The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: Healthcare

"Jello shots" made of gelatin mixed with hard liquor are familiar to many collegians

The percentage of undergraduate students drinking alcohol on college campuses in New Jersey has increased significantly in the past five years. Every year there have been more reported alcohol-related accidents.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism about 1,700 college students die each year from alcohol related injuries.

The William Paterson University crime log reports that 104 students in 2004 were referred for student discipline for infringing liquor laws; in 2006 that number rose to 135 and seven were arrested.

"There are a lot of college freshmen for whom it is their first time away from home," said Scott Corey, former William Paterson student, "They don't fully comprehend the consequences of their actions."

Students see drinking as a social activity to pass time. It is easy for underage college students to obtain alcohol from upperclassmen and when liquor stores that do not ask students for identification.

The William Paterson Public Safety Department is strict on students who are underage and caught on campus drinking. According to the William Paterson student handbook, students who are underage and in possession of alcohol may have disciplinary action taken against them and/or the students involved obtaining the alcohol.

"It is ridiculously easy for underage students to obtain alcohol," said Ryan Siss, Nyack College junior. "I am old enough to buy alcohol and there is truly nothing stopping me from turning around and giving it to underage students in my dorm."

Some students find drinking on campus to be just part of the college experience. The students claim it is something for them to do on the weekends when no other activity is available.

"Drinking is just part of the college experience," said Tim Mchue, junior at Nyack College. "Without drinking I would have nothing to do with my free time."

Drinking on campus has jeopardized some student's chance for academic support. The William Paterson Public Safety is very strict on students who are underage and caught on campus drinking.

Depending on the situation, drinking can become a legal issue. It is in the handbook that students must abide by the William Paterson alcoholic beverage policy as well as any state, federal, or municipal laws associated with possession of alcohol. This means that William Paterson can bring a drinking case to a higher level of discipline.

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