ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Our Bryan/College Station office seeks an assistant, full or part-time, for word processing, office coordination and other support duties. Previous clerical experience helpful. Full-time position offers salary and full benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k and semi-annual performance/salary reviews. E.O.E. To apply, please call our main headquarters: UNIVERSAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC. 1-800-883-3031 http://www.ucs-systems.com L The Battalion JBESTYLES ,n^y’ Se] Monday • September 1, 1997 The luck of the draw... Students tell stories of roommates — the good and the bad l-CS busi: s' By Chris Martin Staff writer Let's Talk For information call or visit 1:00 to 5:00 Monday-Friday 707 Texas Ave. Suite 210 Bldg. D E nglish Qecond language ( Bchind ° n the Border ) as aO L- Conversational English Classes For student, staff, family FREE ONE WEEK TRIAL! Beginning, inter mediate, advanced Small group lessons 696-6583 : WELCOME BACK FROM DR. MALON SOUTHERLAND Vice President for Student Affairs and The Division of Student Affairs Here is to a GREAT Fall 1997 10th Floor Rudder Tower malon-southerland@tamu.edu T he big move-in day is here. Students ride into town — cool, confident and alert. They casually tossed their room mate selection to the fates. It is a contest thousands will enter, but few claim to win. A student steps to ward the door of her new room. With a dip of the tip of her nose to lady luck, she turns the knob. It’s the roommate game ... and she just rolled craps. Everyone’s mom is required to giddily reminisce about her col lege days and tell her children that their college roommate will be their best friend for life. Apparent ly, those moms never had a room mate like Jennifer Connally got her freshman year. Connally, a sophomore bioenvi- ronmental science major, took a chance with a random roommate assignment when moving into Uni versity Tower. “My roommate claimed that she was finding used condoms in her bed when she came home,” Connally said. “When she moved out, she slashed up all the artwork I had hanging on the walls. She even poked the eyeballs out of an autographed vampire print that I got at Aggiecon.” Connally does not think she did anything to provoke her room mate’s behavior. “I don’t know what she had against me,” Connally said. “I tried to be considerate toward her. We hardly ever talked.” A few tenets get the dream room mate — the lovable oaf who will readily give two tens change for a five. Shirley Reeves, a senior environ mental design major, never “got that lucky.” Reeves fell victim to the com mon “walk in on your roommate in a state of romantic entan- gleism” gambit. “I was cleaning up my apart ment for some people to come over and crash after a party,” Reeves said. “Several people were already there, and when I passed the living room, I saw my room mate writhing on the floor with two other people. It was a lovefest.” Lisa Larson, a senior english ma jor, found herself in a similar situa tion this past year. “I applied for a new roommate last spring when I was living in Keathley Hall,” Larson said. “The roommate I got had a thing for cows. She built a shrine to cows in the room out of aluminum foil, toothpicks and hot glue. She even had a cow that burned incense.” Larson soon discovered that un derneath her roommate’s bovine obsession lied the tender touch of a talented artist. “She made a cow statue out of Plaster of Paris,” Larson said. “It was wearing sunglasses and had this evil grin. It sat right next to the phone, and I would accidentally knock it fly ing every time I answered the phone. She entered the statue in a student art competition on campus, and it won best of show.” Larson said she could get along with her roommate, but living to gether was taxing. “I liked her as a friend, but she is just not the ideal roommate,” Lar son said. “It’s like the time when she felt the need to march up and down the balcony, beating a drum, yelling ‘I want sex.’ ” Perhaps some do not mind when their roommate tans animal hides in an aquarium in a poorly- ventilated dorm room. In fact, some roommates get a nice wallet out of the deal. They are not phased by the guttural gurglings of their room mate practicing along with a “Learn Welsh in Ten Easy Lessons” tape. They even enjoy the social prestige of living with a Notary Public. But all B ryan-Colle ofbusinesi col- , w*g stu dents, _ iiich is jood since jtationisa pi full jf college students. Unfor- sinately, iereisa i jownside shaving hundrc s simultaneous! act students’ m ■[here is one uni ant, it is that co iave exceptional [result, Bryan-O lof businesses iat could never - wild. Obviously, thi xilhermost Agg iMsinesses seem jipite their quest i jonikers. I, how Icultypatronizii ‘nth distasteful i Easily the ode mein town