem among freshmen and
first year Appalachian students.
“I think it is a transitional thing for students,” Haas
said. “When they become more familiar with [Appalachian State’s]
policies and procedures, you will see [alcohol violations] decrease.”
The penalties in place for alcohol violations are designed to assist
students and educate them about alcohol.
“Ultimately, we want students to make good choices and stay
safe,” Haas said.
Resident Director of Eggers Hall Miguel A. Hernandez said he does
not see many repeat alcohol offenders.
“I look at alcohol violations as part of a student’s growth;
all part of the learning experience,” Hernandez said.
Students are working along with University Police and the administration
to address alcohol violations.
Leaders of Greek organizations met with representatives from the
University Police, Boone Police and Watauga County Sheriff’s
Office to address underage drinking and other problems affecting
students.
“They are aware of the problem and the liabilities that go
along with it,” Foster said. “It’s great. I think
it’s one of the biggest steps to address the problem.
Foster said officers responding to incidents of alcohol violations
use their discretion in handling the situations.
Typically, students under 21 caught drinking are issued both university
and state citations. Non-students usually receive state citations
only, but can be issued a university citation and banned from campus
for one year.
University citations refer students to the Office of Student Judicial
Affairs, which determines penalties for the offence.
The minimum penalties for the first offense of underage drinking
is general probation, required attendance of an educational workshop
on alcohol and a service fee of $50, according to Appalachian’s
Code of Student Conduct.
Second offences warrant specific probation, further alcohol education
and counseling, a service fee of $100 and notification of a parent
or guardian. Third time offenders can be suspended from the university. |
