The 72-hour reporting policy on campus arrests is only intended to deal with the “most egregious behavior,” University President Michael Adams told students in a forum Tuesday.

“You have to work pretty hard to get arrested here,” Adams said, addressing a crowd of more than 200. “Some have gotten pretty adept at it. The benefits to this system mean that people with a record can be watched closely. If someone gets picked up for rape, I think we ought to know it.”

The turnout was significantly higher than past years, highlighting a possible student interest in the alcohol policy.

Student Government Association President Connor McCarthy said SGA will met with Rodney Bennett, vice president for student affairs, to determine a fair policy.

“I am confident we will come to a resolution that everyone will be satisfied with,” he said.

There were 124 ejections from Sanford Stadium during the Alabama game, Adams said, and Athletic Director Damon Evans is thinking about taking tickets from ejected fans in the future.

“We would like to strive for good common sense and moderation,” he said. “If you get mad, don’t get in a fight or get thrown out of the stadium.”

Energy issues were also on the minds of many students who asked about the University’s plans for alternative sources of energy.

Adams said he was open to initiatives but asked students to play a role as well.

“When you leave a room, turn off the light, lower the thermostat, close the door.”

He commended students for reducing energy use per square foot by 22 percent during the last year but said rates have increased as usage has decreased. He said coal isn’t the University’s only source of power.

Funds for energy costs come from the same pool as faculty salaries, so lowering energy costs could allow for higher salaries.

Adams repeatedly said salaries of assistant professors and professors are too low. He said he would like to see salaries increase for low-wage workers as well, but he said faculty salaries are more critical.

“We are having more difficulty keeping our best faculty than hiring unskilled workers,” he said.

Adams said current tuition rates are “artificially low.” He will meet with Gov. Sonny Perdue to discuss increases.

“Tell me an education at the University of South Carolina is worth $4,000 more than an education here, or that an education at Alabama is worth $3,000 more,” he said, eliciting laughs from the audience.

April Green, a women’s studies major, asked Adams about the conditions of the Benson Building, which houses the Women’s Studies Institute, citing its “black mold, rats and insects.”

Adams said he recognized her concern as a priority for the administration, but he said there is no available space for the program to use.

“We are literally bursting at the seams,” he said. The administration is considering leasing a space while they figure out a long-term plan, he said.

On concealed weapons, he said: “I’m a firm believer in keeping firearms off campus. I don’t think that guns and alcohol and 18-year-olds in the KA [Kappa Alpha] house is a good combination. I could insert some others in there as well.”

Chris Chiego, a senior majoring in International Affairs, said the program is suffering from too few teachers and classes.

Adams said he knew the program was in great need, but in the past five years no school or college has received more money than International Affairs.

Other students raised questions about hate crimes on campus.

“We will persecute and prosecute anyone that engages in [hate crimes],” Adams said.

He said he wanted to address issues immediately and referred students to Stephen Shewmaker, director of the Office of Legal Affairs.