Drug use on the rise, problems remain

Jan. 27, 2005
By Dan Tomlin
Sports Editor

On college campuses all over the country students are making the decision whether or not to indulge in the illegal activity of taking drugs.

Here at St. Ambrose, there have always been some problems, but the growing trend nationwide does not directly correspond with incidents on campus involving drugs.

“We’ve had situations the first year I was here and every year since,” director of residence life Matt Hansen said. “In the time, from talking to students, I think it may be more available, but also I think students have become more savvy to where drugs are and how to avoid them.”
Hansen, who is now in his sixth year as director or residence life, believes that by using drugs students do not realize their full potential at SAU.

“It concerns me because it has a direct impact on students getting an education,” Hansen said. “We’re trying to get the message out, and the policy is clear that we will not tolerate drug use on our campus.”

The policy in place by the University states: “Students are prohibited from the use, possession, manufacturing, sale or distribution of any controlled substance. The use and possession of drug paraphernalia by students is also prohibited.”

It further states that SAU reserves the right to “enter and inspect student rooms and contents” when there is suspicion of violations as well as “possible dismissal from the university for the first offense.”

While the school does reserve the right to dismiss a student from the university, there are alternatives.

“We have allowed students to stay on campus but the conditions are that they must abide by the policy and attend counseling,” Hansen said. “It all depends on the response by the student and their parents.”

As far as counseling goes, students that have had success through rehabilitation programs have found that they need to make the change themselves.

“We would always prefer the student to want counseling,” Hansen said. “Students that have succeeded have recognized they have a problem and made the change.”

The counseling center is located on the main floor of the Rogalski Center.

Back to the NEWS-PAGE or "The Buzz" HOMEPAGE