18-year-old Devin Clark is just beginning his first year at Western Technical College and is living on his own for the first time in the dorms.

"We had an orientation the first night we were there and a strict alcohol policy. If you get caught once, you know, you’re done," Clark said.

Clark says he appreciates the fact that if someone is caught drinking or doing drugs in the dorms they will be kicked out.

He says he’s also a fan of a new policy the college put into place this semester called, Parental Notification, which allows administrators to contact the parent or guardian of students who get tickets for underage drinking.

“I think it’s a good policy to have, especially for kids that are out of, or are just away from home," Clark said.

Western Technical College Alcohol and Drug Abuse, or AODA, Specialist Ge Vang says, "We know that within the FERPA law, it allows schools to inform parents and guardians if the violation was drug and alcohol related.”

Vang says college administrators will decide to notify parents on a case-by-case basis.

“If the first time is serious enough, and we feel it’s in the best interest of the student, we reach out to their parent or their guardian to help us," Vang said.

Before the Parental Notification Policy was put in place, only students would get a letter telling them about campus and community resources that are available. Now students and their parents will likely be notified if their student gets an underage drinking ticket.

“As a parent myself, I would want to be notified because one, I think it would allow the parents to help get help if their kids needed it. Or, just be more aware or be more involved in it," said WTC student Heidi Thomson.

"If you’re a student and you’re attached to your parents’ financial strings, then yes, you should answer for it," said WTC student Robert Caulkins. "But if you’re an individual student paying your own way, this policy should definitely not affect that person whatsoever.”

"You know, you’re 18 and you’re pushed out into the world, you should be reliable for yourself and if you do get an underage, it should be your own business," said WTC student Adam Goetzka.

Vang says, "That is a legitimate concern and it’s a sentiment that the majority of the students do share, but as a school, as an institution, we also have a responsibility to the students and their parents when those young folks come to our college.”

And Vang hopes the policy makes students think twice before they drink if they’re underage.

"It’s all about safety, you know, keeping kids safe," Clark said.

And Clark says he’s glad the college is looking out for him as he starts school.

Vang says once the school year is over, they’ll measure the effectiveness of the program and make changes, if need be, from there.