How do you change the culture of alcohol on campus? Elon’s Presidential Task Force on Alcohol made a series of recommendations to school leaders this winter, from opening an on-campus venue for alcohol to requiring incoming freshman to enroll in 19 credit hours. The first of two forums to discuss the suggestions brought more ideas to the table.
Three dozen students, faculty members, administrators and staff offered thoughts on alcohol and ways to stem abuse on March 13 in a Moseley Center conference room where President Leo M. Lambert led a discussion on the task force’s work.
Some of the suggestions in the task force’s report are in the process of being implemented: for instance, the College Alc program required of all incoming freshman, who take the online course before arriving to campus.
The course load for freshmen, and the possible availability of alcohol in campus facilities, were two widely discussed ideas. Students said that 19 credit hours could be a double-edged sword – while more class work affords less time to drink, it can also add stress for freshman, thereby creating a stronger desire to consume alcohol.
There was also concern that adding additional credit hours would discourage students from exploring campus organizations and extracurricular activities. But professors in the meeting pointed to a benefit of that limitation: students would become more engaged in select activities, rather than spread minimal time out to several groups.
Many students and faculty were in agreement that on-campus venues for alcohol might be beneficial. If professors, administrators and staff were seen using alcohol in a responsible manner, the habits could potentially be passed along to students.
Meredith Gulley, a sophomore at Elon, told the room that she believes that the university allowing alcohol at a limited number of establishments may reduce the levels of beer and liquor purchased elsewhere.
“If students aren’t buying drinks individually, they’re going out and buying them in bulk (with 12-packs or more),” she said. “And that just gives you more incentive to finish it by the end of the night.”
Attendees at the forum discussed topics not mentioned in the report. Some professors expressed concern that students try to avoid courses that meet on Fridays, which allows them to start the weekend on Thursday nights. By encouraging instructors to schedule more classes on Fridays, Elon could take away an extra night that some students use to party.
Campus leaders said that while relaxation is important given the stress of a rigorous academic program, it is important not to use free time to engage in negative behaviors.
“College is a not a time of leisure,” Lambert said. “Don’t approach these four years where leisure and fun and irresponsibility is your first priority.”
The last forum to discuss the suggestions from the task force is scheduled for March 19 at 4 p.m. in Room 215 in the Moseley Center.
The full report of the Presidential Task Force on Alcohol is posted on the Blackboard entry screen under Elon Community Information.