In my opinion, the University of Minnesota Duluth has a very unfair alcohol policy. It is understandable that the University of Minnesota Duluth wishes to promote a safe and healthy learning environment, but I feel that other factors need to be taken into consideration when dealing with alcohol violations. As of today, the University of Minnesota Duluth's alcohol policy states, "The possession, consumption, and/or association with possession of alcoholic beverages and/or possession of alcohol containers (e.g. boxes, cases, bottles, cans) regardless of the student's age, is prohibited in University residences and grounds. Students with substance abuse problems usually come to the attention of Housing staff through policy violations or by exhibiting behavior which is not socially acceptable. Students may expect that in addition to any disciplinary sanctions, staff will address use/abuse behaviors. In addition to disciplinary sanctions staff may suggest and/or mandate counseling." I agree with this statement completely. It is the disciplanary actions that follow that I am questionable about. For first-time violators, an e-mail letter or warning is sent out to that person. For second-time violators, an alcohol education program and a chemical dependency screening are required, a parental notification is sent out, and the person is sentenced to either probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University. For third-time violators, there is a chemical dependency assessment, another parental notification sent out, and again, the student is either put on probation, suspended, or expelled from UMD. For fourth-time violators, automatic suspension or expulsion is exhibited. Looking at these consequences makes me angry. What if the student earns exceptional grades and it just so happens to be their second or third time ever drinking and they unfortunately get caught? Should they be suspended? I say no. If students are able to maintain good grades, I feel that this quality should should lessen the severity of their consequence. Obviously drinking has not greatly impacted students that are maintaining good grades. School is important to them and they are able to balance their social life with their education. I also feel that parental notifications are not necessary unless it is a matter of medical means, or if the student's well-being is a concern. Once students turn 18, they are an adult, and it is time for them to make their own decisions and go through life learning through the choices that they make on an everyday basis.