The Alcohol and Other Drugs Abuse Task Force, a joint force of Stevens Point and University of Wisconsin, is considering introducing an alcohol ban in college dorms.
The ban was mooted after a drowning of an intoxicated student.
A student lost his life last spring after he drowned in the Wisconsin River following a drinking binge. The college authorities since have been chalking out strategies to curb drinking on the campus.
The task force is debating a prohibition to stop alcohol abuse on the campus. This rule would prohibit any alcohol consumption on the premises even though the students have attained the legal age of drinking.
"We wanted it to be a university-city relationship. Not just a university plan," said vice chancellor for student affairs Al Thompson, according to Stevens Point Journal. The city officials and university management have been working closely in order to contain the growing drinking culture.
Thompson also said that the members of the task force have been discussing to turn the residence halls into no-alcohol zones. He added that the task force was also contemplating levying fines on alcohol offenders besides organizing alcohol educational classes and launching a marketing campaign.
"UWSP currently requires all incoming freshmen to complete a Web-based alcohol education program as part of its orientation process, and requires students to attend a class after their first drinking offense to educate them on how alcohol can affect their health and study habits," reported the website.
The expulsion of students for repeatedly violating established norms is also under consideration. Meanwhile, Stevens Point police chief Kevin Ruder also supports the option of sacking habitual offenders from the college.
"If it's a case that's severe enough, enrollment should be a concern if these students aren't being good neighbors," Ruder said, reported Stevens Point Journal. The officer said that Wisconsin's drinking culture might be difficult to change but education can bring about changes in the community.
"It's not about not drinking; it's about drinking responsibly," Ruder said.
