College Like it’s “Supposed” to Be?

When you were in high school, what went through your mind when you thought about college? Ivy-covered buildings and lots of red brick? Classes of students intelligently discussing big issues? A homecoming parade? Maybe you saw other young people like you wearing togas, singing, laughing and clustered around a beer keg. Looked like fun, right? Whatever you saw, do you know why you saw it? Did it have something to do with things you were told by your parents, or maybe by your older brother or sister? Did you see movies or TV shows that told you what people were “supposed” to do in college? How do you feel about being told about what you’re “supposed” to do? It kind of depends on who’s doing the telling, right? You’re right — college is about trying new things. But get the facts and make your own choices. That’s what freedom is really all about.

In college, no one is looking over your shoulder to make sure you do the right thing. You make decisions and you accept the consequences. To assist you with these decisions, we are going to tell you about the University of Mary Washington’s policies on alcohol use and about some of the consequences of violating that policy.

Many of our alcohol policies are based on state and federal law. For example, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol. Therefore, our policy is the same: students under the age of 21 shall not consume alcohol, or possess it, even in their residence rooms.

Here are some of our policies relating to the possession and use of alcohol:

1. Students under the age of 21 shall not consume or possess alcohol on their persons or in their residence hall rooms. (First-year halls are “dry.”)
2. Alcohol shall not be consumed in a public area. Drinking with an open residence hall room is prohibited.
3. Any objects used to enhance or speed the ingestion of alcohol (for example, funnels or beer bongs) are prohibited.
4. Students shall not host a gathering, regardless of age, which involves underage drinking.
5. Providing alcohol to anyone under 21 is strictly prohibited.
6. Alcohol intoxication is prohibited. Intoxicated students may be arrested or sent to the hospital.
7. A student in possession of a falsified student ID card, whether it is used to purchase alcohol or not, will be referred to the Honor Council . Use of a falsified driver’s license to purchase alcohol also will result in referral to the Honor Council.
8. Like many colleges and universities, the University of Mary Washington notifies parents about alcohol violations.

The purpose of this is not to “get students into trouble,” but to make parents partners in the educational process. Parents are generally notified after the first “major” violation (e.g., intoxication) or after the second “minor” violation (e.g., underage possession/ consumption of alcohol). Parents are notified after each additional violation. (This policy applies only to students under the age of 21.)

Please look at the Code of Conduct for more information about the judicial system and the alcohol policy. Or, call the Office of Judicial Affairs and Community Responsibility (x 1660) or check out the Judicial Affairs web page.

It’s up to you whether you choose to drink or not. If you do, be careful, and be educated: do you know about Rohypnol, the “date rape” drug? Do you know the laws about being drunk in public and driving under the influence of alcohol? Many educational resources are available to assist you; call the Office of Judicial Affairs and Community Responsibility for information.

Many UMW students choose not to drink. Of those that do, most drink responsibly and safely. You do have a choice.

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