Running Head: BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 1

Binge Drinking:

Problems and Potential Solutions for Valley City State University (VCSU)

Meghan Dahnke, Lara Loomis, and Jana Peterson

COMM 360 GROUP DYNAMICS

FALL 2009
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 2

Abstract

This research paper hopes to review, understand and apply the concept of binge drinking

to VCSU’s campus. We will implore if binge drinking is in fact a problem at VCSU in

comparison to national and regional statistics. To grasp an overall idea of the problem and

where it stems, we will include and discuss research gathered from texts resources, as well as

regional and local law enforcement, VCSU professors and VCSU students. You will in fact see

that the problem does exist, and we will walk you through various ideas as to what can and is

being done to curb the problem. This research was done in search and survey format.
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 3

Introduction

When one initially thinks of college, do you imagine various learning experiences?

Perhaps perfectly landscaped lawns set to the backdrop of early 20th century brick architecture?

You most definitely think of the anticipation and arrival of “growing up” and maturing.

Hopefully when thinking of college you do not imagine blackouts, throwing up, fighting with

friends, skipping classes, drinking and driving, or alcohol poisoning, but sometimes people

imagine unlawful or dangerous activities that may seem “fun” or exciting. Binge drinking is

such an activity.

Most college students, as you will read further, view binge drinking as a common activity

done for leisure or again, “fun.” Very few students know the actual definition of the activity as it

will be discussed later. Even far less are those who realize and understand the full ramifications

that their “college days” may have on their lives in years to come. In order to review the problem

with binge drinking at VCSU, we must first analyze and understand the problem itself. What

exactly is binge drinking; why is it different from social drinking, and why is it a problem?

Binge drinking is an epidemic that has been sweeping our nation for quite some time.

Binge drinking is defined as: “Drinking five or more alcoholic drinks at a time, at least once in

the past 30 days” (Associated Press, 2005). As defined by The National Institute on Alcohol

Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking is: “Defined as a pattern of alcohol consumption that

brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08% or above. This pattern of drinking

usually corresponds to 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on a

single occasion for women, generally within about 2 hours,” (2004).

As you can see both professional sources have similar yet different definitions, you can

see the similarities. The pattern of binge drinking in both definitions includes excessive drinking

in both men and women in short periods of time or frequently over a period of time.
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 4

The problem with excessive alcohol consumption is the body’s inability to process or

metabolize large quantities of alcohol at once. Your liver can only metabolize small amounts at

a time; this requires your body to circulate and store the remaining amount, thus causing

“drunkenness.” The amount you consume is directly proportional to the intensity of side effects.

Various other factors can contribute to intensity of alcohol affects such as gender, age, weight,

amount of food in your system, use of drugs or prescribe medicines, etc, (CDC, 2009).

Often conflict is proposed with binge drinking versus social drinking is the rate at which

the drinks are consumed. With social drinking you may consume three drinks over hours, while

engaging in activity or eating. These slow down the affects of the alcohol, leaving your

judgments impaired yes, but not completely depleted. Side effects of binge drinking include:

memory loss, loss of motor function and skills, inability to communicate, loss of control of

bowels, blackouts, vomiting, headaches, and even death due to alcohol poisoning.

The biggest concern nationwide with binge drinking is the amount of accidents and

alcohol related deaths in situations where binge drinking occurred. These accidents can be motor

vehicle accidents, falls, ER visits, unwanted sexual encounters, drowning, results of depression,

etc, (CDC, 2009).

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 5

Methods

In order to define the problem as we see it here on VCSU’s campus, it was necessary to

involve students and professors on the project. The results were astounding. We conducted

surveys for both demographics. With both surveys, individuals were selected at random by

handing out surveys and then selecting a random 25 from those received. The surveys included

questions with answer choices as well as areas to elaborate on questions. When a random

selection of VCSU students was surveyed, 76% were not aware of the actual definition of binge

drinking (VCSU Student Survey, 2009). After being informed, 75% felt that it was a problem on

VCSU’s campus; of that selection of students, 84% admittedly engage in binge drinking, though

they were aware that it is a problem (VCSU Student Survey, 2009).

