2008 Woodie Awards
Event offers alternative to college drinking scene
Issue date: 3/18/05 Section: Opinion
In an effort to deter students from partaking in the weekend ritual of consuming alcoholic beverages, Slippery Rock University sponsored an All Campus Alcohol-Free Mix-Off last night.
It is no secret that students at colleges and universities across the country drink at bars, parties or at their apartments. At times, drinking alcohol can have dangerous consequences, especially when alcohol is consumed in such large quantities.
SRU has done much over the past few years to discourage students, especially those underage, from joining in the alcoholic party scene. By providing alternatives, such as the All Campus Alcohol-Free Mix-Off, the message that social events can be fun without drinking alcohol is conveyed.
We at The Rocket feel the university has taken the right steps in recognizing that by offering students an alternative to drinking, the campus and students will be better off.
Through the Late Night Programming Committee, money is made available for student organizations to sponsor events occurring from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Because Slippery Rock is a small town with very few options, these events are often the only other choice students have to going out and drinking.
The All Campus Alcohol-Free Mix-Off encouraged students to have fun in a party-like atmosphere, while showing they did not need alcohol to enhance their experience. It is important that students are given choices because when they only have the option to go to a party, it is hard to say no. Who wants to sit alone in his or her room all night?
It is not realistic to think all students will take advantage of these events, nor should they. Students who are of age and who drink responsibly don't necessarily need an alternative. However, there are actually students older than 21 who either do not drink, or do not want to drink every single night.
It may still be a hard choice for a student to decide to go to an alcohol-free mixer rather than a party where alcohol is served, but as these events become more frequent, more students will probably choose to attend.
Events like the All Campus Alcohol-Free Mix-Off provide a much-needed alternative to the alcoholic social scene prevalent on so many college campuses. Hopefully in the future students will have more than just two options for what to do on their free nights.
It is no secret that students at colleges and universities across the country drink at bars, parties or at their apartments. At times, drinking alcohol can have dangerous consequences, especially when alcohol is consumed in such large quantities.
SRU has done much over the past few years to discourage students, especially those underage, from joining in the alcoholic party scene. By providing alternatives, such as the All Campus Alcohol-Free Mix-Off, the message that social events can be fun without drinking alcohol is conveyed.
We at The Rocket feel the university has taken the right steps in recognizing that by offering students an alternative to drinking, the campus and students will be better off.
Through the Late Night Programming Committee, money is made available for student organizations to sponsor events occurring from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Because Slippery Rock is a small town with very few options, these events are often the only other choice students have to going out and drinking.
The All Campus Alcohol-Free Mix-Off encouraged students to have fun in a party-like atmosphere, while showing they did not need alcohol to enhance their experience. It is important that students are given choices because when they only have the option to go to a party, it is hard to say no. Who wants to sit alone in his or her room all night?
It is not realistic to think all students will take advantage of these events, nor should they. Students who are of age and who drink responsibly don't necessarily need an alternative. However, there are actually students older than 21 who either do not drink, or do not want to drink every single night.
It may still be a hard choice for a student to decide to go to an alcohol-free mixer rather than a party where alcohol is served, but as these events become more frequent, more students will probably choose to attend.
Events like the All Campus Alcohol-Free Mix-Off provide a much-needed alternative to the alcoholic social scene prevalent on so many college campuses. Hopefully in the future students will have more than just two options for what to do on their free nights.
