Pubdate: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 Source: Log Cabin Democrat (AR) Contact: http://www.thecabin.net/contact/letters.shtml Website: http://www.thecabin.net/ Author: David Bennett - Log Cabin Staff Writer NOTIFICATION POLICY OUTLINED FOR DRUG, ALCOHOL OFFENSES Students will be informed about the University of Central Arkansas' revised policy on drug and alcohol violations in several ways. Dr. Gary Roberts, UCA dean of students, said the university has sent out press releases, and an article has already appeared in the school newspaper. In addition, he said the residence hall staff will discuss the matter with students during orientation this fall. Along with that, he said the policy will be part of the fall 1999 student handbook. It will join information about UCA's current policies. Under those policies, students who violate UCA's alcohol regulations are usually placed on disciplinary probation for four months. If they commit another violation during that time, they can be removed from student housing or from the university altogether. In addition, the students must participate in an alcohol education program. Illegal drug policy is a little different. Roberts said the main drug encountered at UCA is marijuana, and usually in small amounts. For a first offense, students are placed on disciplinary probation and sent to a drug education program. But if harder drugs, like cocaine or heroin, are involved, or if the student possesses a large enough amount to establish intent to deliver, they are suspended from the university. "There are a few institutions around the country who have already started doing notification," Roberts said. "As far as we know there are no public institutions in Arkansas that have instituted this policy yet. But we anticipate there will be more joining in." UCA's alcohol policies have undergone other recent changes. Some student groups also have policies of their own. Former Student Government Association President Ben Claybaker, also a former vice president of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, said the fraternity's official stance is that alcohol abuse or drug use is not tolerated. "I remember the big push for the Greek houses to go non-alcoholic," Claybaker said, referring to policies developed in spring 1998. At the time, he said, it was decided that Greek organizations cannot have alcohol present at social events, even in off-campus fraternity houses. He said the organizations can still use alcohol in a social setting if they are renting off-campus facilities. "They (the administration) had a meeting with the Greek leaders on campus, but I think the policy was already pretty much decided on," he said. As for the new policy, Claybaker said if it helps cut down on binge drinking, he is all for it. "I wish we could have more education on binge drinking; more preventive measures," he said. In addition to the education programs for students on probation, UCA's Wellness Center also oversees an Alcohol and Drug Education Week in October. The weeklong schedule of events informs students about alcohol and drug use, their effects and how to use them responsibly. Programs are also held for student groups and residence halls. More information and pamphlets are also available to students from the center. (Staff writer David Bennett can be reached by phone at 505-1260 or e-mail - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck