Otterbein University’s ban of alcohol on campus has been in place since the drinking age switched from 18 to 21.
The definition of Otterbein’s alcohol policy follows the State of Ohio Liquor Control law that states no person under the age of 21 is legally allowed to consume alcohol. The policy further states that the possession, purchasing or consuming of alcohol by any student is a direct violation of University regulation.
Ban on alcohol or not, students are still finding ways to drink on campus, regardless of the consequences.
“Students think they’re protecting one another by not calling for help when someone is too intoxicated, but can actually be harming them,” Paul Dahman, senior communication major, said.
Many other students believe that the alcohol ban is unfair and dangerous. “Having an alcohol ban causes many students to leave campus on the weekends and go to bars or go to other universities,” junior marketing major Ben Zirzow said. “Some students may even try to drive back to campus after drinking for the night.”
Alcohol has been linked to serious damage to college students and the school that they attend. Studies show that students with higher alcohol consumption are prone to having lower grade point averages. Students who leave campuses to drink are more likely to get in a car accident or be injured or even death. Students also put their institution in danger of damages when they drink. The more alcohol you consume the more likely it is for there to be damages to rooms and other facilities on campus.
“We may not be able to keep drinking from happening,” Resident Assistant and sophomore business major Micheala Miller said, “but we can educate them to do it smart and responsibly if they choose to do so.”
Whether students choose to drink or not there are ways they can keep themselves and friends safe. Some of these tips include; Setting limits for yourself and sticking to them. Drink slowly, take sips and don’t chug. Drinking from a small glass, some glasses can hold more than a standard drink. See safe drinking link to learn more.
