College Officials Speak On Underage College Drinking

On February 23, 2010, NHPR talked to two college officials about the ever-lasting problem of college drinking.

Ann Lawing, Dean of students at the University of New Hampshire spoke about the consequences of college drinking and how it greatly affects students academically and socially. Because of college underage drinking students have been missing classes, drinking and driving, vandalizing, and being part of assaults nationwide. Over 1,700 students die annualy from binge drinking Lawing said.

Another official who spoke about college drinking was Sheila Lambert, Coordinator of Wellness at Southern New Hampshire University. Lambert said there has been an attitude shift in underage drinking. From the Spring 2009 survey she conducted, the result was that students drink four or fewer drinks a week. "Not all students drink in high risk ways," Lambert said.

Although Lambert said there has been an attitude shift, college drinking is still a problem. Dartmouth College students have had severe over consumption of alcohol which has been a target of attention.

Sting operations were suggested to catch underage drinkers, but that was decided against since officials are afraid sting operations would discourage students from calling an ambulance if a friend needed medical attention.

Although officials are trying to handle and control the college drinking, they want to make sure their students are still enjoying their time in college.

"There has always been an emphasis and effort to work with college students and get them to have a good college experience," said Lawing.