ELIZABETH LEE/ DAILY NEXUS
MIP, DUI and that damn curb — keeping your record clean
As a Gaucho, you or one of your friends may get a Minor in Possession in these next four years, but what does this mean, and how does it affect you?
A Minor in Possession (MIP) is a legal offense that occurs when a person under the legal drinking age is found in possession of alcohol. To avoid an MIP, do not drink under the age of 21 (of course, no UC Santa Barbara student would ever do that). And if you do drink, do so at home or in a private space.
A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a legal offense that occurs when a person operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This is a far more serious offense, and let me tell you, it’s not pretty. Just this past weekend, I had the pleasure of bailing a good friend out of jail for a DUI. If spending 13 hours in a jail cell doesn’t scare you, maybe the massive fines will. Driving under the influence not only risks your own life but everyone else’s on the road. Don’t be that person.
Lastly, sitting on the curb. By winter quarter, you’ve hopefully been told never to sit on the curb in Isla Vista, and I really hope you’ve listened. If you lay your ass down on that curb, you are at risk of being charged with public intoxication. So, I highly suggest you walk over to Wingstop and order a nice meal because the only thing coming out faster than those wings are the cops waiting for you by that curb.
If you find yourself in any such situation, the Associated Students Legal Resource Center located in the back of the Pardall Center is here to help you. They offer free legal services and consultations to all UCSB students. If you ever find yourself dealing with an MIP, or any other legal trouble, I’d recommend stopping by.
Why do I feel like shit right now??
This quarter is brutal for many. The days are shorter, the weather sucks and the excitement from Christmas is long gone. To make matters worse, everyone seems to be getting sick.
So if you’re feeling under the weather, don’t tough it out alone. The Student Health Center has you covered, and if you have UC SHIP Insurance, most services should be covered. Some of the services they offer include:
- Lab tests
- General medical appointments
- Vaccinations
- Prescriptions
Pro tip: DayQuil, NyQuil and even toothbrushes are way cheaper at the Student Health Service Pharmacy located just outside the Student Health Center, and you can even charge it to your BARC account.
If your struggles are in the realm of mental health, consider making an appointment with Counseling & Psychological Services. Stress, anxiety and burnout are real, and asking for help is okay. Taking that first step can feel daunting, but trust me when I tell you it’s worth it. Whether it is your first time in college or not, you need to recognize that you are doing a lot, and sometimes it’s too much. Take 10 minutes a day just for yourself, and remember to breathe.
Why is my grade showing 40%???
Hate to break it to you, but this one might be on you. That being said, there are steps you can take to keep your GPA from tanking.
First, we recommend weighing the pros and cons of dropping this class. Check your syllabus. Are there still major assignments, midterms or a final exam left that could significantly improve your score? If yes, it’s time to lock in. Start by reviewing past exams, catching up on readings and figuring out where you’ve been losing points. If your professor or TA provides study guides, office hours or review sessions, attend them.
If your grade is beyond saving, consider dropping the class. Ask yourself: Can you retake it in a future quarter without delaying graduation? Are you still within the drop deadline (check GOLD)? Will this affect your major, financial aid or academic standing?
If you decide to drop, try to do it by the drop deadline to avoid a “W” on your transcript. If you’re unsure, meet with an academic advisor, but be sure to corroborate with other sources as well. And if dropping isn’t an option, you still have a chance to pull off an academic comeback.
Use Campus Learning Assistance Services for tutoring classes and drop-in hours, join the Snapchat class group chats posted and actually go to office hours. Who knows, you might end up getting to know your TA or Professors; they are cool people too.
Remember: this isn’t the end. That 40% is rough, but it’s not impossible to fix it. Put in the work now, and save future you.
A version of this article appeared on p. 9 of the February 6, 2025 edition of the Daily Nexus.
