With the end of the school year approaching, many students find themselves celebrating a little early in preparation for Spring Break and summer.

“This is the time of year most referrals happen,” Mark Whitesel, associate dean and director for student conduct, said.

The three most common referrals are alcohol, disorderly conduct and drugs, Whitesel said.

The three-strike policy is well known at Georgia Southern University, but students should be aware that other common violations hold different consequences.

Academic dishonesty is another common violation around this time of year due to midterms and finals. This holds a more severe punishment such as suspension or expulsion, even for first time offenders, according to the student handbook.

This also holds true with drug violations.

First year students tend to get the most referrals because of adjustment of school, being away from home and freedom. These all contribute to why many freshmen find themselves upstairs in the Russell Union talking to Student Conduct, Whitesel said.

It is also important for students to familiarize themselves with the Student Handbook because any violations made under the Student Code of Conduct can be reviewed or appealed.

Although the numbers of referrals has gone down with the increasing school size, and the most dangerous violations are few and far between, it is still important for students to stay out of trouble, Whitesel said.

A trip to Student Conduct can stay on your record and may affect your chances of transferring and study abroad opportunities, while reducing the overall experience of college.