is those Supertramp records? That is where the line is drawn. When one does feel the need to sever a roommate relationship, there are steps they can take to ensure less trauma for all parties involved. The Department of Residence Life and Housing recommends that each roommate write out a “bill of rights” that outlines each individ ual’s needs and desires for daily liv ing. The bill of rights should include the general times when each room mate goes to sleep and wakes up, the amount of quiet study time they would like and what kinds of music or television they like. This way, each roommate can get a clear un derstanding of the other’s needs aamewhichre and reach a compromise both can imersof the pla respect. uheir arteries v If problems still exist, Residence ie of their ham Life suggests that the roommates Mtely College take their concerns to their resident teed with a Fa adviser. If a compromise still cannot Icannot unde be reached, students still have the staurantwitha option of consulting a mediation ser- snonymous witl vice or requesting a room change. a survive in an; Campus living has always been eopleinAmeric one step forward in freedom and one aspect of mum step backward in privacy. The last jeabununappea roommate many students had was : Atleast Fatbur probably their baby brother when akesno attemp they were four years old. And many jiconvince its pa students agree, it is no help when a amgon its menu college roommate still acts that age. toe. Imagine fflpted to mark | people who choo tty. It could r | k-Fatburger.” er would easily c iburger Indus College Statio iirshare of strar iars. Consider B; jaestablishmen ‘dator. Barract '£ animals. Th< ler fish. Who v :y for an angry jiien they go oil Speaking of go me is a place I Melf to visit. It i | Not even the iivironmentalist pend their Thurs t establishment reminds them c Drug Abuse Texas A&M University is committed to the elimination of alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. Alcohol abuse and illicit drug use disrupt the special environment of personal growth that all universities seek to develop. We all must help prevent alcohol abuse and illicit drug use from negatively affecting our precious learning environment Prevention Health Risks Alcohol & The LAW Legal Sanctions Alcohol & the Minor Alcohol abuse is a prime contributor to suicide, homicide, motor University Alcohol Policy apr vehicle deaths, and other unintended deaths. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to more than 100,000 deaths annually in the United States. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence, premature death through overdose, alcohol-related stroke, and Sale to Minors: It is a Class A misdemeanor (see Legal Charges and Penalties Chart) to sell an alcohol ic beverage to an individual under 21 years of age through an act of criminal negligence. Individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase alcoholic beverages. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted. Texas A&M University Rules state that “drinking or having in possession, any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage(s) in public areas of the campus is prohibited”. Student organizations which sponsor activities where alcohol is served must have the approval of their (faculty/staff) advisor and abide by established University procedures. complications involving the brain, heart, liver, and many other body organs. Alcohol abuse also causes liver disease, gastritis. and anemia, as well as cancers of the esophagus and larynx. The abuse of illicit drugs can result in a wide range of health problems. In general, illicit drug use can result in drug addiction, death by overdose, death from withdrawals, seizure, heart problems, infections (*i.e. HFV/AIDS, hepatitis), liver disease, and chronic brain dysfunction. Public Intoxication Statute of Texas: An arrest for Public Intoxication (P.I.) may occur if an individual appears in a public place while intoxicated so much that the person may endanger himselforherselfor another person. This is a Class C misdemeanor. Blood Alcohol Concentration testing is not requiredfor P.I. Students ages 21 or older who choose to consume alcoholic beverages in residence hall rooms are expected to do so in moderation to ensure residents’ rights to privacy, sleep, and study. The following behaviors are reasons for appropriate disciplinary or remedial action by the University: loud or disruptive behavior, interference with the cleanliness of the residence halls, or drinking habits which are injurious to the health or education of an individual or those around him/her. Alcohol used in any amount by a pregnant woman can cause birth defects and permanent brain damage to the child. Drug use b\ jy a pregnant woman may cause addiction or health complications in her unborn child. Purchase of Alcohol for