UNH to discipline partying students

DURHAM, N.H. -- The University of New Hampshire said it would take immediate steps to deal with students arrested in the opening weekend of school.

Letters are going home to parents, and students face consequences ranging from warnings to loss of scholarships or expulsion, school authorities said.

Students also will have to answer to college deans, said Anne Lawing, assistant vice president for student and academic services.

''The dean wants to know what happened, have a conversation about the impact of how alcohol and other drugs contribute to things like poor academic performance in class, sexual assault, and other kinds of violence on campus," Lawing said. ''They're interested in discussing with students about what happened and why it happened."

Last weekend, 43 people, including 20 students, were arrested, most for violations of the alcohol policy. Officials said the arrest numbers are not unusual. In recent years, university and Durham police have increased their visibility.

In addition to the university actions, students who were arrested face potential penalties from the criminal justice system. These might include punishments such as fines, jail time, or orders to attend substance abuse courses.

Lawing said the university would have a clearer idea of whether its policies are working by the end of the semester.

''It's too soon to tell," Lawing said. ''We can't really just go on arrest numbers alone.

''If the numbers rise," Lawying added, ''it could mean the police are out there more, enforcing. It may not mean there are more students in this behavior."