RE: “Let the games begin,” and “The spirits of competition,” Jan. 6-12, 2011
I am writing with regard to last week’s Features articles on drinking games. I was pleased to see your paper present information about the dangers of drinking games and the inevitable binge drinking that goes with them.
For some time now, Carleton has promoted a responsible drinking strategy on campus that acknowledges that students will drink but, we hope, responsibly.
As this strategy relates to drinking games, it is important for students to be aware that drinking games are not permitted in residence, nor are they encouraged by anyone in the university community.
Binge drinking is a serious issue for young people between the ages of 18 and 24. The costs are often tragic and are far too commonplace.
Responsible drinking approaches are the most effective when entire communities buy into these strategies’ central policy pillars, which are: knowledge and awareness, environment, enforcement and access.
A key tenant of the awareness principle is to limit the promotion of heavy drinking in all types of media and marketing.
While I appreciate the Charlatan presenting the historical and public health aspects of binge drinking in last week’s paper, I think the images and instructions which promoted two drinking games largely nullified these messages.
Carleton University’s efforts to promote responsible drinking include encouraging students to use the university’s e-Chug survey (http://www2.carleton.ca/studentaffairs/alcohol-awareness/), Oliver’s House Rules, the Residence Contract, the university’s Alcohol Policy, various alcohol awareness events and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy.
As leaders in our community, we all have a responsibility to encourage Carleton students to drink responsibly.
To do otherwise contributes to outcomes that the university, parents and students themselves would like to avoid.
—Ryan Flannagan
director, student affairs