Breaking alcohol rules carries stiff consequences
By: Travis Robinson
Issue date: 8/22/07 Section: News
Appendix VIII of the Texas A&M Student Rules states that "drinking or having in possession any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage(s) in public areas of the campus is prohibited."
In other words, while still complying with state and local laws, a student may also not possess, sell or consume alcohol in public areas of campus. This means that any private event sponsored or financed by an undergraduate organization must follow state and local laws and must also be approved by the group's faculty advisor.
There are additional rules for students living in on-campus residence halls. All residents of a dorm room must be at least 21-years-old for alcohol to be allowed in that room. All state and local laws must also be abided by. Among other prohibitions, this means that no brewing or distilling of alcohol is permitted in the dorms, nor is transportation of open containers across campus.
In addition to the legal consequences of an alcohol-related offense, a student who commits the offense while on campus or receives the ticket from University Police will face additional disciplinary action from the University.
Student Conduct Services treats each case individually, but first-time offenders who are charged with an MIP, DUI or public intoxication will usually be put on conduct probation.
According to Assistant Coordinator of Student Conduct Services Kristen Harrell, this means the student will not be in good standing with the University and will most likely lose scholarships, be prohibited from representing the University to the outside community and not be allowed to hold an elected office.
In the case of an alcohol-related offense, the student will also become ineligible to hold any office in a student organization recognized by the University.
The consequences go up dramatically for repeat offenders and include possible dismissal and expulsion from the University.
In other words, while still complying with state and local laws, a student may also not possess, sell or consume alcohol in public areas of campus. This means that any private event sponsored or financed by an undergraduate organization must follow state and local laws and must also be approved by the group's faculty advisor.
There are additional rules for students living in on-campus residence halls. All residents of a dorm room must be at least 21-years-old for alcohol to be allowed in that room. All state and local laws must also be abided by. Among other prohibitions, this means that no brewing or distilling of alcohol is permitted in the dorms, nor is transportation of open containers across campus.
In addition to the legal consequences of an alcohol-related offense, a student who commits the offense while on campus or receives the ticket from University Police will face additional disciplinary action from the University.
Student Conduct Services treats each case individually, but first-time offenders who are charged with an MIP, DUI or public intoxication will usually be put on conduct probation.
According to Assistant Coordinator of Student Conduct Services Kristen Harrell, this means the student will not be in good standing with the University and will most likely lose scholarships, be prohibited from representing the University to the outside community and not be allowed to hold an elected office.
In the case of an alcohol-related offense, the student will also become ineligible to hold any office in a student organization recognized by the University.
The consequences go up dramatically for repeat offenders and include possible dismissal and expulsion from the University.
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