Drinking on College Campuses

Today, two New Hampshire college officials met to discuss the controversial issues of drinking on college campuses and whether it is, or is not, as bad as most make it out to be.

Anne Lawing, the Senior Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of New Hampshire believes that in the last 20-25 years, alcohol awareness has increased as it became more socially acceptable to talk about it.

Sheila Lambert, the Coordinator of Wellness at Southern New Hampshire University, maintains that perceptions from the media and the surrounding community about college drinking creates a misconception about the amount of alcohol college students consume.

Both Lawing and Lambert agree that drinking has been a part of college campuses since they can remember.

“Students have been drinking as long as we’ve had students,” said Lawing.

However, although drinking is common on college campuses, the two officials believe that it is not something that can be ignored or simply accepted.

“We are concerned about the frightening levels of problems around alcohol,” said Lawing, naming off sexual assault, academic problems, vandalism, drunk driving, and death as just few of the many issues surrounding alcohol. “Frankly, we’re tired of all these problems.”

In light of the concerns of college drinking, New Hampshire colleges work in collaboration to address issues and collect data throughout the state.

Although many believe that college drinking is out of control, Lambert has evidence that proves otherwise. In a study conducted by colleges throughout the state, it was discovered that the majority of college students drink in low risk ways, consuming 4 or fewer drinks in a week.

“Do not engage in the misperceptions,” Lambert said. “The data supports not all students drink in high risk ways.”

The two came together after heightened awareness of alcohol problems were seen by Hanover police, worried about the amount of drinking done at Dartmouth College. New undercover programs were put in place in order to track who served underage students alcohol.

Experts believe that this tactic could be more harmful than helpful, driving drinking underground and making students less likely to call an ambulance if a friend needs help.

Lawling believes that college students can still have a positive college experience without the need to drink.

"Methods have to be put in place to curb underage drinking on campus," she said.