We’ve said it before, but it never hurts to say it again: At NC State, we believe that when parents are informed, students benefit. Therefore, we feel you, as the parent of an NC State student, should be aware of a couple of issues. We encourage you to discuss these topics with your student. It is important for students to understand parental expectations for their conduct. With your help, we can arm students with information to help them make well-informed decisions about their actions.

Alcohol & Drug Violations Notification Procedure
Changes in federal and state law influence NC State’s procedures regarding parent notification in cases of student drug and alcohol violations. In North Carolina, some alcohol offenses that previously were classified as infractions — such as simple possession of alcohol by an underage person — are now defined as misdemeanors, making them more serious violations. These changes increase the possibility of hefty fines and criminal records for our students.

Because changes in federal law have removed barriers that prevented the university from having contact with parents on some behavior topics, NC State notifies parents if students violate university alcohol or drug policies.

In general, the Office of Student Conduct notifies parents by letter when students under the age of 21 violate the University Drug Policy. In addition, parents of underage students will be notified of second alcohol violations. A copy of “Parental Notification of Alcohol and Drug Violations for Students Under the Age of 21” is available on the Parents & Families Services Web site: www.ncsu.edu/for_parents. If you have questions, call the Office of Student Conduct at 919-515-2963.

Please take some time to discuss the changes in the law and the university’s procedures with your student, and help us encourage them to make good, well-informed choices.

Nuisance Party Ordinance
Each year on the first Saturday of the first week of classes, many NC State students and other young people attend the “ Brent Road” party in a neighborhood adjoining the NC State campus. The event has taken place for several years and, in addition to causing disruptions, littering and vandalism for our neighbors, it leads to arrests. In 1999, more than 360 young people, including 85 NC State students, were cited for underage drinking, violations of open-container laws, possession of drugs and even more serious offenses.

Last year, the City of Raleigh adopted a “zero tolerance” policy regarding the “Brent Road” event and the City Council passed a “nuisance party” ordinance that serves as the basis for arresting party-goers for a range of behaviors. Raleigh police aggressively enforce this law with its broad definition of a “nuisance party” that includes “... any activity resulting in conditions that annoy, injure or endanger the safety, health, comfort or repose of the neighboring residents ...” Those arrested are transported to a processing center for fingerprinting and a mug shot. A magistrate will determine the conditions of release.

Last year, significantly fewer students attended the “Brent Road” party. As a result, few students suffered the consequences associated with violating the ordinance. Help us continue this positive trend by encouraging your student to attend an alternative “back-to-school event.” NC State plans many events at the beginning of the school year, including Crossroads, which is on-campus and alcohol-free. Encourage your student to seek out alternative events. Help us ensure that all NC State students start the year on a positive note.

* Americana
* Bulletin
* The Nubian Message
* First Year College Parents' newsletter
* The State of Living & Learning
* Technician
----------------------------------------Parent Resources
Questions about NC State? Answers are just a click, tap, or ring away. NC State's parents' web site features everything from a job internship network to VIP discount program information. Use the site to check on current tuition and fees, find out about events just for parents, or boost your student's spirits with an e-postcard.
The university also offers the Parents' HelpLine, a toll-free number operated by the Parents & Families Services program, to respond to your concerns. Call 877-568-5733 or email ncsuparents@ncsu.edu for personal assistance with your questions.*
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Please help us keep our records up to date!If you have received this newsletter in error or have an address correction to make, please call, email or write the Parents and Families Association. You may call toll free during business hours at 877-568-5733 or email us at ncsuparents@ncsu.edu. If you prefer "snail mail" , write to us at:

Parents and Constituent Services
Box 7314
Raleigh NC 27695-7314
-----------------------------------------PACKParents is published by the
NC State Alumni Association
Campus Box 7503
Raleigh, NC 27695-7503
(919)515-3375/800-627-2586
Renee Wolcott, Editor
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