The University Village at Slippery Rock hosted their third annual Block Party event September 5. Walk of Shame and DJ NUGGET provided entertainment; Babes and Oh My Grill provided food. The event had a B.Y.O.B. policy.
Melanie Snider, 21, a therapeutic recreation senior who attended the event noted, “there was definitely drinking and definitely a lot of smoking pot.” However, she also observed many of students in attendance without drinks, just enjoying the scene.
Police were observed prevalently monitoring both the party as well as on campus, patrolling for underage drinking, students driving under the influence of alcohol, and other illegal activities.
Snider described the security as “really good,” adding that she “liked that their goal was to make sure everyone got home safely.”
According to a recently released 2012 national survey on drug use and health by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, young adults aged 18 to 22 who were enrolled full time in college were more likely than their peers who were not enrolled full time to report current, binge, or heavy drinking.
The report goes on to explain that among full-time college students in 2012, 60.3 percent were current drinkers, 40.1 percent were binge drinkers, and 14.4 percent were heavy drinkers. Among those not enrolled full time in college, these rates were 51.9, 35.0, and 10.7 percent, respectively.
The pattern of higher rates of current alcohol use, binge alcohol use, and heavy alcohol use among full-time college students compared with rates for others aged 18 to 22 has remained consistent over the past ten years.
Recognizing the need of police involvement in liquor control, Slippery Rock University was recently awarded a grant for $40,000 from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. State Representative Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, announced in a press release “I’m glad this grant was given to Slippery Rock University and trust that it will go a long way in helping facilitate safe alcohol use.” Gibbons said “One of the main functions of the PLCB is protecting Pennsylvanians from some of the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.”
If you have a problem with alcohol or drugs, self-help meetings are available to students and the community. A Narcotics Anonymous meeting is available every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church (across from McDonald’s). Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are also available through the Newman Center (adjacent to the McKay Building) and the Presbyterian Church in town. Check them out to see about joining a fellowship of non-drinkers and non-users.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Alcohol Violation Policies
At Slippery Rock University
Underage possession or consumption of alcohol:
1st violation: Censure (written warning) and Alcohol and Other Drug Program 1st Referral
2nd violation: Permanent Disciplinary Probation and Alcohol and Other Drug Program 2nd Referral
3rd violation: Minimum of one semester to maximum of a two-year suspension from the university.
Possession/consumption of alcohol on campus by an individual 21 or older (does not include campus events for which an SRU alcohol permit has been secured):
1st violation: Censure (written warning) and Alcohol and Other Drug Program 1st Referral or alternative sanction.
2nd violation: Permanent Disciplinary Probation and Alcohol and Other Drug Program 2nd Referral or alternative sanction.
3rd offense: Minimum of one semester suspension from the University to a maximum of two years suspension.
Furnishing alcohol to minors:
1st offense: Minimum of one year deferred suspension, assigned educational outreach hours to be completed within the deferred suspension time, Alcohol and Other Drug Program 1st Referral, and $200 hosting fine to a maximum of a two-year suspension.
2nd offense: Minimum of one year suspension from the University to a maximum of a Permanent Dismissal.
By policy, furnishing alcohol to minors includes any situation where an individual gives alcohol to someone under the age of 21, purchases alcohol for someone under the age of 21, or allows anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol on the premises owned or controlled by that person. Under the University Student Code of Conduct, students will be charged with furnishing alcohol to minors in those situations where alcohol is provided to minors without regard for the health and safety of the individuals involved or the peace of the community.
