MAC CRACKS DOWN ON MARIJUANA USE

Smoking a joint on campus could prove costly for McMaster University
students this fall. If they're caught with cannabis, they face an automatic
fine of $130. The new measure under the student code of conduct means
students found with marijuana face the same penalty as students caught
drinking in a public place or drinking under age.

In the past academic year, McMaster dealt with 13 cases of possession of an
illegal drug, almost double the number in 2000-01. Eighty-six cases were
handled under the code of conduct, up from 72 a year earlier. The number of
students involved jumped from about 90 to 140.

An annual report to the university senate today shows alcohol-related
offences remained the biggest problem, accounting for 38 cases.

Most violations occurred when students had alcohol outside designated
licensed facilities. There were 14 thefts and eight incidents of physical
violence. Other code of conduct offences included mischief and e-mail
harassment.

Andrea Thyret-Kidd, Mac's judicial educator, said although possession of
cannabis is illegal, it's unlikely a student caught with one marijuana
cigarette would be prosecuted through the courts. Currently, the usual
penalty from the university is a written warning and a sanction such as
five hours of volunteer work.

The consequences of drinking on campus are harsher. McMaster's security
officers can issue a provincial offences ticket that carries an immediate
$130 fine. That's in addition to a sanction under the code of conduct.

Since there is no similar ticket for drug use, McMaster hopes an
internally-imposed fine for possession of cannabis will be a deterrent.
"The goal is not to fine a whole bunch of students but to stop the
behaviour," Thyret-Kidd stresssed.

Ron Thorn, director of security services, said his officers have peace
officer powers and can search someone if they have reasonable and probable
grounds. Charges could be laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Act, leading to a court appearance.

Thorn said students found with a significant amount of narcotics would be
turned over to Hamilton police.

Cases of minor possession are handled under the student code of conduct,
the same approach used for small shoplifting cases on campus.

"We don't want to bog the courts down with things that are fairly
insignificant amounts," Thorn explained. "It's a good deal, in my view, for
everybody." He said it doesn't tie up the courts, and it avoids the
possibility of a student having a criminal record.

The code of conduct has an emphasis on education, and one of its goals is
to keep minor offenders from going through the court system.

Penalties can include restitution for property damage and theft, community
service, and being banned from student pubs. Severe offences can result in
suspension or expulsion.