The University has removed five students from residence halls for violating Residence Hall License Agreements this year, said David Pine, director of GW’s Student Judicial Services. Of these, two freshmen were removed and six had cancellations deferred.

GW removed the same number of students from on-campus housing last year at this time.

Ten other students have been deferred from removal, which is the equivalent of behavioral probation, Pine said. If any student violates University policy during the deferral period, removal from their residence hall is the minimum punishment, according to SJS rules.

The numbers this year are consistent with previous years, Pine said.

Pine also said the University’s zero tolerance for alcohol or drug offenders is not new nor is it in response to housing issues, referring to rumors that the University is cracking down on freshmen residence halls, especially in Thurston Hall in light of its overcrowded on-campus housing.

Twenty-eight students were housed in the State Plaza Hotel and Thurston’s study lounges bunked 32 students to make up for the shortage of beds on campus. On Friday, all but seven students in temporary housing had found permanent on-campus housing, said Andrew Sonn, associate director for Housing Services.

Pine said, drug violations are the number-one cause of Residence Hall License cancellations. Alcohol violations are second-largest cause.

The University does not, and has not, tolerated the illegal use of drugs or controlled substances or the misuse of alcohol on University premises, Pine said. The primary motivation for separating a student from campus housing is protecting the greater community.

Students with cancelled license agreements must find off-campus housing, according to GW policy.

Housing Services and SJS help students find new housing when they are removed from a residence hall, both Sonn and Pine said.

Students are welcome to make use of our resources, Sonn said. Though the housing market in D.C. is tight, this time of the year makes it a little easier for students to find a place to live.

Pine said students are the ones ultimately responsible for their living status on campus.

Students are informed of University policies during (Colonial Inauguration), he said. I believe students should be free to make their own informed decisions regarding their behavior and should be held accountable for their behavior.