The key concerns that students had with binge drinking on VCSU’s campus were, 76%

felt that too many accidents, fights or property damage is taking place on campus, and 48% felt

that binge drinking on campus was bringing about too many unwanted or forced sexual

encounters (VCSU Student Survey, 2009). One individual even opened up about a rape of a

friend who was afraid to come forward based on the amount of alcohol they had been drinking.

As students on campus, a few of us have seen with our own eyes incidences of unnecessary

fighting, or drinking and driving which have led to vehicular accidents.

When VCSU professors were surveyed, 75% percent were concerned to severely

concerned with the amount of binge drinking they believe to be taking place here at VCSU

(VCSU Faculty Survey, 2009). 67% percent of those professors were aware of VCSU’s drinking

policy and applied that when thinking of the problem (VCSU Faculty Survey, 2009). Professors

on campus view it as a problem more from an academic understanding. They listed various

reasons why they believe it to be a problem, including: impaired decision making skills,
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 6

hangover’s affecting learning, grades and school performance go down, and fatigue or illness

causes individuals to miss classes (VCSU Faculty Survey, 2009).

Some of these professors shared personal experience with binge drinking and their

students. Some recapped on “Visibly hung-over students in class” (VCSU Faculty Survey,

2009). Online instructors mentioned that problems with binge drinking were much harder to

determine, but most likely assignments would decline or become gradually late (VCSU Faculty

Survey, 2009).

In order to get an outsiders opinion on this problem at VCSU, we surveyed and

interviewed various law enforcement within the Valley City area. This survey included ten

questions asked of 15 law enforcement individuals. When asked if they believe binge drinking

to be a problem at VCSU, 100% responded “Yes” (Valley City Law Enforcement Survey, 2009).

Perhaps this is an indication as to students and faculty being too close to the situation, or being

biased as to their emotions with the topic.

The law enforcement also responded that they felt that nineteen year olds are what they

have witnessed to be the greatest age group affected by binge drinking here at VCSU (Valley

City Law Enforcement Survey, 2009). This makes this a highly dangerous, as well as illegal,

activity on campus. A majority of the law enforcement officials also stated that they felt that

binge drinking is more prevalent in the male student body (Valley City Law Enforcement

Survey, 2009).

The police officers also shared some signs of binge drinking they have witnessed on

campus, such as: hauling individuals to detoxification, hospital encounters with alcohol

poisonings, drunk driving, minor citations, etc. (Valley City Law Enforcement Survey, 2009).
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 7

As you can see, all three demographics agreed on one thing. Binge drinking is a problem

at VCSU. Some individuals surveyed, as mentioned, shared personal stories and insight into the

problem at hand. When students were asked as to reasons why they binge drink, common

answers were: “For fun”; boredom; socialization; to fit in; stress of school, and peer pressure.

Professors and law enforcement surveyed listed similar reasons for why they felt students binge

drink.

Of the listed reasons why the activity takes place all have solutions outside the problem

which can be solved without the use of alcohol. For instance, we are all aware that we can have

fun without alcohol, being willing to accept that is a different matter. Being able to fit in and

handling peer pressure is something we will all struggle with our entire lives; finding healthy

outlets and solutions besides alcohol may be different at times, but is crucial to a healthy lifestyle

and a healthy development. If one feels stressed from school, there are various outlets for such

aggressions, such as counseling, engaging in more activities or time management.

On a separate note, more students had friends who engaged in binge drinking than those

surveyed themselves (VCSU Student Survey, 2009). This most definitely contributes to the peer

pressures as mentioned before. Professors and law officials viewed peer pressure as a top reason

for binge drinking (VCSU Faculty & Valley City Law Enforcement Surveys, 2009). They also

felt that students view binge drinking as a rite of passage for most college students, which is not

a healthy message (VCSU Faculty & Valley City Law Enforcement Surveys, 2009).

Short term effects of binge drinking range greatly. This can be anywhere from memory

loss, anxiety, blackouts, alcohol poisoning, illness, to mild injuries. Long term effects are also

evident though students may not realize for years to come.

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 8

In a study performed at Duke University, adolescent mice were given chances to perform

in mazes for food rewards (T, 2007). After doing repeated timed and recorded trials, some mice

were given large doses or alcohol; some were not given alcohol, and some minimum amounts.

