Underage Drinking: A Constant issue

by Heather Riley
edited by Erica Jordan

This past weekend kept campus safety busy after being called to deal with 8 separate incidents that were filed all of which were alcohol-related. 

Alcohol consumption on campus is a bigger issue with students that are under the legal drinking age than it is with students that are over twenty-one. “Quite a number of students do it, it’s the drug of choice,” said Stuart Mitchell, Director of Campus Safety.  The weekends seem to be when most of the trouble takes places. “I feel that underage drinking is not just a problem here at Franklin Pierce, it happens everywhere and if campus safety really wanted to crack down on catching students drinking they could,” said sophomore Christa Naso.

When asked about the policies and procedures behind alcohol-related incidents, Mitchell said that a report is always filed and depending on the seriousness of the circumstance, the Rindge Police Department may also have to intervene.  The reports from there are then looked over by student affairs or residential life to determine proper action. Students can face consequences anywhere from “letters of apology to attending alcohol abuse meetings and even probation or suspensions,” said Mitchell. 

Campus safety officers reserve the right to question students whom they believe to be carrying alcohol in their possession.  They can also check bags and backpacks if they feel necessary.  Students who choose not to comply with the officers or the policies of the University are then further questioned.  Officers may then exercise their right to keep students from entering any dry buildings on campus.  Students sometimes feel as though campus safety is too harsh with their punishments. Sophomore Diego Tabares said, “It’s times when students aren’t doing anything wrong that they are harassed by campus security.”

Alcohol consumption is not only an issue here at Franklin Pierce but across the nation.  According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “28% of youth’s age 12 to 20 years drank alcohol and about 1,700 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries.  The reports also show that alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs. In efforts to enforce the drinking policies on their college campus, the Center for Substance Abuse Program (CSAP) at Towson University of Maryland “has implemented a multi-level, alcohol awareness, education, and prevention approach that is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students.”

Campus safety is doing their best to try and cut down on as much underage drinking as possible here at Franklin Pierce as well.  One of the ways in which they exercise this is by stamping students who are under 21 when attending registered ‘social gatherings’ at Lakeview, Northwood or the Mt.View apartments. “Registered parties this year have been very well received,” said Mitchell.  According to the mission statement for campus safety, it is their objective to ‘providing an environment conducive to living, learning and working.’ The safety of students comes first and by cracking down on alcohol consumption, campus safety is also avoiding other issues that often are a contributing factor of alcohol such as sexual assault, vandalism, fighting and motor vehicle accidents to name a few.

With spring weekend right around the corner campus safety will be on their toes trying to keep the campus under control.  Mitchell quoted the Chief of Police in Rindge, Michael Sielicki as saying, “Don’t invite us to your party.”  As long as everyone is being responsible, “there is no need to have the Rindge Police Department here,” said Mitchell.

For more information about policies and procedures or about reporting any incidents to campus safety contact Stuart Mitchell at extension 4165.