Student Drinking Incidents Allegedly On Rise

With the beginning of the current semester, the administration and staff of Trinity began more stringently enforcing alcohol policies for underage students than in years past. While the stricter enforcement on social life were recognized and criticized immediately by students upon returning to campus, the college is now able to evaluate the effects of the new enforcement policies.

In a recent e-mail to the Trinity community, Campus Safety addressed an increase in the number of students transported to Hartford Hospital and treated by TCERT for overconsumption of alcohol. According to Brian Kelly, Director of Campus Safety, in September of last year, three students were transported to Hartford Hospital and none were treated by TCERT; an increase in the number of students needing medical attention was apparent this last September, with two students being transported to the hospital and six being treated by TCERT. There was a similar increase the month of October; in 1998, one student was brought to the hospital and none required the aid of TCERT. Last month, three students were transported to Hartford Hospital and five were treated and released by TCERT.

Vice President of Student Services Sharon Herzberger argued that the apparent increase may not actually exist, stating, "We have not had an accurate way of tracking the numbers. TCERT has changed it methods for tracking data quite drastically. Secondly, there was confusion about the confidentiality of TCERT last October, before an e-mail addressing the issue was sent out by Dean of Students Mary Thomas and Amy Howard, so many incidents may have gone unreported." Herzberger then added that property damages have decreased significantly since the beginning of this semester.

Herzberger also questioned the assertion that drinking in private rooms has increased. "There is no evidence to show that. We have always been concerned with students drinking in their rooms. I hope students will find something better to do with their time."

Speculating on the causes for the apparent increase of students needing medical treatment, Kelly stated that, "There are not more students drinking, but more drinking hard alcohol. Students who must treated are not consuming large quantities of beer, but whiskey."

Addressing the differences in social life at Trinity that may be related to the apparent increase, Kelly stated, "It was difficult for students to get drunk at Party Barn events, considering the line. Students are now using their own resources to get alcohol and consume it before events. Students are finding different ways to get it and become sick from it."

Kelly concluded that Campus Safety officers are glad that TCERT is being utilized by the student body, stating, "People seem to be getting the message that treatment is more important than disciplinary action."

Kelly commented that while the need for medical treatment has risen, "We have to follow the law and the wishes of parents. Trying to balance it is at best quite difficult."

Explaining why the stricter enforcement policies were implemented this semester, Herzberger stated, "Last year we had the same regulations, with the amount of alcohol at every event based on the number of legal drinkers expected. What we found was that it wasn't working; they were draining the kegs much too quickly. What that suggested was that students who shouldn't have access to alcohol were drinking or that those of age were drinking too rapidly. This system was based upon the logic that those who were of age could drink a reasonable amount of alcohol. We're not trying to make this a dry campus."

Darrell Claiborne, Associate Director of Student Activities And Campus Centers (OSACC) , emphasized that the alcohol policies "have not been changed...they're being enforced."

Addressing the increase in students requiring medical aid, Claiborne stated "I don't believe it's a direct correlation. That would mean because we are not allowing those underage to drink we are forcing them to drink in their rooms. I don't buy that."

One of the new requirements implemented by OSACC that social groups must meet this semester include the presence of two monitors from the organization hosting the party and two officers, either from Campus Safety or the Police Department, at the event. Also required to be present at events is a professional bartending staff that checks the age of each student requesting alcohol. Claiborne explains that these policies are intended to assist organizations by removing from them the liability of serving underage drinkers.

In addition, students who are of age now receive tickets which they exchange for drinks; Herzberger states that the number of tickets represents "what an adult drinking socially might consume over a certain period of time."

Besides the stricter enforcement of alcohol policies by the college, Kelly observed that several student organizations appear to having a more difficult time obtaining temporary licenses from the Liquor Commission than they had previously. Kelly explains, "Their job is to enforce the laws of Connecticut. Because there are a large number of students under age at the college, there are inherent conflicts in the application process."

In order to obtain a temporary permit, a completed application must be submitted and processed fourteen business days before the event; the permittee must be over 21 and possess a valid CT ID or submit a notarized letter from the chief of police in their home town attesting to no criminal record Any organization wishing to host an event where alcohol is provided for a fee must obtain a temporary liquor license.

Kosuke Ikeda '00, President of Psi U, stated that his organization applied for one temporary license to date and had no problem obtaining it. He said, "The deadline for the application was moved ahead, but that shouldn't be a problem for any organization planning for an event in advance."

Claiborne noted that no group has yet been declined a permit, except for the upcoming Salsarengue event. Claiborne emphasized that each event is evaluated by OSACC on a "case by case" basis to determine whether the organization will be allowed to serve alcohol at an event without a temporary liquor permit. Claiborne stated, "If they demonstrate that they tried to apply for their license, we will allow them to have an event with alcohol."

According to Claiborne, "We are trying to obtain a college permit for the Vernon Social Center." This would relieve student organizations from obtaining a temporary liquor permit or purchasing beer and wine for each event. "Organizations would then be free to use their funds to provide certain activities, entertainment, or food to make their event more attractive to students," added Claiborne.

Addressing possible solutions to student discontent with the alcohol policies, Kelly stated, "I would personally favor five or six smaller gatherings on campus with strict adherence to the law. I'm not sure why social organizations do not get together to plan more events, disallowing charging at the door. Larger events are troubled because the whole campus descends on one place."

Herzberger stated, "We will be seeing more about that in the next few weeks. Primarily, students should realize that they don't need alcohol to be happy. What I and Darrell Claiborne are trying to do is coordinate trips and cultural excursions that interest students and provide an alternative to those who don't care to drink."

"The ultimate goal," concluded Claiborne, " is that alcohol will be available in a socially responsible manner."