PUC: above the influence

The PUC Police Department has documented 22 alcohol violations since September 2011. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Policy is strictly enforced at PUC. 

PUC’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Policy states that, regardless of age, students are prohibited to consume or possess alcohol on campus or at University Village. Violations are referred to the office of the dean of students. The policy also establishes that faculty, staff and students are obligated to report those failing to follow the rules.

Many students respect the policy regarding alcohol possession. Twenty-two violations is a small number compared to many universities. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 1,825 college students have died from alcohol poisoning and accidents, and close to 600,000 students have been injured because of alcohol-related incidents. 

Out of the 22 violations, more than 50 percent were related to empty alcohol bottles found in student dorm rooms. Only a handful of the violations were related to students being disruptive or being caught intoxicated.

Due to the nature of the article, two PUC seniors who provided information and are both over the age of 21 chose to remain anonymous. Senior No. 1 stated that she has never heard of any parties and that the campus and dorm life is one of the driest she knows of. There is not much that really goes on.

“I have drunk with my roommate a couple times. We brought liquor in, but we never had a party or other people here. So, I would say it is very rare, or if people do party, they are smart about it,” Senior No. 1 said.

Senior No. 2, who has participated in on-campus drinking, said he was never caught and has never heard of anyone being caught.

“All I did was bring an orange juice to school that had vodka mixed in. I sipped it all morning and by the time I hit my Spanish class I was feeling muy bueno,” Senior No. 2 said.

According to PUCPD crime log archives, theft and stolen property are more prevalent than alcohol possession violations on campus. PUCPD crime logs are located at webs.purduecal.edu/police/crime-log-archives/.