Will a Change Do Us Good?
A STUDY INTO BELOIT COLLEGE’S ALCOHOL POLICY
Carmen Dahlberg
Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin

Abstract

In the last year, there were more than 1,200 alcohol-induced deaths and more than 600,000 alcohol-related injuries on college campuses(5). Of the student population, 84% said they drink during the year(9). The correlation between alcohol policies and the number of alcohol-related incidents is presented. To do this I investigated Grinnell College and Knox College’s number of alcohol-related incidents last year in comparison with Beloit’s, and then compared that information with their policies. This investigation showed that in comparison with other colleges, Beloit’s policy is as effective as similar colleges. Beloit College’s alcohol policy may be reevaluated if there is an increase in alcohol-related incidents.

Introduction

Alcohol is the primary “drug of choice” for American college students(3). A Harvard School of Public Health survey of 17,592 college students concerning alcohol consumption found 84% reported drinking during the school year(9). In 2005, 86% of colleges chose to ban underage alcohol consumption on campus, 10% allowed alcohol consumption in certain locations, and only 4% allowed drinking on campus(7). I hypothesized that these campus policies are correlated to the more than 1,700 alcohol-related deaths or 600,000 alcohol- related injuries in 2005(3). Beloit College’s alcohol policy has become a topic of debate as the number of alcohol-related incidents has risen. My hypothesis was that in comparison with other colleges, Beloit’s policy is more effective in reducing the number of alcohol- related incidents. This poster will promote awareness about the alcohol policy among the student population, and explore whether changes in the policy may be needed.

Method

By using peer-reviewed literature, email interviews, phone interviews, and online college policies, I have assessed how college policy may influence alcohol-related incidents.

Table 1: Alcohol Poisonings per campus (1,2,8)

Figure 1: Relative Alcohol Poisonings per Campus

Alcohol: The Wisconsin drinking age is 21 years of age. Beloit College, its students, faculty and staff are subject to all laws of the
State of Wisconsin regarding possession, consumption, sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages. All students are required to show Table 2: Alcohol Incidents per Campus (1,2,8) proof of age when purchasing, or accepting alcoholic beverages on campus. Students who fail to provide this information, use false
information, violate the law and or College policy are liable for disciplinary action.

Beloit

Will a Change Do Us Good?

A STUDY INTO BELOIT COLLEGE’S ALCOHOL POLICY

Carmen Dahlberg
Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin

As an educational institution Beloit College does not promote the use of alcohol nor condone the misuse of alcohol. As adults, students are encouraged to make an informed, responsible decision regarding their use or non use of alcohol. All community members are expected to respect the rights of those individuals who choose not to use alcoholic beverages.

Philosophy: The illegal use or abuse of alcohol is viewed as a violation of College policy. It is our view that the illegal use and/or abuse of alcohol may be detrimental to students’ health, safety, and academic success. As an educational institution, we place a great deal of responsibility on you, the student. The decision to use or not use should be yours and yours alone. Any sort of peer pressure to use alcohol violates the norms of the college community. For those who do choose to use, Beloit College expects you to drink responsibly. In order to ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone, irresponsible behavior should be confronted by the entire College community, including students, faculty, and staff (2).

Knox

Knox College encourages students to make responsible decisions concerning the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Consumption of alcoholic beverages, within the limits of state and local law, may be permitted on campus in accordance with College policies, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to alcohol.

If alcohol is consumed on campus or at a College event, it is expected that such consumption is in compliance with college policies and regulations, is not abusive, does not violate the rights of roommates or others, and does not lead to conduct that is disorderly, disruptive, or destructive. Any violation of the alcohol policy or regulations for social events with alcohol shall be subject to disciplinary action by the college.

• キ  The legal age for possession and consumption of alcohol in the State of Illinois is 21.
• キ  Students of legal drinking age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in individual residents’ rooms in

  residence halls, fraternity houses, and living units.

• キ  Purchasing alcohol for, or providing alcohol to those under the legal age to consume alcohol, 21, is prohibited.
• キ  Alcohol may only be purchased with private funds. Student organization funds, Student Activity Fees funds, the combined funds of members of organizations (including fraternities or sororities), or funds of outside agencies shall not be used to acquire alcoholic beverages.

キ All use of common containers (including kegs) of alcohol on campus or at related functions is prohibited unless dispensed by a licensed third party vendor such as the Knox College Food Service.

• キ  Drinking games are prohibited.
• キ  The possession and consumption of alcohol is limited to designated areas of living units and to other campus locations specifically authorized for that purpose.

• キ  The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in a public place on campus is prohibited.
• キ  Open containers are prohibited in public spaces of residential areas including suite common space, living rooms, corridors, stairwells, porches, etc.

