New changes to UT’s Code of Conduct aim to make stumbling, drunken students an increasingly rare sight on campus.
Over the summer, the code underwent revision, with the most significant changes occurring in Article 9, the University’s alcoholic beverage consumption rules and guidelines.
The most striking changes include a “drunk in public” clause as well as more severe penalties for violations of any part of Article 9.
The “drunk in public” clause, officially known as Section I, states that ‘intoxication by any student, regardless of age, whether in public or in private, is prohibited.’ The clause outlines what signs UT community members should use to determine whether a student is intoxicated, “[including] slurred speech, impaired motor coordination and balance, loss of good judgment, nausea, inability to walk or stand, loss of consciousness or vomiting.”
In a statement to The Minaret, the Conduct Office explained the new addition. “This section allows the University to address unsafe and disruptive behaviors with the students who violate this section. Students need to understand that drinking to intoxication not only has a negative effect on themselves, but on those around the individual, as well as the entire community.”
Section J
Section J of Article 9 is another new addition that works in collaboration with Section I. In short, Section J deals with amnesty for students seeking help either for themselves or others who may be suffering from alcohol poisoning, or who exhibit symptoms of overdose in the case of drugs.
Specifically, the section states that “it is in the best interest of students’ welfare that persons who overdose or become intoxicated be brought to the attention of medical personnel. For that reason
To be fair and honest toward the Minaret, most college newspapers dedicate limited resources and time toward coverage of issues and breaking stories that… matter. At least to a larger percentage of the student body.
The Minaret does this well. I (along with the majority of my classmates) didn’t even know UT had a Crew team until Junior year. People generally don’t come to Florida for the wonders of New England sporting events.