Four freshmen to the hospital and three welfare checks? It makes us sad to say we're not surprised.
The alcohol consumption that happens at colleges and universities across the nation — not just DePauw — has been historically viewed in its own category. It's hard and fast. And it's socially encouraged.
Regardless of educational efforts like Party House, a new student's conception of drinking as a status symbol is hard to push aside in a setting that cries desperately for being cool and fitting in.
It takes time to be comfortable enough to reject those pressures — even on DePauw's intimate campus where drinking is arguably not a factor in social status.
The first weekend on campus adds a dangerous mix of eagerness freedom. Even the most sheltered student may feel brave enough to partake without the watchful eyes of parents or older siblings.
Blurry or unknown physical limits were pushed and will continue to be pushed by students of all ages — that seems to be a given. Of course, we're glad that those who needed help received it and were safe in the long run.
Public Safety has continually proved an invaluable resource to this community. It has garnered a reputation as student-friendly, even while fighting an uphill battle as campus enforcers. Students should never be afraid to call Public Safety, and not just in alcohol-related emergencies.
Taking all of this into consideration, it is unsurprising, but also encouraging, that President Casey has joined in a national effort to discuss the issue.
But, like Dean of Students Cindy Babbington said, it's hard to create answers to a problem that is highly contextual and surveys respondents who don't seem to care about the answers.
Speaking in the college-style-consumption context, we understand learning the limits of consumption is a process unique to every individual.
The elusive part of the equation for those concerned is just what makes students on this campus, and so many others across the country, reach for the handle of hard liquor instead of the bottle of beer.
Students stereotypically answer: "To get drunk" (duh). But answers become fuzzier when addressing black-outs and dangerously drunk friends who are left to "sleep it off."
To President Casey, Dean Babington and the rest of the team at DePauw collaborating with the members of the Learning Collaborative on High-Risk Drinking: good luck.
If you find concrete answers and a solution that works, you'll probably be some of the first.
For more information on the Leanring Collaborative on High-Risk Drinking, read the cover-page story