キ Open containers are prohibited outdoors including roadways, parking lots, walkways, lawns, and steps or porches of buildings unless at an approved social event that complies with state and local liquor laws and has been authorized by the Dean of Students.
キ Alcohol is prohibited at any membership recruitment or membership training activity of any club or organization.

Social events in residential areas (including fraternity houses and all Knox living units) with alcohol may not be open events, i.e. accessible to all members of the campus. Any social event in a residential area with alcohol must be registered with Student Activities. Forms for this purpose are available from the Campus life office (6).

Grinnell

Figure 2: Relative Alcohol Incidents per Campus

キ Students of legal age (the legal drinking age in Iowa is 21) may not consume alcoholic beverages on college property except in student rooms in residence halls and college owned houses and, when authorized, in the Harris Center Concert Hall, in residence hall lounges, and public space in college owned houses.
キ In some situations, alcoholic beverages may be distributed in residence halls and houses, in Gardner Lounge, and in the Harris Center Concert Hall, by students of legal drinking age, who have followed college policies, state and federal law, to students of legal drinking age. See Agreement for Distribution of Alcohol in residence halls lounges, houses and the Harris Center in the following section.
キ Students may not use or possess alcoholic beverages in academic buildings, the Forum, the PEC, or administrative office buildings.

• キ  There may be no posted, printed, or electronic advertising of alcohol.
• キ  Students may not purchase alcohol on campus nor may fees be charged for the distribution of alcohol on campus.
• キ  Funds collected or distributed by the Student Government Association cannot be used to purchase or to acquire alcoholic beverages.

キ Each resident is responsible for his/her own alcohol-related behavior and that of his/her guest(s) while they are on campus.
キ Intoxication cannot be used as an excuse for violating college rules and regulations.

Results

Though all policies explicitly limit alcohol consumption to those 21 and older, the statistics show that Beloit’s policy is comparable to the other college’s in alcohol poisonings, but with far more reported security incidents.

Discussion

Overall the combination of policy and Security effectiveness at Beloit may be better. The similar number of alcohol poisonings shown in Figure 1 imply that regardless of policy, some alcohol poisonings will occur because all colleges had similar percentages. However, the number of alcohol- related security reports give insight into how Beloit students utilize security personnel in alcohol consumption issues.

The high number of reported incidents shown in Figure 2 means students are comfortable with Security and use them as a resource in situations where alcohol is involved. Most colleges ban alcohol consumption by minors whether due to laws or in an effort to reduce alcohol consumption (7). This study proves that it may not be the most effective route. Having a more liberal policy (2) means that students will drink slowly in the company of friends, rather than drinking large quantities in their rooms quickly, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Also, being open about alcohol consumption allows students to call Security without fear of getting in trouble (1). This may not affect the number of poisonings, but encourages the integration of faculty and students working together in alcohol-related events. Enabling students to feel comfortable and safe on their campus by having a liberal alcohol policy may lower the number of alcohol-related incidents.

All officials who were interviewed reinforced the use of the stated policy. However, the circumstances on college campuses vary greatly, and a useful study would be one comparing stated policies and their enforcement on campuses, and how this affects binge drinking and alcohol poisoning.

This study informs the Beloit campus how effective our policy is in comparison with similar colleges, and reflects how student drinking is monitored for responsible behavior.

References

1. Andrews, Sherry. Grinnell College. Personal Interview conducted February 20th, 2007 2. Beloit College’s Website

http://www.beloit.edu

3. Fowler T, Lifford K, Shelton K, Rice F, Thapar A, Neale MC, McBride A, van den Bree MB. “Exploring the Relationship Between Genetic and Environmental Influences on Initiation and Progression of Substance Abuse.” PubMed (2007) 102(3), pg 413-422.

4. Grinnell College’s Website

http://www.grinnell.edu

5. Klesges R, Mealer C, Klesges L. “Effects of Alcohol Intake on Young Women Social Drinkers.” The American Journal of Clinical 59, pg 805-809

6. Knox College’s Website

http://www.knox.edu

Nutrition (1994) Vol

Alleged violations of the alcohol regulations of the College will be adjudicated by the appropriate judiciary or hearing board as outlined in this Grinnell College Student Handbook (4).

7. Meiman, P. “Alcohol Consumption by College Undergraduates: Current Use and 10-year Trends.” Dartmouth University Press, (1990). 8. Schaff, John. Knox College. Personal interview conducted February 20th, 2007.
9. Wechsler, Henry. “Alcohol and the American College Campus: A Report from the Harvard School of Public Health.” Harvard Press,,

(1996).