News

Campus fights alcohol abuse

Public Safety reports 147 cases of underage possession

By Kellen Safreed

Posted on April 27, 2009, at 8:09 a.m.

Drunkenness on college and university campuses remains a problem, and the University of Maine is no exception.

“I don’t believe the University of Maine has a worse problem than other campuses of a similar size when it comes to alcohol-related incidents,” said Director of Public Safety Chief Noel March earlier this year. In his opinion, UMaine has more effective policing systems in place than most colleges, but he said underage consumption is still a problem. Last fall there were 147 instances of alcohol possession by a minor on campus.

“And the lion’s share of drinking goes on off-campus,” March said.

There were 36 alcohol-related ambulance transports on campus last semester, and they weren’t just for overdoses. Drunk students accidentally cut themselves, twist ankles and worse.

The death of 19-year-old UMaine student Dylan Lyford on Feb. 15 was partly due to alcohol. Lyford died of complications due to a skull fracture after falling down some stairs.

Not all the transports were UMaine students. Visitors, whether friends or locals, sometimes cause problems, said Maida Cordero, community coordinator of Balentine, Colvin, Estabrooke, Penobscot and Stodder halls. March agreed.

“They don’t have as much vested in this community. They’re not paying a nonrefundable tuition … and they don’t have to go to class on Monday,” March said.

Nor does alcohol’s influence stop at injuries or drunken shouting.

“Of all the offenses we see on our campus, the fuel in the tank is the excessive and irresponsible use of alcohol,” March said.

He listed off common crimes such as domestic violence or car break-ins and cited reckless drinking as a frequent factor for them.

“They know what they’re doing; they just don’t care,” March said.

The Residence Life staff tries to curb overt drunkenness.

“I’m not looking to bust people,” Cordero said. “But if they’re being disruptive, that’s a problem.”

She said drunks are often found because of a noise violation. If the drinking students are underage, Public Safety is called.

“It’s important to have a sober friend watching your back,” said Kylie Cole, clinician and coordinator of prevention at Cutler Health Center.

Cutler offers free, confidential alcohol counseling.

“If people come here, it’s because they want to,” Cole said.

A concerned friend or roommate most often approaches counseling services for advice. Cole implored students to watch out for each other and said the first and most effective defense against alcohol poisoning is friends, a sentiment echoed by March.

If a student is charged with an alcohol offense, they are referred to the Alcohol and Drug Education Program, headed by Lauri Sidelko. ADEP takes a proactive stance on the issue.

“Alcohol is our job,” Sidelko said.

She runs several activities on campus to educate students about alcohol, including Beer Goggle Wii and Mocktail Thursdays. ADEP works with faculty and the dorms to get the word out about basic alcohol facts, like alcohol-content per drink and how much it takes to overdose.

Eighty percent of underage college students nationwide have drank alcohol, according to Sidelko.

“[As long as] they choose to drink, they know what they’re getting into – that’s our major goal,” Sidelko said.

Though the overall volume of alcohol consumed per person has risen over the past decade, drunk driving has decreased.

Fraternity Alpha Delta and sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma offer the Late Night Local shuttle that drives around campus Friday and Saturday nights, supplying anyone they see with a free ride.

“There are more taxis in Orono and Old Town than there are squad cars,” March said. “There’s no excuse for driving drunk.”

Students are often reluctant to call for help for fear of getting themselves or their drunken friend in trouble for underage alcohol use, explained Sidelko. She, March and Cole all stress the importance of getting help despite the consequences, which are fairly light for first time offenders.

“Never hesitate to call 911,” March said.

A medical amnesty program UMaine is considering implementing in the fall would protect underage students from negative repercussions if they call Public Safety while intoxicated.

In the seven years March has been on the force, there have been three alcohol-related student deaths.

“And that’s three more than I want to see,” March said with a sigh.

Campus Currents: Dylan Lyford