The title says it all. I am a 24 year old senior who is graduating next semester. I come from a family of alcoholics and would for the most part consider myself a functioning alcoholic. My campus is a dry campus and as such I am not allowed to posses alcohol at all. Several weeks ago I was caught in the residence hall drunk and having a half gallon of bourbon, as well as several cans of beer. Unfortunately for the first time I was black out drunk and do not remember anything. Based off of incident reports, the only problem I was causing was making excessive noise in the hallway. I have not had a drink since and have been regularly attending AA meetings. I have a meeting the with school judicial board Monday. This is my first offense but I am curious if any of you could give me an idea on the worst and best case scenarios relating to punishment.
Is there a student advocate who could attend the board meeting with you? Honestly, I think you might benefit from seeking help asap from your college counseling center. Ask them about a student advocate. Reach out also to maybe the Dean of Res Life and ask for advice.
Have a bit of knowledge about the process before you go into the meeting. Look up the Student Disciplinary Procedure section in your Student handbook. Can you get someone from AA to sign some kind of letter vouching that you are attending AA meetings? I suggest you outline the positive steps you are making in your life, including counseling and AA, to show that you are trying to turn yourself around. Be contrite.
I’m not sure what the consequences are. I think it varies a lot depending on the college. I do think that regardless, it’s in your best interest to go to counseling and get advice on how to come up with a do-able plan to change things for the better. Good luck.
I think it is good that you are going to AA meetings before they mandated them.
Worse case is you are expelled.
Best case is you are on probation.
For example, at BYU, a famous dry campus:
At the conclusion of the investigation, and after the nature and extent of a violation have been determined, the HCO representative assigned to the case will review the facts and findings with his/her supervisor(s)* and the HCO Advisory Committee (optional). An appropriate action will be selected from the following: No Action, Counsel and Education, Referral (to a responsible person or agency—e.g., reconciliation process), Warning, Probation, Suspension Withheld, Suspension, and Dismissal. The HCO (or the Dean of Students Office) will then prepare a decision letter, which will include a brief summary of the provisions of the Honor Code alleged to have been violated, the findings of the investigation and conclusions, the recommended action and, if applicable, any related conditions for reinstatement in good standing and information regarding the student’s right to pursue an administrative review. This letter will constitute the “Decision.”
https://policy.byu.edu/view/index.php?p=171
I would imagine for a first infraction they would not expel you. I would think Counseling and Education might be the way to go. I would be honest about what you did and find ways to be accountable.