Starting today, an anonymous neighbor can report alcohol-related disturbances and possibly put a Virginia Tech student on the fast track to an alcohol strike, even off campus.
Blacksburg is launching a new alcohol community hotline. The Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center at Tech has worked with the Blacksburg Coalition on Alcohol and the Town Gown Community Relations Committee to create a unique way of responding to alcohol misuse in the Blacksburg community.
The hotline was developed on the idea that it is a right to reside in a community without disturbance from alcohol misuse.
Although not intended for immediate responses, citizens can call the hotline at (540) 231-4813 and leave information. They will then be contacted in two days regarding the problem. Anonymous calls are accepted but not encouraged.
Upon notification of a problem caused by alcohol abuse, a letter will be sent to the address of the disturbance. It will notify the resident of the complaint against them, give information on alcohol statutes and offer resources to aid the individual in preventing a reoccurrence. Following a second complaint, someone from the office will visit the residence to offer further assistance.
If the problem persists, stronger action will be taken to resolve the issue. If a student causes the disturbance and attempts to mediate are refused, the university Student Conduct Office will be contacted, and possible judicial action may be taken since alcohol misuse is a code of conduct violation.
If the individual is a resident not involved with Tech, the Blacksburg Police will be notified. Steven Clarke of the Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center said this hotline is meant to "be a kinder, gentler approach" to the alcohol misuse in Blacksburg.
"We're glad to see the school's taking initiative to get involved with the community," Sgt. Nathan O'Dell of Blacksburg Police said.
According to O'Dell, once an officer gets involved, "it's an immediate referral to the conduct office" if the offense involves a Tech student.
O'Dell said the new alcohol hotline "gives the student the opportunity to take corrective action upon themselves."
The department believes this will benefit the student.
"Students can be held accountable for their off-campus behavior if it causes a disturbance," Clarke said.
The student code of conduct states, "As a member of the Virginia Tech community, I agree to abide by all state laws and university policies regulating alcoholic beverages and controlled substances," and the new hotline will attempt to enforce these concepts.
One of the most important aspects the hotline hopes to address is a commonly overlooked law. It is illegal to provide minors with alcohol, and it is illegal to charge for alcohol without a permit.
The negative side effects of alcohol abuse, such as litter, noise, vandalism and public intoxication, are a continued cause of disorder in the Blacksburg community, according to the Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center Web site.
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As a VT Student, this kind of makes me mad. I live in a house, but keep it quiet minus a few days out of the year. If non students with families have problems with noise, all it takes is a quick knock on the door and a "please be quiet". We may be drunk college kids, but if someone asks us to be quiet, 99% of us are going to keep it down for nothing else than to avoid a noise violation.
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I would have to disagree Chris... 99% of drunk students wouldn't quiet down for a common Blacksburg citizen who knocks on a door to inform you that your party is too loud. I've heard of numerous stories of Blacksburg residents ( students and non-students alike) who have politely gone to a house / apartment and informed them that it is too loud only to be verbally abused by drunk students. Most of the time, students will only quiet down if they get a noise warning from the police or a security guard.
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There is something wrong about neighbors ratting out neighbors.
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Yeah I find that VERY unlikely that drunk students are going to keep it down for anyone that politely asks them to be quiet (I am a student myself). I agree with mentos in that the only way to keep the peace is to file a complaint with the police department. It's a a sad state of affairs but the truth is that most undergrads are really only looking out for themselves/are interested in having a good time and couldn't give crap about anyone else's well being.
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Oh yeah, the complaint line is really gonna work on Janie Lane... the whole place has huge drinking parties! Who's going to complain? Everyone's busy getting crocked
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About time they implemented this type of idea. Chris I have to disagree with you. While some students may quiet down, I think 99% is a huge stretch. Katarine is exactly right, most undergrads are only looking out for themselves. I have had many problems (and I am an undergrad) with neighbors being way too loud. It is sad that neighbors will not quiet down, because the truth is they don't care (most at least). There is nothing wrong about neighbors ratting out neighbors, if it is really that bad then it is a person's right to file a complaint or call the police. Everyone has these rights and should exercise them. I am so glad they are doing this. This school needs to crack down on the alcohol abuse around here, because I have seen way too much and it reflects poorly on all of us.
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Folks it is very simple. If you are under 21, don't drink. If you are over 21 and choose to drink, drink responsibly. Start acting responsible in general. College is a time of academics and not a time of acting like a character from where the wild things grow. Be responsible, obey the law, and the problem is solved.
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I can't believe this many students at a public institution are willing to rat out their neighbors, allow double jeopardy of punishment as a student, and then claim there is some imaginary 'right' to quiet all day and night. You are an embarrassment to what this country is.
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There is a right to quiet that allows for noise ordinances and such which have been proven constitutional. Your noise rights end at the entrance to others' ears. At least know your law if you are going to spout about rights.
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If I run out of alcohol, can I call the hotline and ask for more? I think that qualifies as an alcohol related problem.
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