University considers role in Borough alcohol debate

In light of declining Borough support for the proposed alcohol ordinance, administrators are currently making no plans to amend the University's alcohol policy.

They have, however, several concerns about the possible impact of the new Borough policy, were it to be passed, on undergraduates.

"We're certainly going to wait and see what the Borough decides," Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students Kathleen Deignan said. She noted there is no evidence to suggest the Borough will pass the ordinance anytime soon.

"For the moment, we certainly aren't planning in any way that is particularly different from what we do already," she said.

Pam Hersh — the University director of community and state affairs — said the ordinance is not on the agenda at this week's Borough Council meeting, and there is no telling when it will be picked up again.

"From my observation," Hersh explained, "it just was pretty clear that the government officials seemed to be trying to work with the University in coming up with a solution to excessive [and underage] drinking." Whether the ordinance would be the best way to do that remains a matter of dispute, she said.

According to Deignan, if and when the ordinance is passed, the University would need to make some adjustments to abide by the new policy.

"We will take whatever steps we need to take [to be in accordance with Borough policy]," she explained. "Our own policy pretty much mirrors the state laws."

To change University policy, Deignan and other administrators would have to recommend the necessary alterations to the University's Committee on Undergraduate Life, which then would proceed with making those changes.

The ordinance would create some difficulties for the University and students, Deignan explained.

"It would certainly present some challenges to us as a community," she said, referring to students getting the proper medical attention after an evening of excessive drinking.

"My worry is that this might potentially be an impediment to students making the right decision," Deignan said.

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If students are threatened with legal consequences when reporting to McCosh Health Center for treatment, they would be hesitant to go or to take a friend there. This could result in a potentially dangerous situation for the person who had been drinking.

"Sometimes the friend who is making the decision to take someone to McCosh isn't always himself or herself sober," she added.

"Our [current] policy now allows us to be unambiguous with students," she noted. Under this policy, students who are taken to McCosh for medical treatment face no legal consequences and so are more likely to seek help. "I think [getting help] is the right thing to do regardless of what the law is," she added.

As far as coming up with alternative solutions to the issue of underage drinking itself, Hersh said, "I think we ought to continue the dialogue that was started at the Whig-Clio forum." Two weeks ago a panel featuring representatives from Borough government, Borough Police and the eating clubs discussed the issue.

"That was very productive. I'd be willing to help make that kind of forum happen," she said.