After “binge drinking” in the mice occurred, all mice were reran in the mazes and timed and

recorded again (T, 2007). Those not exposed to alcohol performed the same if not better (T,

2007). All mice exposed performed worse, and those exposed to binge drinking performed

increasingly worse and suffered permanent memory loss (T, 2007). This study helped to prove

that binge drinking did in fact have long term effects to the body (T, 2007).

The long and short term effects to the individual are evident through research and studies.

However, the long term and short term effects of binge drinking on VCSU’s campus are less

evident and can only be speculated based on previous experiences. Some short term effects

could include damage to property (public and private), temporary suspensions of students,

plummeting of students grades, fines to be paid by all individuals within dormitories due to

alcohol related incidents or damage, theft of property, etc.

Some long term affects could include, permanent changes in policy or procedure based

on incidents, permanent loss of privileges or activities, or worse, the suffering of students due to

loss of peers in alcohol related accidents. All of these matters could have negative affects to the

campus and students of VCSU unless something is done.

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 9

Discussion

In order to create a solution to a problem, you have to understand the full scope of the

problem. After serious review of binge drinking problems here at VCSU, we feel firmly that

analyzing what is being done to what can and should be done can create potential solutions or

improvements.

Here at VCSU many things are being done to combat the problem with binge drinking.

According to the Bismarck Tribune, North Dakota leads the nation with binge drinking

(McPherson, 2009). Because of this of course campuses across the state are combining efforts to

stop the problem (McPherson, 2009). According to Glen Schmalz, VCSU Student Affairs Vice

President, one such effort is direction of a CORE Drug National Survey to analyze the amount of

drinking taking place (personal communication, November 3, 2009). This was last placed in

spring 2008, and it will be administered again in the spring of 2010 (Schmalz, personal

communication, November 3, 2009). This helps VCSU understand just how trouble the problem

is.

According to VCSU’s Campus Security and drug free policy, VCSU understands that

alcohol problems may be stemming from life transitions (VCSU, 2009, p. 8). They accept that

counseling may be part of a program on the road to recovery (VCSU, 2009, p. 8). In

compliance with such statements, VCSU does have an onsite counselor who may make referrals

to rehabilitation centers (VCSU, 2009, p. 8). According to Glen Schmalz, housing Residence

Assistants (RA) are also trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse

(personal communication, November 3, 2009).

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 10

VCSU also can provide materials upon asking about rehabilitation or services outside of

campus such as counseling, clinical and hospital care, as well as full service centers which

provide treatment services as well as counseling.

VCSU also frequently searches, finds and provides learning opportunities for students to

gain knowledge about drinking and its consequences. These include guest speakers, comedians,

programs, chemical free activities on campus, etc. In addition to these services provided, VCSU

also we be receiving money from the state of North Dakota to invest in alcohol risk reducing

activities. (Schmalz, personal communication, November 3, 2009).

In relation to what is being done, all the afore mentioned attempts have their benefits.

Training staff to recognize alcohol abuse insures responsible, safe residents. They can help

residents then seek the help they need. Such help is listed as counseling, advising or clinical

and/or hospital treatment. All are able to narrow down the scope of the problem within an

individual and help in the recovery process.

Providing students with activities, materials and guest speakers helps better educate the

students of their potential problems, and potential consequences. In matter of consequences we

can go from what is being done to what can be done. Though they do not direct security on

campus, Valley City Police Department (VCPD) implies a zero tolerance policy for underage

drinking, or confrontations associated with drinking. Here at VCSU, residents in the housing

units have essentially a three-strike policy. When you are caught or found guilty of drinking on

campus or alcohol possession, the consequences range from write ups, community service,

alcohol awareness classes, alcohol fines, are any and all of these.
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 11

If these consequences are found to not work, then why not try implementing a zero

tolerance policy such as the VCPD, or perhaps making the length, time, fines, etc. larger so that

students are less likely to engage in activities.

Besides creating more chances for students to engage in legal and healthy activities, it

seems as though we can only speculate on the effectiveness of possible solutions. Until any of

the afore mentioned solutions can be implemented, we can’t see their affect. As a group we feel

the best possible outcomes can arise from a zero tolerance policy, as this instills the idea that

drinking is not acceptable in any manner on campus.

