Several changes have been made to the University of Dayton Standards of Behavior, involving both stricter penalties for alcohol abuse violations.

Scott Markland, assistant dean of students, discussed the new changes. The first one clarifies the sanctions for a third alcohol abuse violation by stating that any perpetrator in violation must receive a level III suspension.

A level III suspension prohibits students from living on campus, attending university classes, participating in any university activity and using any university facility. The duration for such a suspension usually lasts one year.

The second change makes the charge of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI) its own offense separate from that of alcohol abuse.

On a person's first violation, he/she will permanently lose the right to park or drive a vehicle on campus and the right to use university-sponsored vehicles. Any subsequent offense results in a level III suspension.

In the former policy, the level of suspension for a third alcohol abuse offense was not specified, and OVI violations fell under the category of alcohol abuse.

The policy defines alcohol abuse as property destruction, violent or abusive behavior, loss of motor control or loss of consciousness.

In regards to the first change, the university felt the need to clarify the penalty for a third alcohol abuse violation.

The second change stemmed from a proposal by the Policy and Enforcement Subcommittee of the Alcohol Coalition who believed the university needed to take a stronger stand on OVI infractions.

'Hopefully [the new policy] will affect students so they won't drink and drive. That's the ultimate goal,' Markland said.

The proposal was then sent to the Student Life Council, who subsequently approved it by a wide margin.

'The students (on the Student Life Council) were predominantly in favor of the policy because it reflects our Marianist traditions and values,' said SGA President Drew Navolio.

According to a recent press release, the Student Life Council is a 24-member group that consists of a dozen students and a dozen faculty and staff representatives. William Schuerman, dean of students, uses the council to help him make decisions about student life policies, Markland stated.

The level III suspension after a third alcohol abuse will serve multiple purposes.

'Three alcohol violations indicate a pattern of alcohol abuse,' Markland said. 'The student probably needs to be away from this environment for a period of time.'

The level III suspension gives the student an opportunity to get away from campus and possibly get help for himself.

In addition, it helps the rest of the student body by separating the violator's negative behavior from themselves, creating a more conducive environment for the furthering of their education.

An e-mail with the policy changes was sent to each student, and later this month students will also receive door-hangars with the policy printed on them.

In a further attempt to discourage bad behavior and encourage positive action, the Student Government Association recently passed a resolution regarding the sophomore lottery process.

Now, according to the press release, any rising sophomore on discipline probation or suspension and/or residential probation or suspension will be prohibited to participate in the 2006-2007 housing lottery process. These students will automatically reside in the Marycrest Complex for his/her sophomore year.

'Our goal isn't to be strict just to be strict,' said Markland. 'Our goal is to be strict so students make safer choices.'