a Minor; Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor: It is a Class C misdemeanor to purchase or make available an alcoholic beverage to an individual under 21 years of age through an act of criminal negligence. This offense is punishable by afine of$100to $500. University Drug Policy Alcohol abuse interferes with psychological functions, causes interpersonal difficulties, and is involved in most cases of child abuse. Substance abuse disrupts work, reduces motivation, causes legal and financial problems, and social and family problems. Other problems associated with alcohol and drug use include the following psychological dysfunctions: dependency, memory loss, hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis. Consumption or Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle: It is a Class C misdemeanor to consume or to possess alcohol while driving a motor vehicle in a public place. Possession applies only where a peace officer observes a driver drinking while operating the vehicle. All members of the University community are expected to abide by state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and illegal drugs. More specifically, Texas A&M University Rules prohibit “manufacturing, possessing, having under control, selling, transmitting, using, or being party thereto any illegal drug, controlled substance, or drug paraphernalia on University premises or at University sponsored activities.” Driving While Intoxicated; Flying or Boating While Intoxicated: It is a Class B misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft in a public place while irin intoxicated. The minimum term of confinement is 72 hours. Campus Resources To help individuals who may have an alcohol or other drag abuse problem, the following resources are available to students, faculty, and staff. Intoxication Assault: It is a Third degree felony to cause serious bodily injury to another by accident or mistake while operating any vehicle (motor, aircraft, or watercraft) in a public place while intoxicated. “Controlled substances” refers to those drugs and substances whose possession, sale, or delivery results in criminal sanctions under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, as well as substances which possess a chemical structure similar to that of a controlled substance (e.g., “Designer Drugs”). University Sanctions Student Life Alcohol and Drug Education Programs provides substance abuse assessments and referrals for students as part of its mission to provide broad based alcohol and other drug abuse prevention programs for the campus community. Intervention and limited ongoing recovery support counseling is available. All contacts are confidential. For more information, to schedule an appointment, or to schedule a presentation, call ‘ sekti: Intoxication Manslaughter: It is a Second degree felony to cause death to another by accident or mistake while operating any vehicle (motor, aircraft, or watercraft) in a public place while intoxicated. 845-0280 or check die Website at http7/stulife.tamu.edu/adep. A student or c • employee found guilty of noncompliance with the Texas A&M University Alcohol or Drug Policy or the laws of the State of Texas has committed a violation of University Rules and/or the Policy and Procedures Manual, and is subject to sanctions commensurate with the offenses and any aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Employee Assistance Program is a confidential source for assessment, short-term counseling, and referral for a broad range of problems including alcohol or other drug abuse. The Human Resources Department provides this service to faculty, staff, and their family members. For information, call 845-3711. Administrative License Revocation; Implied Consent: After being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, failing or refusing the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test can result in license revocation. Minimum penalty for failing is 60 days, for refusal is 90 days. Revocation may NOT be probated and there is a $100 reinstatement fee. An appeal process is available. The following penalties apply: Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor; Possession of Alcohol by a Minor: It is a misdemeanor for minors to consume or possess alcoholic beverages except in the visible presence of the minor’s adult parent, guardian, or spouse. Purchase of Alcohol by a Minor; Attempt to Purchase Alcohol: It is a misdemeanor for individuals under 21 years of age to attempt purchasing alcoholic beverages, ting beyond] "Attempt" implies acting beyondmere preparation. Misrepresentation of Age by a Minor: It is a misdemeanor to falsely state or to present false documents indicating an individual is 21 years of age or older to a person selling or serving alcoholic beverages. Punishment for the above Alcohol-related