The option of a zero tolerance policy would insure that students are aware of alcohol

abuse and how the university views this. This would have students being kicked out of the

dorms if alcohol abuse took place within campus grounds. We feel this is needed and can solve

the problem by making examples of those who do engage in illegal or unhealthy activities.

Providing more activities for the students at least gives the students options. These can provide

outlets or excuses from the peer pressure from friends. It also provides a safe, fun and healthy

lifestyle choice that the students can use instead of alcohol.

Glen Schmalz offered the following comments, “Curbing problems such as binge

drinking is a very difficult task to do. As a college there is only so much we can do, there are no

real good solutions. Here on the campus there are two people who really deal with working on

alcohol related problems, Erin Klingenberg and I. The best thing we can do is participate and

experiment with programs, track data, promote events such as an alcohol awareness week,

participate with state programs, etc. We can’t preach to students to stop drinking, we can

however promote healthy and responsible social drinking: such as not getting behind a wheel,

cutting back on consumption use, abiding my campus rules, etc. This is the type of attention
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 12

VCSU can get out there” (personal communication, November 3, 2009). Clearly VCSU struggles

with binge drinking. However, it is important to note that addressing the problem is complex and

requires a great deal on everyone’s behalf to reduce binge drinking within the campus.

Sources of Outreach.

Refer to appendices.

Action Plan.

Refer to appendices.
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 13

References

Associated Press, The (March 14, 2005). Binge drinking reaches deep across U.S. North Dakota,

for one, is trying to counter ‘cultural acceptance’. MSNBC. Received on November 12,

2009 from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7179876/.

Associated Press, The (August 26, 2009). Grant targeted at underage drinking on ND campuses.

Newsday. Received on November 12, 2009 from http://www.newsday.com/grant-

targeted-atunderage-drinking-on-nd-campuses-1.1396843

Atlanta Journal Constitution. (November 7, 2009). Binge drinking puts the brain, and life itself

at risk. Retrieved from:http://www.ajc.com/health/content/sharedauto/healthnews/alca

/629300.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI).

Atlanta, GA: CDC. < http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#1 > Accessed March 28,

2009.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Available

at < http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/index.html >Accessed March 31, 2009.

Department of Health and Human Services. (February 21, 2005). U.S. Surgeon General Releases

Advisory on Alcohol Use in Pregnancy; urges women who are pregnant or who may

become pregnant to abstain from alcohol. Retrieved from:

http://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/pressreleases/sg02222005.html.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (2004), 4th edition, Text

Revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Fain, P. (September 5, 2009). College presidents take on 21. Chronicle of Higher Education,

Vol. 55 Issue 2. Retrieved from: http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=2&hid=6&

sid=fe496cb9-fde9-4a0d-a72a-a37ee641b253%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZW
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 14

hvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=34559691

Levy, D.T.; Mallonee, S.; Miller, T.R.; Smith, G.S.; Spicer, R.S.; Romano, E.O.; Fisher, D.A.

Alcohol involvement in burn, submersion, spinal cord, and brain injuries. Medical

Science Monitor 2004;10(1):CR17–24.

McPherson, J. (2009, June 3). ND leads nation in binge, underage drinking. Retrieved from

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/article_43643942-15b1-543a-

a01a-beb86a99cda0.html

National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2004). NIAAA council approves definition

of binge drinking (PDF–1.6Mb) NIAAA Newsletter;3:3.

Schmalz, personal communication, November 3, 2009.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2006). A Comprehensive Plan for

Preventing and Reducing Underage Drinking. Washington, DC: Available at

http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/media/underagedrinking/pdf/underagerpttocongress.pd

f (PDF).

T, B. (2000, July). Binge drinking affects brain, memory. Retrieved from

http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/binge/a/aa000818a.htm

United States Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Health and Human

Services. In: Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Chapter 9 – Alcoholic Beverages.

Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 2005, p. 43–46. Available at

http://www.health.gov/DIETARYGUIDELINES/dga2005/document/html/chapter9.htm.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2007). The Surgeon General's Call to Action to

Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services. Available at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/underagedrinking/

Valley City Police Department, personal communication, Nov. 3, 2009.

