The Patriot

Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: Campus

Media Credit: Caroline Crouch

Resident assistants hosted an open forum entitled "Know Your Limits" in the Forest Villas Community Center where public safety officials were able to speak to students on the dangers of irresponsible drinking.
Lt. Ken Pittman, a campus police officer gave information about state laws, campus rules, the dangers of underage and binge drinking. He responded to at least three incidents in which students were sent to the hospital after drinking heavily on campus.
"Alcohol is a drug, (that is very) widely abused," Pittman said. "A lot of things could happen if you keep that kind of behavior up,"
Normally, students wouldn't consider alcohol to be a "drug" but it is in the truest sense of the word and the consequences of it can be dangerous and life altering.
During the forum, Pittman addressed and answered student's questions about different campus rules pertaining to the consumption of alcohol.
Kamille Parker, junior and resident assistant was one of the hosts for this event, thought that it would be a good event for students to receive information.
"Every student needs to be aware of their boundaries," Parker said.
Pittman informed students that alcohol is allowed in certain residencies on campus.
Students 21 and over are allowed to have beer and wine in campus apartments, while alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the dorms and no type of alcoholic beverage is allowed outside of the apartments.
If students are caught breaking these rules, there are consequences.
On the first offense, the student is referred to student affairs. After the second offense, students are written a state ticket.
Students were informed on the rules on campus in terms of alcohol but state regulations and statistics were addressed as well.
Senior, Sarah Breaux attended the forum and gained useful information from the event.
"I thought it was very informative," Breaux said. "I learned some of the rules associated with FMU policy."
A majority of the residents on campus are under the legal drinking age so it makes sense that all students should be aware of the consequences of underage and irresponsible drinking.
Car accidents, unwanted pregnancy and date rape are some of the negative effects that can accompany irresponsible drinking. Pittman warned students that one drink could hold different consequences.

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