The code of conduct has recently been updated with clear language for students to understand.

According to a watercooler post by Interim Dean of Students Mark Hagenlocher, posted on September 6, there will be automatic sanctions: $200 for a level-one substance-use offense.  Cases involving driving under the influence and providing substances to underage students lead to automatic suspensions because of their impact on community safety.

Up until this year, many students said they didn’t know there was a fine attached to substance use violations. Some said they learned it from their residential counselor. Senior Johann Stewart said he found out “in the house meeting before the semester started where my residential counselor mentioned it in the meeting.”

According to Hagenlocher’s watercooler post, “A student who is reasonably aware that substances are in use or located in a student’s room, on-campus car, or other campus space will be presumed to be condoning the consumption of those substances.” The post also mentioned that the $200 fine will be charged to students’ PrinBill.

Some students aren’t surprised by this fine. “It’s clearly stated that Principia is a dry campus,” Stewart said. “Being fined for something that’s not allowed makes sense to me.” Sophomore Ivan Vashchenko said he also thought the fine was reasonable, “If we’re talking about breaking government law, you either go to jail or you get fined. So I think it’s completely reasonable for the college to fine people if they break the law.”

Principia isn’t the only college that has a fine for substance use violations. According to the policies of Illinois State University, their fines for first time offenses range from $125 – $250 with additional consequences depending on the type of violation. Similarly, Illinois College has a $100 fine for a first time offender among other punishments. The fine then increases for second and third offenses to $200 and $300 respectively.