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 15

Valley City State University Students, personal communication, Nov. 3, 2009.

Valley City State University Professors, personal communication, Nov. 3, 2009.

VCSU (2009). Drug free school program and campus security act. Valley City State University,

Valley City, North Dakota. (pg. 8). Retrieved from

http://www.vcsu.edu/documents/files/drugsecurityact.pdf

Wetzel, D. (February 9, 2005). ‘Power hour’ loses juice in ND senate. The Bismarck Tribune.

Retrieved from http://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-

regional/article_8cecf233-b336-5dfe-8c7e-d469819df90e.html
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 16

Appendices

Sources of outreach.

1. Student Affair Division:

Vice President—Glen Schmalz- McFarland 209. Ext. 7201

Administrative Assistant—Bev McAllister- McFarland 218,
Ext 7298
Director—Jan Drake- McFarland 218, Ext. 7302
Office Hours: Academic Year: 7:45am-4:30pm
Summer Year: 7:30am-4:00pm
Phone: 1-800-532-8641 ext. 7298 or 701-845-7298

Counseling appointments can be made through

Erin.Klingenberg@vcsu.edu, or a student may phone 701-845-

7424, or stopping into McFarland 208. Appointments can be made

by walk-in.

2. University Health Service:

Director of Health Services—Patricia Egeberg
Office Location: Grachien Gym (basement)
Office Hours: 9am-12pm M-F
Email: patrica.egeberg@vcsu.edu
Phone: 701-845-7212 or Fax 701-845-7213

No appointments are necessary, but are encouraged. Care is

confidential. VCSU health service is free of charge for ALL

students. Services can include a health assessment and/or a referral

to MD, (or full list of services check out the website above).

Resource information on medical and social issues are available.

3. Valley City Community:

Positive Solutions Counseling
202 Central Ave. S, Valley City, ND.
Phone: 701-845-2498
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 17

Positive solutions counseling is concerned with alcohol abuse,

drug use, marriage, etc. They specialize in abuse recovery,

addiction counseling, drug and alcohol addictions.

Alcoholics Anonymous Alanon &Alteen Clubroom

320 2nd Ave. Valley City, ND
Phone: 701-845-3705
www.aa.org
AA is an organization that provides a support group, free from

membership for both men and women; for persons trying to

overcome alcoholism.

Mercy Hospital
570 Chautauqua Blvd, Valley City, ND
Phone: 701-845-6400
www.mercyhospitalbiz.com/new/
Mercy Hospital offers counseling services, education, and spiritual

services. These areas do offer assistance with concerns/problems

with binge drinking.

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 18

Action plan.

Lara Loomis, Meghan Dahnke Jana Peterson Valley City State University

COMM 360- Group Dynamics Valley City, ND

Binge Drinking: Potential Solutions for VCSU Professor: Shannon Vanhorn

Statement of Objectives/Goals:

Goal: To define and create potential solutions to the binge drinking problem here at VCSU

Objectives: Using research acquired to outline potential solutions to the problem of Binge Drinking here
at VCSU. Create awareness to “higher ups” of potential solutions, created by students.

ACTIONS PERFORMED PLAN CHANGES??

BY WHO?
Create All Members Create Flyers/Brochures to hand out Creating awareness to
Awarness or make available on campus students
Create All Members Meet with Student Senate and Gives students the option
alternative advisors to establish potential to be involved with other
activities alternative activities to drinking students without drinking
Research All Members Provide reading materials, websites, Increased knowledge and
and potential links for students to do sources of information
self research on the topic of binge about binge drinking
drinking
Communication All Members Communicate with students directly Increased knowledge, for
or become guest speakers in L2L incoming freshman
classes
Awareness All Members Talk to Academic affairs and Student Communication and
Seminars Senate to select and bring in new combined information
guest speakers sharing with people
knowledgeable on the
topic
Public Awareness All Members Create a fundraiser that raises Raises money for activities
awareness as well as raises money for as well as awareness of
more of the afore mentioned the problem and solutions
activities, etc.
Information All Members Provide emails weekly/monthly to Raises awareness so
Sharing students about activities and recent students can’t say “they
stats for ND binge drinking didn’t know” about the
activities
Safety Patrol All Members Create a group dedicated to providing Sharing information with
Meetings safe experiences on campus. Meeting students while providing
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 19

