Of the 27 student arrests that have occurred since Monday, 25 students – including seven freshmen – were arrested on alcohol-related charges.

The students were arrested on charges of underage possession and consumption of alcohol, driving under the influence or open container.

According to University Judiciary policy, minimum sanctions for possession of alcohol include an alcohol awareness class and probation for six months. Minimum sanctions for consumption and distribution violations include an alcohol awareness class and probation for one year.

A second violation while on probation results in suspension from the University for the current semester and subsequent semester, the policy states.

University police said the number of students charged for alcohol-related incidents is not unusual for the beginning of the year.

“Alcohol arrests occur all through the school year and pick up when students get back to classes in the fall and even orientation in the summer,” said Lt. Lisa Boone of the University Police Department.

“There is nothing different this year than in years past with the number of arrests.”

Editor’s Note: The photos to the right are of the seven freshmen arrested and charged with alcohol-related violations before school began Thursday.