Should parents have open access to information about their children’s social lives as they move on to college? 

That is the question that faces Appalachian State administration and the Student Government Association (SGA).

In October 1998, President Clinton signed Public Law 105-244, the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998, requiring that federally funded universities develop programs to prevent drug and alcohol use among students and employees.  

Currently, ASU has a policy of handling alcohol violations without requiring parent notification.  If a parent requests specific information from ASU, the university may disclose information about any alcohol violations, but the university does not provide that information voluntarily.  

Vice Chancellor for Student Development Dr. Gregory Blimling said that, currently, students in violation of the alcohol policy, which focuses on underage drinking and the abuse of alcohol, are required to take and pay for a course on alcohol abuse.    

According to Blimling, ASU is considering notifying parents of a student’s first or second violation of the alcohol policy and is leaning towards the policy of notifying parents of a second violation.  SGA will vote on a bill that states that they do not wish to see the stricter alcohol policy enforced but support the policy notifying parents of a second violation. 

The issue of alcohol policy is a complicated one with several arguments for both sides.

ASU would not be in any danger of losing federal funding by not enacting a stricter alcohol policy. The Higher Education Act Amendments states that “in order to receive federal funds, universities must develop a plan to prevent drug use and alcohol abuse by students and employees.” The current alcohol policy already meets that requirement. 

The Warner Amendment, a subtext of the Higher Education Act, continues to state that the new policy “allows, but does not require institutions to disclose information regarding any alcohol or drug violations (related to use or possession) to parents or legal guardians of students under 21 years of age.”

Director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership Dino Dibernardi said that Appalachian State currently takes action if “a student is a threat to himself or the community” and if a student would be better served by notifying his or her parents.  He also said that by enforcing a new policy on alcohol, ASU will be taking a proactive step towards alcohol prevention.

Blimling said that if students  have the knowledge that their parents will be notified of alcohol violations, ASU might be able to prevent alcohol related accidents.  

“We want to make sure that we’re doing everything possible to prevent students form harming themselves with alcohol,” said Blimling.  Such  accidents have occurred at MIT and LSU, among other universities. 

The SGA bill doesn’t support contacting parents on the first violation because, “ninety percent of students who get an alcohol violation never receive a second one.”  It claims that “students want parents involved in their life but also want the opportunity of making a mistake without their parents to watch over them.”  

Another issue of concern deals with students who are financially independent.  

Some don’t think that it is fair that students who pay their way through college should have to answer to their parents about their social lives.  

Blimling said that a student’s financial situation will be considered when enforcing the alcohol policy.  “I would be willing to consider that” if students can prove their financial independence, they won’t be subject to the new policy, said Blimling.

SGA will vote on the bill next Tuesday.