University officials met with the Student Government Association on Wednesday to discuss changes to the campus alcohol policy – which includes contacting parents if a student violates the policy, on or off campus.
David Hill, director of residence life and judicial affairs, handed out a draft of the policy update at the SGA’s general assembly meeting for discussion and student input.
The draft policy states that a student’s parent or guardian will be notified on the second violation of either a minor in possession of alcohol or other alcohol related violations if the students are under 21-years-old.
“When I did some checking to see what other schools were doing, half the schools (in the UT system) were doing parental notifications,” Hill said.
The draft policy was updated to include the second violation, instead of the first as originally penned by University officials.
Some SGA members suggested the policy only apply to on-campus violations, but Hill said it would be unlikely.
“I can only remember two alcohol related infractions that happened off campus – two in the five years I’ve been here,” Hill said. “The vast majority happens on campus.”
The heads of various student groups met with Dr. Howard Patterson, vice president of student affairs, on Nov. 13 to discuss the policy.
Patterson said the policy revision began when one parent complained about not being notified. The policy will now go to the UT System Office of the General Council for legal approval, Hill said.
The OGC will review the policy language and legality as it applies to the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act.
FERPA allows University officials to contact parents in the case of alcohol violations, but SGA members voiced their concern about privacy during the meeting Wednesday.
“On the one hand we need to protect student’s privacy,” Hill said. “On the other hand we have a responsibility for our students.”
“What would I rather get in hot water for?” he asked, “invading someone’s privacy or preventing injury?”
By Allen Arrick Editor in Chief
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