Pubdate: Wed, 13 Apr 2005
Source: East Carolinian (NC Edu)
Copyright: 2005 The East Carolinian
Contact:  http://www.theeastcarolinian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/774
Author: Michael Harrington

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY BRINGS RESULTS

A Zero Tolerance Policy, enacted in fall 2004 to prevent the use or sale of
drugs or drug paraphernalia in campus housing, has seen results throughout
its first year.

The policy states anyone caught with drugs or drug paraphernalia in campus
housing will have their housing contract cancelled in an attempt to sway
on-campus students to make better lifestyle choices.

Although the Zero Tolerance Policy is less than two semester's old, Waz
Miller, director of residence life, said results have been shown and student
opinions have been very positive, expressing approval of the new measure.

"A lot of students are very glad about it," said Miller.

When students moved into their residences in the fall, Miller said they were
given a form outlining the new policy and requiring the student's signature
to acknowledge the changes. Many students expressed their approval in the
new policy.

"I think hearing that from the students was very encouraging," Miller said.

In addition to the forms, there was a marketing campaign that used fliers
and bulletins to inform the students of the policy change.

In the past, students who received tickets for drug-related offenses would
be sent to the office of conflict resolution. Under the new policy, the
student would go before the both the office of conflict resolution and ECU
housing.

Miller said they normally try to have a representative from each office at a
single meeting, instead of making the student attend two separate meetings.

Under the new policy, Miller said the student will likely be removed from
on-campus housing if found to be in violation.

Miller estimated around 40 students have violated the Zero Tolerance Policy
in the past two semesters.

"Our goal of it all is to increase safety... last year there were two armed
robberies," Miller said.

In one of the armed robberies drugs were involved.

Miller said drugs can lead to unwanted visitors coming into the residence
halls, people who are not responsible citizens.

Chris Kirley, freshman business management major, said he was not a fan of
the policy.

"I think there should be at least one warning," said Kirley who resides in
White Hall.

Heather Colcloughy, junior communication major, said the policy makes sense.

"I think it's fair... students know they're not supposed to have drugs,"
said Colcloughy.

Neither Cocloughy nor Kirley have seen drug use at their dorms this year. 
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