Spring Break
Orientation revives alcohol policy concerns
DANIEL BURNETT
Issue date: 6/12/09 Section: News
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University Police found one student, at the University for his June 4 orientation, asleep in a second floor bathroom in Creswell Hall after a night of drinking at a nearby fraternity house.
"I was woken up by the police and cuffed in the bathroom," said Michael Houck, an 18-year-old incoming freshman from Peachtree City. "I was in prison for about 12 hours before I was bailed out," he said.
Houck said he was released on a $3,213 bail. He was charged with underage possession of alcohol, as well as possession of a fake ID.
Because of the arrest, Houck was unable to attend his second day of orientation. Day two of his orientation included a presentation by the University Police and the Office of Judicial Programs, at which the consequences of underage drinking were discussed.
"While it is an unfortunate situation, we hope the student arrested during the first orientation session will serve as an example of what not to do for students at future orientation sessions," said Kathryn Kay, orientation graduate assistant. "We also inform them that one student has already been arrested and now may or may not be joining them in the fall due to the consequences of his actions."
On June 8, the Monday following his arrest, Houck returned to campus to find out what the outcome of his arrest would be.
"That was my biggest concern. I didn't want my admission to be revoked because the mistake that I made," he said.
The result: Houck has returned to the University to make up portions of orientation that he was unable to attend because he was in the Clarke County jail.
Due to revisions on the University Code of Conduct, the definition of a student was clarified following confusion last summer regarding orientation. Two students, Tyler Biringer and Hardeep Purewal were both arrested for alcohol-related offenses during their orientation sessions. Biringer was allowed to attend the University in the fall, while Purewal was not.
"The purpose [of the revision] was to make sure that if you're accepted to the University, you're under the Code of Conduct," said Tom Jackson, vice president for Public Affairs. And student-status is acquired before orientation.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 18
american
posted 6/11/09 @ 10:29 AM EST
Im sure no one in UGA's administration drank when they were 18. That is the gravest of crimes, one that should be punished by removing a kids chance to get a great education. (Continued…)
Sexidemiologist
posted 6/11/09 @ 11:18 AM EST
It may seem harsh, but let's think about this:
1. At a University where underage drinking is problematic (and was much worse in the past), it makes sense for the administration to make an example of new students who are engaging in risky behavior. (Continued…)
James
posted 6/11/09 @ 11:44 AM EST
The drinking problems at UGA could be SUBSTANTIALLY reduced with two easy steps:
1) First Offense: Underage alcohol consumption (on or off campus in Athens or at a UGA event anywhere) or "over 21" DUI, public drunkeness, disorderly conduct, etc. (Continued…)
Anne
posted 6/11/09 @ 1:40 PM EST
I feel bad for this kid, yeah he made a mistake but a lot of UGA students drink at orientation, more than most people would like to admit. Unfortunately for him, he was the one who got caught. (Continued…)
James
posted 6/11/09 @ 3:57 PM EST
To Sexdemiologist:
College students are much more mature and better equipped to make difficult decisions than elementary, middle or high school students . (Continued…)
UGAsenior
posted 6/11/09 @ 11:31 PM EST
Yeah it sucks but its life. You do something wrong and stupid, make sure you are able to deal with the consequences.
UGA Senior #2
posted 6/12/09 @ 2:35 AM EST
Whats retarded is that outside of athens, if you get caught drinking underage then you only get a ticket and they call your parents. But because clarke county is so poor, good college students looking to have fun get arrested for drinking at an age which was legal during the college years of the admin themselves. (Continued…)
James
posted 6/12/09 @ 9:08 AM EST
Jimmy John:
1) Regarding "Moral Police" - Every law or regulation out there is an attempt by one section of society to impose its will on another (usually for good) and is based on their view of "morality". (Continued…)
CoastalDawg
posted 6/12/09 @ 9:59 AM EST
If this young man couldn't even make it through freshman orientation chances are that he won't make it through the first semester without having the same problem. (Continued…)
Student
posted 6/12/09 @ 4:44 PM EST
This whole argument is ridiculous. The kid broke the rules, the kid is going to get punished. As someone else pointed out, this happened during orientation, OF COURSE administration is going to make an example out of him. (Continued…)
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