This fall, Auburn University parents may be surprised by the offspring-incriminating letters they find in their mailboxes.
As of Fall 2008, the University’s New Policy of Parent Notification of Alcohol and Drug Incidents will notify, in writing, parents or guardians when “a registered student, under the age of 21 is involved in a University policy violation and/or violation of Alabama State Law for public intoxication, the possession, consumption or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs.”
The second part of the policy will allow administrators to contact parents in an emergency situation where “a registered student is transported to an emergency medical treatment facility for drug use or alcohol intoxication.”
Some students resent the lack of trust implied by the policy.
“Where does the independence of students come in?” said Valerie Cox, a senior English major. “When do you let the students go away and grow up?”
Jim Hardin, senior program advisor over judicial affairs for the office of the dean of students, is sympathetic to the students’ reaction.
“We considered that the policy would violate the trust of the students, but in the end, we decided the pros outweighted the cons,” Hardin said.
Some students also questioned whether putting students on a shorter leash will really make a difference in underage drinking.
“This is an attempt to cut down on underage drinking, but it will still happen,” said LaDarius Madison, a junior in biomedical sciences/pre-pharmacy.
“I believe the intention is good, but the course of action isn’t the best,” said Robert Chin, a sophomore physics major. “Privacy should be respected – kids need to learn from their mistakes.”
“I don’t think it’s going to stop underage drinking,” said Nadjah Tate, a junior nursing major. “It’s a good idea, but it’s not going to stop it.”
The office of the dean of students is not under any illusions as to the effectiveness of the policy.
“The policy is not the silver bullet that will clear out underage drinking,” Hardin said. “We hope that the policy will serve as a disincentive to drink and cause a scene and will make students think twice about underage drinking.”
As far as parents are concerned, Bri Hoover, a senior in marketing, is not worried.
“Parents would find out sooner or later,” Hoover said.
Junior graphic design major Olivia Klein thinks the policy will be meaningless without the involvement of parents.
“I think it’s a good policy, but as far being effective, it just depends on how the parents act upon it,” Klein said.
A couple of students thought the policy was not only unrealistic, but also an overreaction to alcohol use; they believe drinking should not be treated as seriously as illegal drugs.
“With really dangerous drugs, such a policy may be more important,” Chen said.
Other students immediately saw potential problems with the policy.
“When you start imposing these sort of rules, it’s going to cause a lot of confusion,” Tate said. Hoover and Tate mentioned several situations where enforcing the policy might prove complicated, such as the prevalence of fake IDs and house parties.
Hardin said Auburn is far from the first school to enact such a policy.
Colleges and universities around the country formed similar policies years ago, after an amendment to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 in July 2000. Also known as the “Buckley Amendment,” the act concerns the rights of students to have access to their records and specifies what information students can keep private and inaccessible to parents.
Hardin explained that in 2000, the department of education sent out new guidelines about what notifications colleges and universities are allowed to make.
“Many of our peer institutions have similar policies that have proven successful and effective in helping achieve these objectives,” said Brian Keeter, spokesperson for the office of the president.
Auburn’s policy comes after several years of an administrative “wait and see” position, where Hardin said the administration wanted to observe what would happen at other schools.
Hardin said a need for stricter enforcement of alcohol consumption and possession at football games was one consideration for the administrations in deciding to implement policy.
Hardin also said parent groups had expressed a desire to be aware of incidents that take place, especially in the case of a serious alcohol or drug-related problem, where it is important to heed warnings signs.
Michelle Hoph, a sophomore in English education, can see some reasoning behind the policy.
“I can see how people are upset,” said Hoph. “But when parents are providing for the majority of a student’s expenses, they have a right to know what is going on in their lives.”
Keeter spoke for the president’s office regarding the goals of the policy.
“The new policy is focused on promoting a safe and encouraging academic environment that fosters learning and growth,” Keeter said.
A complete listing of the University’s regulations and policies, as well as the TigerCub, can be found at www.auburn.edu/deanofstudents.
