Alcohol use remains a top concern for ASU health officials, but the University still doesn't have an alcohol use policy.
"We are looking at developing an alcohol policy," said Mary Rimsza, director of ASU's Health and Wellness Center. "Alcohol use is mentioned in a number of different policies, but there's not really an alcohol policy per se."
Structuring guidelines for appropriate consumption will become especially important next semester when six fraternities move into the Adelphi Commons residence hall.
"When the fraternities live on campus, there will be no drinking allowed," Rimsza said.
As for other campus housing, "the reality is that not many people are 21 and living in residence halls, but if you are 21 and living in some residence halls, you can drink in your room," she added. Rimsza couldn't specify which halls permit drinking for those who are of age.
Rimsza sits on the Student Affairs Alcohol Policy Review Committee.
The committee was established in November by Student Affairs Vice President Juan Gonzalez to review the influence of alcohol in relation to campus activities.
"[We're] trying to reduce the amount of high-risk drinking, but also to have a more campus-wide approach ... so it's not quite so piecemeal," Rimsza said.
But the health center is participating in other efforts to mitigate the effects of irresponsible drinking behaviors.
The center gives presentations to classes, student organizations, the Greek community and in residence halls, said Karen Moses, assistant director of health education for the Health and Wellness Center.
This year, the center also provided alcohol education for all student workers in the Student Recreation Complex.
"We evaluate our programs from time to time and what we are learning, from those that actually participate in the education, is that it appears to have a positive influence on their health behavior," she said.
Every two years, the center collects data on alcohol use and trends on campus by administering the National College Health Assessment. Data collected during the spring 2002 semester reflected that alcohol consumption rose since 2000.
More than 40 percent of the 1,128 students surveyed in 2002 reported having consumed five or more drinks in the past two weeks, compared with 33.9 percent of the 1,070 students surveyed in 2000.
When asked what types of protective measures had been taken when consuming alcohol, 41.3 percent of those surveyed in 2002 reported using a designated driver five or more times in the previous year, compared with 50.7 percent of respondents in 2000.
Still, Moses said she remains optimistic that health center strategies are effective.
Moses is the coordinator for Safe Spring Break Sendoff, an event that will be held on campus on Tuesday, March 9. The event will educate students about acting and drinking responsibly during spring break.
Reach the reporter at michael.miklofsky@asu.edu.
