Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Students at an Arkansas college who fear punishment if they seek emergency medical attention for alcohol intoxication may avoid disciplinary action under a new policy.
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville students can apply for the waiving of sanctions under the policy that took effect last month, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported (http://bit.ly/1nj9Xrb ). They must submit a written application to the college within five days of the incident.
In establishing the new policy, UA's dean of students, Melissa Harwood-Rom, said school officials thought about what would encourage students to make the right decision when they or someone else is in danger. She said the new policy "is something that has been a long time in consideration."
Two students have applied for and been granted amnesty under the policy, Harwood-Rom said. She declined to say more, citing a concern the students could be identified. Student records are generally confidential under federal law.
Harwood-Rom said the university's disciplinary measures in alcohol-related cases can vary. According to guidelines from UA's office of student standards and conduct, a student with a first alcohol offense with no criminal citation may receive 15 hours of community service and be required to pay $100.
But if a student faces a criminal charge or citation, penalties by the school will generally rise, such as increasing the hours of community service or loss of parking privileges. If the student's alcohol offense is deemed "major," like putting someone's life in danger because of their alcohol use, and facing a criminal charge, the school can suspend the student for a year.
Harwood-Rom said the new policy isn't a response to "any one number going up or down" even though UA has seen a recent increase in alcohol law violations being referred for disciplinary measures.
The university's new alcohol rule applies to students who seek or receive emergency medical help. After they apply for the exemption, they meet with a university hearing officer who determines whether or not to grant the amnesty from UA sanctions.
The university still can notify parents of a student under age 21 "if the situation warrants it" and only one such pardon can be given during his or her time as a student, according to the new policy.
___
Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
