Last spring, Salisbury University was thrust unwillingly into the news because students were hosting parties that got out of hand and resulted in party-goers cursing and throwing bottles at police officers.

At least one of the parties was linked to a Web site that sends representatives to parties to take pictures that are later posted. Obviously, SU hopes to avoid such notoriety again this year.

That's why, upon learning that representatives of that Web site may be visiting the area again, university officials and Salisbury Police began to plan and implement preventative measures designed to avoid the raucous, disorderly behavior that was exhibited last year. Letters have been sent to students and parents explaining the consequences of hosting, organizing or attending a party that is affiliated with the Web site in question -- expulsion. Undercover police officers are visiting beer and liquor stores looking for underage customers or adults who might be buying alcohol for minors.

Police and university officials agree students have a right to socialize and have fun. The issue is how students conduct themselves with respect to the rights of others and with respect to the law. The threat of expulsion for any involvement with a party that is attended by a Web site representative is severe, and it underlines the seriousness with which the university and police are approaching this issue.

Students are not above the law, however, and this includes noise levels late in the evening and underage consumption of alcohol. The right of neighbors to a peaceful environment at night takes precedence over partygoers' desire to have loud, raucous fun late into the evening.

The majority of university students know this, and conduct themselves accordingly. It only takes a few organizers, who then influence larger numbers of their peers, to create a situation that can quickly get out of hand. And unfortunately, it's the out-of-control situation that creates the bad public perceptions that plague all university students, guilty or innocent. That's why preventative measures have been put into place, and it's the reason for the harsh consequences of any involvement with such parties.

Some students may view this as having their privileges revoked, yet not see the other side -- their own infringement on the rights of others. Perhaps this is because they are away from home for the first time and have become intoxicated by their first taste of freedom. In addition to the lessons taught in their classrooms at Salisbury University, these students also must learn it is possible to socialize and enjoy themselves without infringing on others -- that's a valuable life lesson that will serve them well as they begin their adult lives.