jjswings26

I'm very nervous about an alcohol violation hearing I have for a possible Tier 1 violation. Basically, to explain, 2 weeks ago, I went to one of my friend's rooms and got sick half way through, I wasn't drinking just literally threw up from sickness, and then one of my friends walked me back to my room. I was an absolute mess, I kept throwing up, passing out, gagging, all this bad stuff and had no idea what was wrong. Around 2 am that night my roommate got back from writing a paper and contacted the RA saying that my roommate is sick, and my RA came by along with a bunch of public safety officials. One of the public safety officials insisted that I was intoxicated and kept trying to bully me into saying I was drunk but I did my best to hold my ground. Eventually, the guy said I can either go to a hospital or have my mom pick me up, so knowing the doctor could prove I was sober, I went there (although I was hesitant due to having a 9:10 class the next morning). The doctor cleared me as sober and my vomiting was due to nausea, gave me a note, and sent me on my way. I had assumed the school received a copy of the record so I didn't take any further action. I got the email- talked to the RD and RA and asked some questions because I was scared, and the RA even said she believes I was sober that night to me. We also have a thing called the "Good Samaritan Policy" saying that "No intoxicated community member seeking and/or receiving assistance for themselves or others will be subject to sanctions [violations] by the University under the Alcohol Policy." So, basically, all I have to do is show/tell them all that and I should be fine, correct? Sorry, I know this seems silly to worry, but I have big plans for the next four years and my BIGGEST fear is getting a violation and having all those plans be ruined because no one will be willing to hire/accept me.

RoxSox

Um, well that does suck, but if you get a violation no one is going to see that. Not an employer, really not anyone who would matter or even care. Hope it goes well for you (seriously, that is terrible) and you should be fine, but just know that if you get a violation, it won't have any far-reaching effects. If it's your first time with this problem, even if for some reason you are found guilty or whatever, I'm sure you'll just get a warning, which really does not matter once you move out of the dorms. But I'm sure you'll be okay. Plus you have a doctor's note. It will be fine.

teachandmom

Well, if you were cleared by the doc, call and get a faxed copy of the report saying you were not intoxicated. They can't say you were if facts show you weren't. If you are given a violation, most likely it will be noted in your record, which no one can see except college officials. A potential employer will never be told because that would be a violation of FERPA. Just learn from it. ..if you weren't drunk, no prob. If you were, don't do it again...

jandjdad

Did they draw blood for a Blood alcohol level? It is likely that they did and that will be a pretty solid deciding factor, one way or the other. If you were indeed not drinking or using illegal drugs, ask for a copy of the hospital report....

nysmile

All you have to do is tell your side of the story and show them the official medical report that states you did not have alcohol in your system and your nausea was simply due to sickness. You may want to also have your RA write something that states his opinion that you weren't drinking. Better yet, convince your RA to attend the hearing as a witness.

Don't worry--this incident will not harm your future. Every school has a different policy, but usually they simply give you a warning for the first offense. Sometimes the consequence is doing an online alcohol prevention class.