This will be Winston-Salem State’s first full academic year using its zero tolerance policy.
A zero-tolerance policy, The policy formed in April 2012 was implement to help eliminate the possession and use of illegal drugs on campus.
According to the Office of Student Conduct, there were 67 reported marijuana cases on campus during the 2010-2011 academic school year and 54 cases in 2011-2012.
“A student was growing marijuana and selling it to a local individual [on a case that occurred in 2010],” said Deona Cureton, director of the Office of Student Conduct
The incident resulted in a shooting occurring by Gleason Hairston Terrace.
Cureton said there was video footage of the incident.
“The popular belief is that the cameras [throughout campus] don’t work, but they do,” Cureton said.
Students caught with illegal drugs will face more severe penalties than before the policy was enforced.
According to an April 2012 email sent by Chancellor Donald Reaves, if a student is caught with and or using one joint [of marijuana] that student could lose campus housing, scholarships and the eligibilty to participate in extracurricular activities including the band and sports teams.
The student also could face suspension from the University for a minimum of one semester and the possibility of criminal charges through the Winston-Salem Police Department.
WSSU has also increased visibility of police officers on campus and acquired drug detection dogs to monitor drug activity on campus.
Despite being aware of this policy, Deon Egleston, a senior computer science major from Charlotte, said some students will find a way to avoid being caught with illegal drugs on campus.
“Students are going to do what they want to do whether it’s on or off campus,” Egleston said.
However, Cureton said that the policy will help the University reduce crime rates and the use of illegal substances. The policy is designed to help keep the campus safe.
“Everyone is here to learn and we’re here as scholarly students; therefore, we should try our best to follow rules and regulations,” said Salim Collins, a sophomore business management major from Charlotte.
As of Sept. 20, 2012, one marijuana violation has been reported over the summer and four since the start of this current semester.
“The [drug-related] incidents tarnish the name and reputation of WSSU,” Cureton said.
“Let students know; it [the zero-tolerance policy] is real.”