Parental Notification

Colleges and universities across the United States have serious concerns about the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs by their students. Changing the campus culture and environment to be one free of alcohol abuse, illegal drug use and their effects requires collaboration and commitment from many individuals and constituencies. We are asking you to partner with us in addressing the increasing use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs by college students.

Changes in the law that governs the privacy of student records, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), permits colleges and universities to inform the parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age when their student has been charged with a violation(s) of University alcohol and drug rules. The University of New Hampshire has decided to notify the parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age who are alleged to have committed such violations.

We understand that as parents/guardians you want to know when your student is facing difficulties. More frustrating than learning that your student has performed poorly academically or learning that he/she has been evicted from the campus residence halls or suspended from the University for disciplinary reasons, is finding out that alcohol abuse or illegal drug use led to such circumstances. At the same time, we understand that students want to be treated as adults. The college years are often a time of trial and error for many students who sometimes struggle through the transition to their new environment away from home. They need opportunities to reflect upon their actions, accept responsibility, and learn from their mistakes.

While much of the focus of this University and other institutions of higher learning has been on the improper use of alcohol, we are equally concerned about students who use and abuse illegal drugs. The University of New Hampshire has a zero tolerance policy on illegal drug possession, use, or distribution. Students found in violation of this University rule, possessing or using marijuana in campus residence halls, are normally evicted from all University Housing for an academic year, and required to complete drug counseling. If students are found responsible for distributing illegal drugs, they are suspended or possibly dismissed from the University and required to complete drug counseling or rehabilitation before readmission to the University will be considered.

Ultimately, dealing with an alcohol or drug problem requires awareness, understanding, and commitment from your student and you. The University of New Hampshire can be there to assist with this process, but only the individual student can change his/her behavior. Please join with us in addressing improper use of alcohol and other drugs before they become a problem.

Below is an example letter that is sent to parents/guardians of students who are charged with violations of the University of New Hampshire Student Code of Conduct Rules regarding inappropriate possession and/or use of alcohol. If there are violations of drug policies, parents/guardians will receive a similar letter as well.


EXAMPLE


Mr. & Mrs. ABCD
123 Street
Anytown, Anywhere 00000

Dear Mr. & Mrs. ABCD:

The University of New Hampshire is concerned about the illegal use of alcohol and the effects that it has on students' health, their academic performance, their relationships with others, and their future. The University is making special efforts to address such behavior. One of these efforts involves contacting parents and guardians when their students' have been charged with violating University alcohol policies.

Recently, we received information that your son, Jason, was charged with a violation of a University of New Hampshire Student Code of Conduct Rule regarding inappropriate possession and/or use of alcohol.

Why are we contacting you? Although we understand students are adults and need to assume responsibility for their actions, we know that parents play a very important role in their development. Thus, we want to involve parents early in the process, when their student's behavior begins to impact their daily routine and before the behavior leads to a crisis. We ask that you express your concerns and your expectations calmly and openly, listen actively, and try to understand each other's point of view.

The University offers programs and services that are designed to assist students who might be misusing or abusing alcohol. Violations of University alcohol policies may result in education, assessment and basic intervention by a counselor in the University of New Hampshire's Office of Health Education and Promotion, Health Services. Enrollment in one of these programs is included as an educational opportunity given to students who violate University alcohol policies, so they can reflect upon their actions and learn from their decisions. For more information on these programs, please contact the Office of Health Education and Promotion, Health Services at (603) 862-3823.

We are asking you to partner with us in addressing the increasing use and abuse of alcohol by college students. The enclosure included in this mailing briefly describes the alcohol problem at colleges and universities and gives helpful information you may want to share with your student. We ask that you talk with your student about the use of alcohol and its effects and discuss how you can work together to address the inappropriate behavior. Should you have questions regarding this communication please contact the Judicial and Mediation Programs Office at (603) 862-3377.

Sincerely Yours,

Esther Tardy-Wolfe, J.D.
Director of Judicial and Mediation Programs
Associate Director of Student Life
Judicial and Mediation Programs
Hitchcock Hall Rm 4
5 Quad Way-UNH
Durham, NH 03824
J.Whitney, webquestions
Contact: Esther Tardy-Wolfe, J.D.
Associate Director of Student Life
Director of Judicial and Mediation Programs
Phone (603) 862-3377
Fax (603) 862-0232