Liquor law violations on campus went down in number last year, but they are still a problem UNM officials are trying to eliminate.
In 2001, there were 198 violations of University alcohol regulations, according to UNM's Campus Safety Report. In 2002, that number shrunk to 174, but officials say it is still too high.
All of those infractions were by University residents; people living on campus in either a dormitory or in one of UNM's Greek houses.
"Younger students are going to experiment," said Randy Boeglin, UNM dean of students. "They are going to test the elasticity of our boundaries."
In addition, the number of drug law violations on campus has gone down; from 47 in 2001 to 36 in 2002.
Boeglin said programs are in place within dormitories and Greek organizations to curb the problem of underage drinking on campus by "balancing education and accountability by the student."
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"We want to give them every chance to correct their behavior," Boeglin said.
Underage students caught with alcohol must attend drug and alcohol education workshops.
"The vast majority don't go on to repeat that behavior, at least on campus," Boeglin said.
According to UNM's policy on illegal drugs and alcohol, "the unlawful possession or use of controlled substances or alcohol on UNM property or as part of any of its activities by any member of the UNM community - faculty, staff or student - is strictly prohibited."
For students, violation of this policy could result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Penalties for violations of the regulation can include fines of up to $300, confiscation of property and imprisonment for up to seven months.
Wayne Sullivan, senior area residence life coordinator, said the University takes every step it can to prevent violations of the campus alcohol policy.
"We do the best we can to keep the number of infractions as low as possible," Sullivan said. "It is a problem, but we deal with it."
He said no one, regardless of their age, is allowed to have alcohol in any of UNM's eight dormitories.
Residents caught breaking the law are also subject to possible University-sanctioned probation.
"Putting an end to this problem begins with educational programming," said Allison Holcomb, student activities adviser at UNM.
Holcomb works as an adviser to many Greek organizations, serving as an intermediary between them and University officials involved with the alcohol policy.
University alcohol regulations regarding Greek houses allow people 21 and over to be in the possession of and consume alcohol within the houses "in a responsible manner."
All of UNM's sororities, along with two fraternities, are completely "dry," meaning they prohibit alcohol in their houses, due to national regulations of their organizations.
