Tufts sees change in alcohol policy

Changes to the university alcohol policy have given RAs less discretion but decreased punishment for alcohol-related medical emergencies.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are now required to document every instance of underage drinking in dorms. Previously RAs had a degree of discretion in terms of "writing people up". Every incident is now recorded in an official report and filed at the Office of Residential Life and Learning (Res Life).

Carrie Ann Ales of Res Life is in charge of keeping track of all the records. She typically holds the record until a second violation comes through. However, certain incidents may be directly forwarded to Veronica Carter in the Dean of Students Office.

First-time alcohol violations will now only carry a warning. Previously there was a mandatory sentence of probation level one.

The Dean of Students office has also relaxed the punishment for students who need Tufts Emergency Medical Service (TEMS), a change meant to encourage students to call for medical attention when needed.

In the past, students who sought medical attention through TEMS would be put on probation. Many students avoided seeking medical attention because of the stigma attached to probation level one, Dean of Students Bruce Reitman said.

According to Reitman, the alcohol policy has been "tweaked" in a way which effectively "notches disciplinary action down a level."

First time offenders will now receive warnings, and second time offenders will get probation level one. First time offenders will receive a written warning sent by the Alcohol and Drug Educator, Margo Abels. The letter will describe possible future consequence and resources for students to find treatment. Students will also be required to go through an online alcohol education class.

Last year roughly 100 students were put on probation level one as a result of alcohol violations, while only two to three students became repeat offenders.

Enforcement protocol for the new policy has also raised controversy. Any time an RA catches a student with alcohol, RAs are now required to report the student through a write-up, removing the option to use their discretion.

RAs are encouraged to call TEMS if they find a student 'passed out' or vomiting.

A few RAs allege that this protocol will sour their relationship with residents. "Mandatory enforcement will put a lot of pressure on students and force alcohol behind more closed doors, leading to more binge drinking," RA Randy Newsom said.

However, others note the positive aspects of the policy changes. "Some RAs worry that [the new policy] will reduce trust that residents have and will emphasize the rule enforcement portion of being an RA," said RA Emily Rhodes. "I think [the policy] is good because it intends to maintain consistency between all RAs. It removes personal discretion," she said.

The administration argues that the change will eliminate student's confusion over the consequences and "inconsistencies in response," Reitman said.

These changes bring Tufts more in line with other universities that only give warnings for a first offense. At M.I.T., for example, if a student is under 21 and in possession of alcohol but calls for medical help, the incident is treated as a medical matter, not a disciplinary one.