DISCIPLINARY CASES INCREASE 230 SINCE 2001-02

Student Judicial Affairs processed 230 more disciplinary cases last year
than the 2001-02 academic year, according to the Student Development Annual
Report provided at the Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 5.

A total of 992 cases were brought to Judicial Affairs last year, an
increase from 762 the previous year.

Although Judicial Affairs does not keep up-to-date records on all offenses,
records are kept for alcohol and drug violations.

Alcohol violations increased 22 percent, from 356 to 436 violations, while
Marijuana offenses increased 20 percent, from 74 to 89. Other drug
violations fell from six in 2001-02 to none last year.

Assistant Director for Judicial Affairs Judy M. Haas said the increase in
cases processed is due to the growing first-year classes and their incoming
social habits.

"Many students are coming to Appalachian with choices made before coming
here thinking those lifestyles are OK," Haas said. Haas said parents might
allow students to drink at home, but the university does not work that way.

"I think it's a transitional thing for students," Haas told The Appalachian.

"When they become more familiar with [Appalachian's] policies and
procedures, you will see [alcohol violations] decrease."

The numbers do not reflect cases that were dismissed, and repeat cases must
also be factored into the numbers, Haas said.

She said students are given a sanction, and when they do not comply with
that sanction another case is brought against them in Judicial Affairs. The
student then has two cases on record.

Haas said approximately 80 cases last year were repeats due to
noncompliance to sanctions.

The majority of cases involved alcohol, and Haas said many were the
secondary result of alcohol use.

When students drink on weekends, return to their residence hall and rip a
mirror off the wall, they are brought to Judicial Affairs on vandalism
charges, Haas said.

University Police, residence assistants and students can bring cases
against students to Judicial Affairs.

University Police Maj. Larry C. Foster said Monday enforcement has not
increased on campus, but the number of students violating the code has.

"When you have this many students, it's typical to have violations," Foster
told The Appalachian.

Resident assistants and directors usually see more violations at the first
of the year, Foster said.

"It is a relatively small range [of violators] compared to the size of this
institution," Haas said Monday. "We want students to make good choices and
stay safe."