with VCSU security to establish them with Intel on their

meetings, or potential safety on
campus
Safe Rides All Members Create a “Don’t ask don’t tell ride
committee dedicated to providing
free rides to VCSU students who may
be under the influence
Create Student All Members Discuss with VCSU Security and
Hotline administration potential of a Student
hotline ran by students to help
students get information regarding
alcohol usage, poisoning, etc.
safety
Providing rides to keep
Students and community
safe from potential
accidents
Providing students with an
outlet for questions that
they feel is none judging
and private

ONLINE SIGNATURE OF GROUP MEMBERS:

Lara Loomis: LL

Meghan Dahnke: MD

Jana Peterson: JP

Survey Questions administered among VC POLICE Tuesday November 3rd-Friday November

6th.

Demographics:

Gender- (1/15= 66.67% female) (14/15=93.3% male)

Age- (8/15= 53.3% between ages of 35-40) (4/15= 26.67% between ages of 30-35)

(3/15=20% between ages of 25-30).

1. Do you believe binge drinking is currently a serious problem on the VCSU campus? If
you feel you could expand on this question with feedback, please do so.
a. Yes
b. No

Comment:
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 20

100% of VC police 15 surveyor’s said that binge drinking is a problem with V CSU.

2. Do you feel VCSU students are unaware what it exactly means to be binge drinking
(i.e. the fact that it generally takes only 5 or more drinks for men, and 4 or more drinks
for women)? Again if you feel you could expand on this question with feedback, please
do so.
a. Yes
b. No

Comment:

100% of VC police 15 surveyor’s said that binge drinking is a problem with V CSU

3. Which student age and/or age group have you personally noticed or know of that is
most affected by binge drinking within VCSU campus grounds?
a. 18 years of age
b. 19 years of age
c. 20 years of age
d. 21 years of age and older +

8/15= 53% of VC police surveyor’s said (B) 19 years of age

6/15=40% of VC police said (C) 20 years of Age

1/15=6.67% of VC police both (B) and (C) 19 and 20 years of age

4. What kind of steps as an officer do you take when handling problems such as binge
drinking with VCSU students?

Shared general results indicated the following…students get cited for minor
consuming, students must obtain a responsible sober person to pick them up, and
utilize a zero tolerance policy.

5. Are binge drinking incidents on campus more prevalent with male or female students?

10/15=66.67% (2/3rds) said male 5/15=33.3% (1/3rd) said equal

6. Have binge drinking incidents in the past generally involved a group of students/people
in violation (two or more) or more so individual cases?

100% of VC police said that violations involve two or more individuals.

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 21

7. In what ways are you informed about incidents such as binge drinking? (In what ways
are these incidents reported).

14/15=93.3% said that incidents are informed through party complaints/loud

noise complaints/ etc. 1/15=6.67% said arrest them? Obviously this person wasn’t
paying attention to the question, because their answer does not make sense.

8. What are some problem areas regarding alcohol use (specifically binge drinking) on the
VCSU campus?

General comments shared among results…too many apartment/loud parties are

called in. Students disregard how noisy they are to other neighbors, mostly
drinking activities that occur off campus such as parties or social gatherings.

9. Would lowering the drinking age to 18 make a positive or negative impact regarding
binge drinking?

General comments shared among results…all said negative, 100%. Some cited
that reasons are that too many young folks are immature, driving intoxicated, and
make poor decisions, people under the age of twenty-one and even older do not
realize how alcohol effects them, younger someone may be when starting
drinking the more problems they encounter later on and trickle domino effects in
a person’s life.

10. What are signs of binge drinking in the community or on the VCSU campus?

General comments shared among results… many young adults who are reported
going to detoxification or hospital statistical reports (way too many!), drunk
driving, sex crimes, a person/student who illustrates physical effects of drinking
(slurred speech, stumbling, etc), drunk driving.

Survey Questions administered among VCSU STUDENTS Tuesday November 3rd-Friday

November 6th.

