The University hopes to “up the ante” on alcohol policy violators, which could translate into fines and expulsion from the apartments.

With alcohol policy violations and resulting vandalism increasing 10 to 15 percent this year, Judicial Affairs and the Department of Residence Life believe something must be done to curb the problems.

“We have a significant problem on campus,” said Shawn Swinigan, director of Residence Life. “We have to put something in place that deals with the problem.”

One idea being considered is fines, possibly starting at $50 for first-time alcohol violations. Terisa Remelius, University judicial affairs officer, explained that fines are used at many other universities, with the money going toward alcohol-related education.

Another policy under consideration for tougher sanctions involves kegs and large quantities of alcohol. Several years ago, possession of a keg would result in removal from University apartments back into the residence hall system, but recently that sanction was lightened. Remelius would like to reinstate that sanction.

For Swinigan and Remelius, the overall problem is disrespecting and disrupting the community, evidenced by noise complaints and numerous broken Ballard lights, the waist-high lights that line campus.

In addition, there is the issue of excessive drinking, which resulted in 12 students being sent to the hospital last semester. An average year would have eight students sent to the hospital.

When considering new punishments, Remelius said that the most important part is to keep asking what can be accomplished, whether a sanction is just a “spanking by Judicial Affairs” or whether the University is dealing with a bigger issue.

Both Swinigan and Remelius spoke with the Student Government Association last night regarding the current problems. A committee of students will assist in developing new sanctions, likely to be implemented in the next few weeks.