Six students were evicted from residence halls and moved out within the first two weeks of school, according to Residence Life officials.

“”The students were evicted for drugs, specifically marijuana,”” said Patrick Call, associate director of campus for Residence Life. “”Unfortunately, some choices that these students have made resulted in consequences.””

In fall 2005, a total of 55 students were kicked out of their dorms, the highest number of evictions in three years. Forty-five of those evictions were for drug possession, Call said.

Spencer Orenstein, a pre-business freshman, said he was evicted Aug. 30 for an infraction filed Aug. 24 at Kaibab-Huachuca Residence Hall.

Orenstein said he and a friend were caught smoking marijuana outside the hall, where he lived.

After finishing, the two returned inside the dorm, but they were followed by resident assistants who smelled a suspicious scent. When Orenstein returned to his room, the RAs phoned the University of Arizona Police Department, who knocked on Orenstein’s door and found Orenstein in possession of marijuana, paraphernalia and 10 cans of beer.

Orenstein’s roommate, who was present in the room, was written up, Orenstein said. Orenstein was evicted, and his parents were notified.

“”I think (calling the parents) is horrible,”” Orenstein said. “”If the student doesn’t want their parents to be told, then they shouldn’t be. Everyone here is over 18, and it’s personal. I always planned on telling my parents, but the fact that they did too was absurd and unnecessary.””

Orenstein said he understands that he broke the law, but he believes the RAs reacted too dramatically to his activities.

“”We were breaking the rules, but we weren’t causing any harm,”” Orenstein said. “”(The RAs) called the cops first. We weren’t even approached or warned. I wish we had. I would have admitted to everything.””

Call said students who smoke or drink in the dorms have already been warned because residence life officials make clear that certain behaviors are unacceptable.

“”In my perfect world, folks would heed all the warnings we gave them at orientation and when they check in,”” Call said, referencing forms students sign regarding guidelines for eviction. “”We try to be proactive and fit for success, but unfortunately, there are people that ignore us.””

Although UAPD will not release the number of calls they receive to residence halls until January, officer Andrew Valenzuela said there have been “”several calls answered,”” and the figure is similar to previous years.

Call said he is optimistic this year’s evictions will be considerably lower than last year’s.

“”This is one of those things that is word of mouth,”” Call said. “”A lot of people hear that we mean what we say and that we’re going to do what we threaten to do. Once people start seeing that, they start thinking twice about their behavior.””

Orenstein, who has since found an off-campus apartment, said although he made a mistake, what led to his eviction may not have been fair.

“”I didn’t think the policy was too harsh, but the fact that the RAs followed me and my friend to my room because we smelled funny is ridiculous,”” Orenstein said.

Call said he believes that all of the campus’ policies on drug use and evictions are just.

“”I want students to have the best academic experience that they can,”” Call said. “”You don’t need to have alcohol or drugs as a part of your college experience. Avoid a lot of trouble for you, your community and your parents. In the long run, it’s not worth it.””