College is a time when teenagers become adults, and immaturity brings consequences. However, the only way students grow and learn is by making mistakes.
College is not the time for excessive parenting and “helicopter parents.” Students need to understand the choices they’re making and take responsibility for them.
In the past couple weeks, information about a campus alcohol policy filtered through the student body. More specifically, about the administration’s ability to contact parents if a student violates the University’s alcohol policy.
The Talon obtained a copy of a draft alcohol policy proposed by administrators.
What it says is disheartening: “The parents of students who violate the illegal drug or alcohol policies may be notified of the violation.
“The hearing officer will notify the parents of a student who has violated either of these policies if: The student is under 21 years of age at the time of the disclosure; OR The student is claimed as a dependent by the parents.”
This would mean the administration could contact the parents of a student who is over the legal drinking age, if they violate the campus alcohol policy.
Howard Patterson, vice president of student affairs said a recent revision updates the policy to students who are second-time offenders only.
The presidents from student organizations, including sororities, Campus Activities Board and Black Student Association, National Association of Home Builders, and Construction Management, as well as the Patriot Talon and others, met with Patterson on Thursday to discuss the potential policy update.
The consensus among the group was simple: College students need room to grow, room to make mistakes and room to suffer the consequences of those mistakes. Leave parents out of it.
College is the time in life where we detach from the long umbilical cord of parenting and seek out new experiences in life. It’s a time to mature and grow.
While we don’t condone underage drinking, the responsibility lies in the hands of the offender, not his or her parents.
If the University administration decides to enact this policy, it will be a severe detriment to the growth process of students.
A rule like this would be understandable in high school, but those days are long gone. It’s a shame the administration would encourage learning, encourage maturity, yet alert our parents when we make a mistake.
It’s our responsibility – leave it to us.
Editorial
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