2008 Woodie Awards
Univ. police caution underage students
Sanctions stand for code violators
TAMARA BEST
Issue date: 1/11/08 Section: News
As the first week of classes ends and the weekend begins, the streets of downtown Athens will be filled with the sights and sounds of students celebrating.
Athens is known for its music scene and students who often enjoy a night on the town with food, friends and booze. But for underage students, this could cause more than a hangover in the morning.
"I know that college is where people are going to have fun, but be clear - if you are under 21 and we catch you drinking, we are going to arrest you," University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said.
The University has a policy for students' alcohol and other drug violations.
"The law does not want you to have it or hold it in any way if you are underage," Williamson said.
Students can be charged in a number of ways, including being the driver of a vehicle in which alcohol is present or being in proximity of alcohol where no one claims it as their possession.
Once arrested, students are referred to the Office of Judiciary Programs, which handles policy and disciplinary cases at the University.
"For every action, everything we do there is a consequence," said Kim Ellis, associate dean of student affairs. "Act with awareness of what the consequences could be and be willing to accept them."
Possible sanctions against students in violation of the code include probation, community service, referral to an alcohol education program, suspension from on-campus housing or the University and parental notification.
In Athens-Clarke County, students also may face a maximum $300 fine and six months of confinement on their first offense. Those charged with driving under the influence also could face a maximum of 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine, community service, driver's defense school and driver's license suspension, according to the University Health Center's Web site.
"The bigger issue is people's actions," Williamson said. "Responsible consumption is important and typically overconsumption leads to arrests and getting hurt."
For more information visit www.uhs.uga.edu/aod/policy.html.
Athens is known for its music scene and students who often enjoy a night on the town with food, friends and booze. But for underage students, this could cause more than a hangover in the morning.
"I know that college is where people are going to have fun, but be clear - if you are under 21 and we catch you drinking, we are going to arrest you," University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said.
The University has a policy for students' alcohol and other drug violations.
"The law does not want you to have it or hold it in any way if you are underage," Williamson said.
Students can be charged in a number of ways, including being the driver of a vehicle in which alcohol is present or being in proximity of alcohol where no one claims it as their possession.
Once arrested, students are referred to the Office of Judiciary Programs, which handles policy and disciplinary cases at the University.
"For every action, everything we do there is a consequence," said Kim Ellis, associate dean of student affairs. "Act with awareness of what the consequences could be and be willing to accept them."
Possible sanctions against students in violation of the code include probation, community service, referral to an alcohol education program, suspension from on-campus housing or the University and parental notification.
In Athens-Clarke County, students also may face a maximum $300 fine and six months of confinement on their first offense. Those charged with driving under the influence also could face a maximum of 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine, community service, driver's defense school and driver's license suspension, according to the University Health Center's Web site.
"The bigger issue is people's actions," Williamson said. "Responsible consumption is important and typically overconsumption leads to arrests and getting hurt."
For more information visit www.uhs.uga.edu/aod/policy.html.
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