<p>A ban on the possession/use of of hard alcohol at Colby is in its final stages, and will be implemented beginning next fall. This ban applies to the entire Colby student body, including those of us who are "of age":</p>
<p>New Policy Regulations - Hard Alcohol Possession:
1st Hard Alcohol Infraction = Permanent 4-year "hard alcohol probation".
2nd Infraction = Suspension
3rd Infraction = Suspension/Possible Expulsion</p>
<p>Two things upset me the most about the policy:
1. In terms of penalties for possession, the new policy doesn't differentiate between those who are 21 and those who are not.</p>
<p>More importantly:</p>
<ol>
<li>Although the administration has said they will consider security reports on a "case by case basis taking into account the circumstances", there is no medical amnesty. That is to say, if you seek help for a friend who is in need of medical attention because they've drank too much, and hard alcohol is found to have played a role, both you and your friend stand to face these penalties.</li>
</ol>
<p>In conjunction with the new hard alcohol policy, other changes regarding increased/better student programming, revamping the party registration system, etc. are suppose to be implemented (per the recommendation of the Campus Culture Working Group). But as of now, only the hard alcohol policy has been finalized, while according to Dean Terhune, the other areas "require further discussion". </p>
<p>Setting aside my personal stance against this new policy, I think any policy change must be made IN FULL, and not piecemeal over a couple of years. As of now, Colby seems to be following the latter path. Knowing the bureaucracy of this school (the Student Bill of Rights, promised after the incident of April 12th last year, has yet to be written), I fear that the other recommendations will not be implemented in a timely fashion, resulting in a failed policy.</p>
<p>So far, the concerns/questions of the student body have all but fallen on death ears. I encourage all prospective students, and those of you who have already enrolled, to contact the administration if you have any concerns and/or questions.</p>