2008 Woodie Awards
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse study commissioned by College president Father Shanley finds binge drinking problem, calls out for student feedback
Alison Espach '07
Issue date: 3/1/07 Section: News
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"I firmly believe that the first step to real change is radical honesty as a community," said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P, president of the College, in an e-mail to the college community dated Feb. 21. "It is important that we all understand the magnitude of the problem and the challenge that lies before us."
Father Shanley commissioned a report last year to assess campus culture with respect to alcohol and substance abuse and other interpersonal violence, including sexual assault.
The report revealed that 66.9 percent of Providence College freshmen and sophomores "binge" drink, which entails consuming at least four drinks in a row for females or five drinks in a row for males.
The Committee finds it most worrisome that 76 percent of PC freshmen and sophomores drank enough to get drunk at least once in the last month. In addition, 62.7 percent usually drink more than five drinks on a single occasion, and 46.2 percent of freshmen and 51.1 percent of sophomores "binge" drink three or more times in a two week period.
From Sept. 1 to Feb. 18, 51 students have been transported to the hospital for medical evaluation as a result of their drinking.
Michael O'Neill, assistant professor of philosophy and member of the Committee on Campus Culture, Conduct and Civility, said there was "no single issue, no single event, no legal concern" that prompted the commission of the alcohol abuse report.
"This committee is a part of Father Shanley's general concern with the College's understanding of itself," said O'Neill.
According to the report, there are certain factors that are characteristic of a campus with an alcohol abuse problem: A Northeast location, prominent athletics, a lack of racial and ethnic diversity, a co-habitation of legal and underage students in residence halls, and a high percentage of students living in residence halls.
Dr. Steven A. Sears, dean of Residence Life, commented on dormitory options.
"Excluding resident assistants and the hall director, [Meagher Hall, McVinney Hall, and Raymond Hall] consist of residents that are all under the age of 21; hence, the building is considered to be 'substance free,' he said, but added that students were unreceptive to specifically designating a building as such.