Statistics and professional input at Wright State University (WSU) have indicated the alcohol use on WSU’s campus is present but not exponential. WSU has policies in place to curtail illegal activities related to alcohol use on campus.
Statistics on Alcohol-Violations at WSU
The following are the number of students found responsible for violating WSU’s alcohol policies from July 1, 2016-May 26, 2021 as provided by WSU spokesperson Seth Bauguess:
July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 - 77
July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018 - 58
July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019 - 36
July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020 - 30
July 1, 2020 – May 26, 2021 - 5
These figures indicate that an average of 41 students per year have been held responsible for alcohol-related violations in the past five years.
It is important to note the potential effect coronavirus policies had on these statistics.
WSU Provost Douglas W. Leaman informed WSU students on March 13, 2020 that classes would be held remotely until further notice. When looking at the data, it is clear the lowest number of reported alcohol violations occurred from July 1, 2020-May 26, 2021.
This correlation indicates the data could be skewed from the significant decrease in students present on WSU’s campus.
Input from WSU Police
University police reported that alcohol-related violations are not a common occurrence.
“It is not a common occurrence that the Division of Police respond to excessive drinking or partying reports in the resident communities. However, if we are called to an incident our team works closely with our community partners in Resident Life & Housing and the Office of Community Standards and Conduct,” said David Cox, Administrative and Compliance Lieutenant for the Wright State University Department of Public Safety, Division of Police.
It is important to note the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct are the ones who determine whether a violation occurred. The WSU Division of Police simply relays their reports.
According to Cox, the Division of Police responded to three incidents that were potentially alcohol related policy violations in 2019 and two incidents 2020.
Services Available to Students Struggling with Alcohol Abuse
Although statistics and professional input indicate a minimal amount of alcohol-related issues on campus, WSU continues to provide services to help students who are struggling with alcohol abuse.
The WSU Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) is a team of Licensed Psychologists and Counselors and mental health trainees that are available to help students with their mental health.
By providing students access to therapy and other forms of assistance, CWS helps many students each year. Services include group, individual, couple or family therapy as well as the Raiders Cares 24-hour crisis phone service (833-848-1765).
CWS offers services to help students with alcohol and/or drug problems. Students can reach CWS at 937-775-3407 to inquire about treatment options.
“We have very few clients coming to CWS for alcohol dependence. We have only had 9 clients during the past year who present with some form of alcohol use disorder,” Director of CWS Dr. Robert A. Rando said.
CWS services are available during the spring, summer and fall semesters to ensure that students can receive the assistance they need throughout the year.
