The new alcohol policy has been underway for nearly four weeks and has students at Quinnipiac feeling a little easier about drinking on campus. Students have found this policy to be more negligent than last years, while staff has said that there is not a big change.
Many on-campus students, who are expected to comply with the policy of drinking responsibly, while being held accountable for their behavior, said they are enjoying their weekends without having to worry about severe punishments including fines, early morning substance abuse classes and community service.
“I think the new policy benefits the student body as a whole,” said Deanne Benardi, a junior health administration major. “It isn’t as intimidating as last year, and it won’t force students to drink off campus.”
Carol Boucher, associate dean of Student Affairs and director of Residential Life, said the new policy is not such an overwhelming change from last year’s policy.
“It’s too early to discuss its impact, but I think we are doing okay,” said Boucher. “The policy remains the same, but has a different view of responsible behavior versus students who disrupt the community.”
According to the new policy, a student who obeys and respects the policy will not be subjected to a fine as a disruptive student would. Boucher said that absolutely no violence is tolerated.
“I think [the alcohol policy] was unexpected for the freshman class,” said Megan Grant, a freshman psychology major. “We had no idea there was going to be a new policy implemented, especially this lax, but I think this is an improvement and it will provide for a healthier and more responsible student body.”
Ken Pereira, a sophomore finance major, commutes to campus every day from Mill Pond Apartments.
“Now that the new alcohol policy is more lenient towards punishment and is geared more towards education and awareness, I feel comfortable hanging out on campus with my friends on the weekends,” he said.
The policy has no tolerance for students walking around campus with open containers, but now students are less fearful of seeking help when a fellow student is sick, said a resident assistant who wanted to remain nameless.
John Twining, chief of security and safety, is not quick to judge a policy that has not been in effect for very long.
“Students must realize that there is in fact a policy, and that it puts the responsibility for students’ actions where it belongs – on the students,” he said. “Each student must be certain that they take the time to read the policy as published in the handbook and understand what it says so as to avoid running afoul of the system.”
Boucher said the first weekend of school is always crazy, and that it was the same ten years ago.
“The weather is warm, classes have not begun yet, and students want to enjoy themselves,” she said.