offense by a Minor For a minor without two previous alcohol-related offenses, these are Class C misdemeanors. Punishment includes 8 to 12 hours community service and denial or suspension of the minor's driver’s license or permit for 30 days. Attendance at an Alcohol Awareness Course is also required. If a minor has at least two prior alcohol-related convictions, the offense is punishable by a fine of $250 to $2,000; and/or confinement in jail for up to 180 days. Punishment includes 20 to 40 hours community service. The minor’s driver’s license or permit will be denied or suspended: 60 days for a 2nd alcohol-related conviction; 180 days for subsequent convictions. Attendance at Alcohol Awareness Course; License suspension: On first conviction of an alcohol-related offense, the court shall require the minor to attend an alcohol awareness course approved by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. If under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian may be required to attend the course withjhe defendant. The defendant must present evidence of completion of the course and community service within 90 days of the date of final conviction. If the required evidence is presented within the prescribed period, tne fine may be reduced up to half the original amount. Failure to comply results in denial or suspension of driver’s license or permit for up to six months. Sign up f noncredil Disciplinary action in cases involving drug related violations by students will result in suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from the University. Cases involving employees will result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination. Severity of sanctions will depend upon the nature and seriousness of each case. Recovery Support Programs information is also available through Student Life Alcohol and Drug Education Programs. Program information includes: Rational Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), or Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.), and more. For information, call 845-0280 or check the Website at http:// stulife.tamu.edu/adep. Terms of Offense Failing BAC Refusal 1st Offense 60 days 90 days Previous Revocation: • Refusal/Fail test • DWI or 120 days 180 days Intoxication manslaughter 180 days 1 year Violation of any state or federal law pertaining to controlled substances which occur off campus and are not associated with a University connected activity may result in disciplinary charges in situations in which the continued presence of the individual on campus is likely to interfere with the educational process and/or the orderly operation of the University. University disciplinary proceedings will be in accordance with procedures outlined in the University Rules (students) and the Policy and Procedures Manual (faculty and staff). Any disciplinary action imposed by the University may precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by authorities off campus. RNT FE Alcohol and Drug Education Programs Telephone: (409)845-0280 Fax: 845-6138 Location: Room #222 A.P. Beutel Health Center Office Hours: Monday-Friday SAM to 5PM E-mail: cindyb@stulife2.tamu.edu Website: http://stulife.tamu.edu/adep Driving under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor: A minor commits an offense if the minor operates a motor vehicle in a public place while having any detectable amount of alcohol in the minor's system. For a minor without previous alcohol-related offenses, these are Class C misdemeanors. Punishment includes 20 to 40 hours community service and denial or suspension of driver’s license or permit for 30 days. If a minor has at least two prior alcohol-related convictions, the offense is punishable by a fne of $500 to $2,000; and/or confinement in jail for up to 180 days. Punishment includes 40 to 60 hours community service. The minor's driver's license or permit will be denied or suspended: 60 days for 2nd alcohol-related conviction; 180 days, for subsequent convictions. The minor is not eligible for deferred adjudication. Legal Charges & Penalties CHARGES Fine Imprisonment Felony Second degree up to $ 10,000 2 to 20 years Third degree up to $ 10,000 2 to 10 years State felony Misdemeanor up to $ 10,000 180 days to 2 years Class A up to $4,000 up to 1 year up to 180 days Class B up to $2,000 Class C upto$500 none City Ordinance Consumption After Hours: It is a Class C misdemeanor to consume (or possess w/ intent to consume) from any container with alcoholic beverages in any public place in B/CS after hours. Following are the prohibited hours: Monday through Saturday 1 AM to 7 AM Sunday 1 AM to Noon The date < shown aft Wok tained Glass I iained Glass I •died Glass • aaded Glass • Wtery & inning Potti S Growing Nov 3 ■ermediate P< Growing • 0 a od Built Poti ) °dworking • atting & Fran & ct 23 0u **s: Mo Fri