Despite what the 80-degree temperatures may tell you, fall is here and with it, fall break. Fall break is a wonderful time to go home and enjoy the comfort and relaxation of family time or to set out on the road to visit friends new and old.
After the stress of midterm exams, everyone needs a few days off to recharge and mentally prepare to finish the semester strong. What no one needs, but many receive over fall break, is a Student Non-Academic Misconduct violation (SNAM).
For those who remain blissfully unaware of the student conduct process at the University, a SNAM is a citation typically written by a UAPD officer or other university official in response to an alleged violation of the law and/or the Student Code of Conduct. A SNAM is not a conviction of guilt, but the receiver must have their case heard in the Office of Student Conduct to determine whether or not it should result in judicial sanctions for the student. If found responsible for a violation, the infraction and its sanctions will stay on that student’s judicial record for seven years from the date of violation.
What does this process have to do with fall break? More than some would think.
At the University students are not just responsible for their actions on campus or even just in Tuscaloosa – they are responsible for upholding the law and the Student Code of Conduct everywhere they go.
If you spend time in The Plains and get caught using a fake ID by the Auburn Police Department, the infraction will lead to a SNAM upon your return to Tuscaloosa. Get too drunk on the beach in Destin? That public intoxication will have to be answered for on campus, and even worse, you will have to deal with any fines, sanctions or court appearances the city of origin requires of you.
While this may not seem fair, UA holds its students to this standard because during your years here you represent not just yourself, but the alma mater you might call home and the reputation of fellow students.
Luckily, there are many easy ways to avoid running afoul of the Student Code of Conduct on campus and over fall break. First and foremost, obey the laws of the state you are in. Second, be aware of your surroundings because what others are using, consuming, or possessing around you always has the potential of being charged to you. Finally, if you do encounter temptation, think about how seven-years-from-now you would enjoy explaining your judicial record to an employer.
This fall break stay safe, stay out of trouble, and have fun.
Leigh Terry is a junior majoring in economics. Her column runs weekly.