Please Circle responses where applicable

Age: (18-20): 10 students (21-24): 15 students (25+): 0 students

Gender: Female- 12 Male-13

Extra Curricular Campus:

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 22

Sports: 13 Intramurals: 11 Clubs or Organizations: 10 Volunteer Work: 7

Other: :5

1. Do you consider yourself a binge drinker?

No: 19 Yes: 6

2. Are you aware that binge drinking is classified as drinking with the intent of getting
intoxicated, or for men: consuming five or more drinks in a row, and for women: four or
more drinks in a row?

No: 19 Yes: 6

3. Would you now change your previous answer?

No: 7 Yes: 18

4. Do you think campuses nationwide have binge drinking problems?

No: 7 Yes: 18

5. Do you think VCSU has a binge drinking problem?

No: 7 Yes: 18

6. What would you classify as a campus wide binge drinking problem? Please be specific,
IE: accidents, assaults, etc.

Accidents/Injuries/Fighting/Property Damage: 19 Sexual Encounters: 12

7. Do you currently or have you ever participated in binge drinking?

No: 4 Yes: 21

8. Do any of your close friends participate in binge drinking?

No: 2 Yes: 23

9. Why do you feel people binge drink?

Socialize: 13 Fit In: 7 Stress: 3 Peer Pressure: 2

10. Do you feel that the athletes on campus drink more or less than the student population?
Why or why not?

No: 8 Yes: 17 Out of Season: 3 More Athletes on Campus: 11

BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 23

Stress: 2

11. If you binge drink, why?

Peer Pressure: 4 Stress: 6 Family History: 3 Stories: 7 Fit In: 8

I Don’t Know: 11

12. How many times a week do you drink?

(Zero times):4 (1-2 times): 12 (3-4 times): 8 (5 times): 1

13. If you start drinking do you find it hard to stop, possibly because you feel obligated,
pressured, or you physically or mentally can’t quit?

No: 11 Yes: 14

Survey Questions administered among VCSU professors Tuesday November 3rd-Friday

November 6th.

Demographics:

12 Faculty members replied to this survey.

1. How concerned are you about binge drinking on college campuses?

Severely Concerned 33%
Concerned 50%
In Different 8%
Not Concerned 8%

2. How concerned do you feel about binge drinking on the VCSU campus?  
Severely Concerned 33%
Concerned 42%
In Different 17%
Not Concerned 8%

3. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking is a
drinking pattern where an individual’s blood alcohol concentration reached 0.08g or
higher. Do you feel more concerned for students on the VCSU campus?
Yes 42%
No 58%
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 24

4. Do you know VCSU’s policy on alcohol?

Yes 67%
No 33%
5. Do you think students may be unaware of what “binge drinking” truly is? Why or
why not?
Yes 67%
No 33%

1 . Many don't see it as a problem - they see it as a rite of passage.

2 . Many do not believe they are binge drinker...they are just "having fun"!
3. Because they don't think in those terms. They think in terms of a party and fun.
4. Students are in their mind having a good time, and don't realize how much alcohol
they are consuming until it's too late
5. Students most likely believe that a blood alcohol level of .08 is not that much. They
probably view binge drinking as only those situations in which a person throws up,
passes out, etc.
6. I suspect that students choose to binge drink because they think it is a part of college
life, or they perceive there to be fewer parental restrictions. They intentionally binge
drink as a social activity
7. I don't think they think about it as a serious issue. Just something they do to have
fun and believe nothing bad will ever happen to them.
8. Almost any time a student drinks it is considered binge drinking
9. Very few students think that "binge drinking" applies to their habits or drinking
patterns.

6. How do you think binge drinking affects a student’s education?

1. Decision making skills are severely impaired.
2. Alcohol addled or hung over brains do not function properly.
3. Grades and performance may not be their focus. Sleep patterns are correlated to
performance the next day after drinking.
4. Drinking of any kind reduces the ability of a person to make good decisions, and takes
away much of their freedom of choice.
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 25

5. Students who drink too much miss opportunities that can never be recovered
6. Yes
7. Students who drink excessively don't do as well in class for a variety of reasons.
8. Fatigue, possibly sleeping in and missing class.
9. It affects their focus on learning and the effects (hangovers, planning for the next
drinking session) impact class participation.
10. I think students who drink, especially binge drink, attend class less often, have
poorer performance than those who do not, have lower self esteem, can develop problems
with depression, are less likely to finish college than students who do not binge drink.
11. Each case is situational, depends on the timing of the incident, drinking during the
week will have more adverse impact than weekends
12. Binge drinking affects all aspects of a student's growth and development.

