This year, University Police have made 22 arrests and one referral for alcohol violations.
Lt. Jason Bone, crime information officer, is the chief spokesman for alcohol awareness at Texas A&M University-Commerce and tracks alcohol violations by students on and off campus.
“We have zero tolerance,” Bone said. “If we catch you drinking, you don’t get a warning. We take it seriously; we enforce that heavily.”
Until last year, 100 percent of rape cases on campus involved alcohol.
“I estimate half of violent crime is alcohol-related,” Bone said. “Probably 30 percent of dropouts are because of elevated alcohol use.”
When an underaged student is given a citation or arrested for possessing alcohol, the student is automatically referred to the dean of student affairs for discipline.
According to the Counseling Center and the Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force, “The Standards of Conduct specify that: alcoholic beverages are not allowed on University property, except in approved areas, and drugs – including marijuana, narcotics, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia – are prohibited.”
The brochure lists the following disciplinary sanctions for students and faculty who are in violation of federal, state, or local laws, as well as the University’s Standards of Conduct:
• A formal written warning
• Mandatory counseling
• Referral to complete an alcohol/drug education program
• Suspension from the University or employment
• Expulsion from the University or termination of employment
According to the Residence Life Handbook, alcohol is permitted in residence halls except for Berry. Students 21 or older may consume alcohol in their room in moderation with respect to other residents’ ability to study and sleep. If there is one roommate of legal age and one under 21 and a minor is found in possession or consumption, all alcohol present will be confiscated and turned over to UPD. No alcoholic decorations or containers may be displayed in rooms with residents under 21.
Bone suggested alcohol problems are more prevalent at A&M-Commerce because students are lacking things to do; it does not help that liquor stores are located on every corner. By comparison, West Texas A&M University does not permit alcohol in residence halls, and it is a 45-minute drive to purchase alcohol.
With an increasing number of students using Facebook, Bone said he is finding pictures of minors drinking. These incriminating photos could potentially be used by law enforcement or to enforce University discipline.
To combat alcohol abuse, the University has several resources for students. The Counseling Center provides personal counseling services and an online screening to help students detect depression, alcohol abuse, eating disorders and anxiety.
Incoming freshmen also are educated during Lion’s Roar Week about alcohol issues by the UPD and offered alcohol-free events to attend.
The UPD also educates students during Alcohol Awareness Week. Officers demonstrate the physical impairment alcohol has on the body by putting alcohol goggles on students and having them walk in a straight line. Once students take off the goggles, officers show them how they performed.