NOTIFICATION POLICY OUTLINED FOR DRUG, ALCOHOL OFFENSES

Students will be informed about the University of Central Arkansas' revised
policy on drug and alcohol violations in several ways. Dr. Gary Roberts,
UCA dean of students, said the university has sent out press releases, and
an article has already appeared in the school newspaper.

In addition, he said the residence hall staff will discuss the matter with
students during orientation this fall. Along with that, he said the policy
will be part of the fall 1999 student handbook.

It will join information about UCA's current policies. Under those
policies, students who violate UCA's alcohol regulations are usually placed
on disciplinary probation for four months. If they commit another violation
during that time, they can be removed from student housing or from the
university altogether. In addition, the students must participate in an
alcohol education program. Illegal drug policy is a little different.

Roberts said the main drug encountered at UCA is marijuana, and usually in
small amounts.

For a first offense, students are placed on disciplinary probation and sent
to a drug education program. But if harder drugs, like cocaine or heroin,
are involved, or if the student possesses a large enough amount to establish
intent to deliver, they are suspended from the university. "There are a few
institutions around the country who have already started doing
notification," Roberts said. "As far as we know there are no public
institutions in Arkansas that have instituted this policy yet. But we
anticipate there will be more joining in." UCA's alcohol policies have
undergone other recent changes. Some student groups also have policies of
their own. Former Student Government Association President Ben Claybaker,
also a former vice president of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, said the
fraternity's official stance is that alcohol abuse or drug use is not
tolerated. "I remember the big push for the Greek houses to go
non-alcoholic," Claybaker said, referring to policies developed in spring
1998. At the time, he said, it was decided that Greek organizations cannot
have alcohol present at social events, even in off-campus fraternity houses.

He said the organizations can still use alcohol in a social setting if they
are renting off-campus facilities. "They (the administration) had a meeting
with the Greek leaders on campus, but I think the policy was already pretty
much decided on," he said. As for the new policy, Claybaker said if it
helps cut down on binge drinking, he is all for it. "I wish we could have
more education on binge drinking; more preventive measures," he said. In
addition to the education programs for students on probation, UCA's Wellness
Center also oversees an Alcohol and Drug Education Week in October. The
weeklong schedule of events informs students about alcohol and drug use,
their effects and how to use them responsibly. Programs are also held for
student groups and residence halls.

More information and pamphlets are also available to students from the
center.

(Staff writer David Bennett can be reached by phone at 505-1260 or e-mail at
dbennett@thecabin.net)