BY MATTHEW BECKMAN
beckmanma@mnstate.edu

If that odd smell coming from the dorms recently stopped, there could be more to it than coincidence.

MSUM has seen a record amount of marijuana related calls this school year according to Public Safety Interim Director Mitch Osland.

“I’m baffled they even do it on campus…we’re pretty concentrated in such a small area,” said Osland. “Your chances of getting caught are a lot higher than out in the city somewhere.”

Sophomore Natalie Avey, who lives in Dahl said, “If you can’t smoke cigarettes and can’t drink, why do you think smoking marijuana is okay?”

“It’s not like (your dorm) is some immunity zone,” said sophomore and Ballard resident Mike Lauer.

At this time in 2009, Public Safety had only dealt with 22 marijuana related calls. In 2010 the number jumped to 40, and to date there have been 56 marijuana related calls in the 2010-2011 school year.

Osland believes the numbers don’t necessarily reflect an increase in marijuana use as much as it shows an increase in response by Public Safety. Public Safety and the housing department have adopted a plan that equates to a zero tolerance policy.

All instances are reported to student judicial services and they decide a course of action depending on the severity of the action, or if it’s a repeat offense.

Public Safety involves the Moorhead Police if required. Osland said police are only involved considering a few factors: how cooperative the perpetrator is, if they have drug paraphernalia on them, or if they are in possession of marijuana.

“Using marijuana is not illegal, possession of marijuana is,” said Osland.

“It’s taken up more of our time patrolling, along with the time we’re on calls — the paperwork.”
Osland said with laugh.

Despite Public Safety running through extra paperwork, some students appreciate the effort.

“Considering we live in a small environment with a lot of people, I don’t see the problem with Public Safety patrolling,” said Lauer who would rather have more patrols than deal with the marijuana smell.

“It smells so horrible,” said Avey. “It’s really irritating they feel they can do that on campus.”

“They keep us safe and I welcome that,” said Sophomore and Ballard resident Andrew Miner. “Along with drugs come things like violence. This is good to make sure the students that do study don’t get bugged.”

To read more from this writer, view his blog at mattjbeckman.blogspot.com

Tags: dorms, dragons, marijuana, MSUM, public safety

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