7. Does binge drinking affect the students in your classes? How?

1. Yes, inability to complete work.
2. Yes. Students miss class or are not completely engaged due to adverse effects of
alcohol.
3. Tired - not focused - not motivated to interact with others
4. Not that I am aware of.
5. They are not as alert and spend less time studying
6. They perform poorly
7. I think so, attendance is poor and when they are in class their attention is poor.
8. No, not that I can tell, anyway.
9. I have had visibly hung-over students in class, but more commonly I expect that
students who have been binge drinking skip class.
10. I believe it does. I believe it is the reason for poor attendance, lack of engagement,
and not completing work on-time.
11. Alertness and attendance decline
12. To some degree, but as an instructor of online courses, it's much harder to determine.
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 26

8. As an instructor at VCSU, what do you feel your duty is to help students when it comes
to binge drinking?
1. When asked, discuss the negative implications.
2. Talk is just talk but if that is the only assess keep talking.
3. My duty is to keep them focused on their educated goals and if their drinking habits or
patterns become a problem talk with them or refer them to counseling.
4. I am not sure.
5. Yes and I do bring those concerns to my classes occasionally.
6. If I can do it appropriately.
7. It is difficult to counsel students about drinking because of age and status differences -
they feel we are preaching.
8. I don't feel it is my duty.
9. I seldom know that binge drinking is the primary cause for purr class participation. If I
have that information, I can refer them to Erin Klingenberg for counseling. But I do
believe that personal, family and emotional problems are more commonly affecting
student participation, and to a degree my role is to encourage students to address the
issues that are impacting their performance in classes, not to accuse them of binge
drinking. I firmly believe that although I have some responsibility, the people who are
more aware of the particulars of individual students' drinking are their peers and drinking
partners. They have a primary responsibility to addressing that issue.
10. I think my responsibility is to set up clear expectations for coming to class,
completing work well and on-time, and sticking to those expectations and setting clear
consequences for not meeting the expectations, to deter students from doing things like
binge drinking that will negatively affect their performance.
11. None
12. It acts as a guide and help when a student needs it.

9. Do you feel VCSU is doing everything it can to prevent binge drinking? If not, what
would you like to see done to improve its efforts?

1. Not Sure
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 27

2. I am sure there is a lot more that could be done. Providing more non-alcohol fun for
students on the weekend is a baby step in the right direction.
3. Yes
4. Not sure.
5. I'm not sure there is anything more that VCSU can do, but maybe individuals can
make a difference
6. I feel more could be done.
7. I don't think any campus is doing enough, but how to improve is hard to define.
8. Students need to decide for themselves how they want to approach/use alcohol
9. Education, awareness, enforcing a dry campus is likely the best tools that the campus
has.
10. No. There could be more promotion of consequences.
11. Nothing will eliminate binge drinking, unfortunately most students will have to learn
from their own and others experiences
12. I think that the problem is endemic throughout the culture in our state, and it is
difficult to alter those patterns if it's left until students are of college age. Students should
get a better education about alcohol abuse at an earlier age.

10. Why do you think students binge drink?

1. Rite of passage
2. Peer pressure and a warped sense of fun.
3. To belong, to release their stress factors, etc.
4. Students may feel the need to do reckless things and lack a solid moral grounding.
5. Boredom? Perhaps students have any adult supervision when they drink. They are not
taught about the judicious use of alcohol.
6. It is part of the ambiance.
7. For most students, it's their first freedoms as an adult. When they start, they don't
realize their limits and peer pressure also comes into play.
8. Social reasons
9. They do it because they perceive it as a part of college social life. They see it as a
social activity and a mark of adulthood.
BINGE DRINKING- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR VCSU 28

10. I think they think it is fun and that their friends are doing it.
11. Not much else to do in Valley City
12. Social pressure, release of tension and stress, a pervasive culture of alcohol abuse.

Interviews conducted.

G. Schmalz, personal communication, November 3, 2009.