News
Ricotta briefs FSEC on student alcohol use
-
Print -
Comments
-
“But it [alcohol use] is certainly a problem and it is probably the No. 1 problem on a college campus when it come to students—no surprises there.”
While fewer UB students binge drink or consume alcohol than their peers at colleges nationwide, alcohol abuse remains a problem here, Barbara Ricotta, associate vice president for campus life, told the Faculty Senate Executive Committee at its Wednesday meeting.
“It’s no surprise that alcohol is a problem at UB,” Ricotta said by way of introduction. “It’s a problem at every college campus in the country and if you hear it isn’t, you should be shocked. And I will say, though, before I start, that it is less of a problem here than at some of our colleagues (institutions). But it is certainly a problem and it is probably the No. 1 problem on a college campus when it come to students—no surprises there.”
In the 2007-08 academic year, the latest year for which statistics were available, UB reported 86 alcohol-related hospitalizations among students, Ricotta said. These visits typically are limited to an overnight stay, involving students who cannot take care of themselves and could choke on their vomit or otherwise endanger themselves if left alone.
Also in 2007-08, 285 alcohol-related incidents were reported in UB residence halls and apartments, ranging from possession of alcohol to alcohol-fueled vandalism or aggression. Ninety percent of all damage to property on campus is alcohol-related, Ricotta noted. The Student-Wide Judiciary, which helps handle violations of university rules and regulations, charged 51 students for driving drunk between 2005-06 and 2007-08.
This academic year, UB is experiencing fewer alcohol-related problems, she said, noting that UB-sponsored late-night activities, such as movies, poker tournaments and parties—all alcohol-free—generally are drawing higher attendance than in past years.
Still, Student Affairs staffers continue to work with colleagues across the campuses to address substance abuse, Ricotta said. A Student of Concern Committee comprising such stakeholders as residence halls and health services staff meets weekly to coordinate individualized responses to support students identified as struggling. Problem drinkers are encouraged to attend counseling sessions. Students receive information on alcohol awareness and drinking responsibly through many different campus programs.
When staff discover a student house party advertised on campus or listed on Facebook, Ricotta said, UB has contacted police to give notice of the event and sent letters to residents letting them know, “We know that you have a party scheduled for Friday night at 9 o’clock, and we’ll be watching your house. So act responsibly. We got a couple nasty emails from students about it, something about Big Brother,” she said.
“We have worked hard in the past couple of years to get some of our bars around the South Campus to close for certain underage students, and that has created a house party problem for us,” she added.
Reader Comments