Findings

Our campus, as with most colleges and universities, struggles to deal with the impact of alcohol on social life and to find ways to promote responsible use. While the vast majority of students enter college already having experiences with alcohol, they are often dismayed by the predominant role alcohol plays on the campus social scene. By the end of the first year, many students find that behaviors they believed were unacceptable are acceptable or, at least, tolerated by their peers. The irony is that while abusers and binge drinkers comprise only 19-20% of the college population nationwide and at Colby, that group sometimes sets the campus social tone. We were struck by evidence that while most students would prefer a social culture where alcohol is less dominant, this same majority believes that they hold a minority view -- a phenomenon that has been labeled "pluralistic ignorance."

Commissioners were concerned by a recent change in social life patterns on the campus - prompted by a tightening of rules related to alcohol served in public spaces - which has led to an increased level of alcohol use in the residence halls. This change has produced problems with noise, damage and other forms of disrespect affecting the general dormitory population. Many students testified that they found this atmosphere repugnant and often sought refuge off the campus on weekends. Some seniors said that this was a reason for requesting permission to live off the campus.

Working with student leaders, the Dean of Students Office has, in recent years, adopted a number of new programs to combat these problems. Examples are the development and institution of community living hall contracts; the creation of "substance free" residence halls and lounges; an increase in alternative (non-alcohol) programming; the institution of party host training for 21-year-olds; and more meaningful sanctions for students found guilty of party and alcohol violations. While these changes have brought improvements, we found they have not been sufficient to satisfy the expressed needs and desires of a majority of Colby students. We believe alcohol should not be the dominant feature of social life in residence halls and, because of fire safety and other environmental considerations, that individual student rooms should not be the site of large group parties.

Not surprisingly, we learned that students are greatly affected by influences of the greater society -- at home and at College -- and we believe that efforts in curbing alcohol abuse must not only be directed at students, but also at the broader community. In this report we enlist the assistance of all constituencies, most especially faculty and staff, in finding solutions.

The Commission also found that it is often difficult for undergraduate hall staff members to monitor the conduct of peers in the residence halls, especially in the context of events where alcohol is available. We support the new staffing plan, in place in the fall of 1996, which will place three professional staff members in the residence halls to assist the undergraduate staff with monitoring responsibilities.