A three-year comparison of judicial cases shows a decrease in alcohol-related offenses among Ohio University students ' but officials say high-risk behavior is still a problem.
With steeper academic sanctions, a $100 fine and intensified interventions since 2006, OU has experienced a drop in alcohol-related offenses. The number of alcohol offenses has gone from 1,597 in 2005-06 to 764 in 2007-08.
Are they continuing to drink? Yes ' I don't think we expected that students would abstain
said Judy Piercy, director of Residence Life. My opinion is that students are being more thoughtful about their decisions about drinking.
While the judicial numbers are changing, surveys show that the average OU student consumes 13 drinks on an average night out, Vice President for Student Affairs Kent Smith said.
We're not after 'don't drink' Smith said, adding that he understands college students are going to drink. We're after reducing high-risk behavior that leads to sexual assault and social and academic problems.
Terry Koons, the associate director of Health Promotion, said students are considering the consequences of their decisions about drinking, especially underage students who live in the residence halls where they are more likely to get caught.
They're thinking 'If I still want to drink then maybe I'll go off campus'
Koons said.
Koons said that while high-risk alcohol use continues, the student survey shows that some students are using slightly more restraint. The number of drinks per week decreased by two last year and the incidence of drinking at least three times a week went down by 12 percent.
Future plans for managing high-risk drinking include stepping up educational programs and campaigning efforts. The office of Health Promotion is currently working on a plan to enhance alcohol education that will be presented to Smith within the next few weeks.
A new marijuana policy is in the works for the 2008 school year, as marijuana offenses are not following the same trend as alcohol.
According to judiciary numbers, marijuana offenses increased in 2006-07 from 261 to 328, but then decreased to 218 for 2008.
The new judicial response to marijuana offenses will make the sanctions equal to alcohol and provide the same level of care in intervention services.
The whole goal is to help those who are having problems so they don't have to leave the institution
said Koons.
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Natalie LaConte
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