Kristina Blesch
JCOM 1130
Underage Drinking
Underage Drinking
Underage drinking is an ongoing issue in Greek systems in the United States. At Utah State University, drinking is used as a party tool and weekend event. However, at other universities it used more as a tradition.
It is typical for other organizations, such as sports teams, affiliated with USU to participate in drinking as well. But with the reputation that comes with joining a Greek organization, there’s more of a focus on drinking in the Greek community.
Housing and Residence Life at USU has often caught people drinking at Greek houses and then coming back on campus, usually to their dorm. This is both against the USU Student Code and the Housing Contract.
Timothy Ledna, head of the Living Learning Community on campus, said that there were 9 alcohol-related incidents within the LLC the first weekend of school.
Three years ago, USU sophomore and Sigma Nu fraternity pledge Michael Starks died in an alcohol and hazing related incident. He was kidnapped by members of Chi Omega and Sigma Nu and was taken to a house off campus. While there, he was painted blue and forced to drink alcohol. He died shortly after of alcohol poisoning.
USU has revised the alcohol policy, making it stricter since this incident.
Ryan Barfuss, USU Wellness Center’s alcohol specialist, is required to speak to all the Greek houses. He helps people know how much alcohol is in a standard drink, how many drinks keep you at a low-risk level and what to do if something goes wrong.
Because of Barfuss’ speech, and recent incidents in the Greek system, students are becoming smarter about drinking and their choices relating to alcohol.
“I personally have been more aware and informed about what I’m drinking and how I drink it. It never occurred to me that I could be drinking more than one standard drink per red cup,” said sophomore Kacie de Jong. “I think it’s a really good thing they are doing policy revisions. It's made people more aware.”
(b.fonda and c.dean)
