ISU officials plan to learn more about the draw of off-campus partying through a study on student drinking behaviors.

The study, which is a part of a Michigan State University study on student drinking, is designed to provide ISU administrators with a clearer idea of how to make off-campus parties involving alcohol safer and more appropriate, officials said.

As part of the study, students were asked to participate in a focus group Tuesday at Frederiksen Court. Sara Kellogg, prevention program coordinator and one of the focus group’s administrators, said she hoped to have about 80 students participate.

“There are two reasons this study is being conducted,” Kellogg said. “First, to determine if there are serious issues resulting from off-campus parties, and second, how can we help solve these issues.”

The study is being conducted through the Office of the Dean of Students.

“This is a pilot study to better understand student parties,” said Pete Englin, dean of students. “The preliminary data will be used to better understand the draws and dangers of off-campus alcohol use.”

The study’s results will be used to create any new policies the school creates to deal with alcohol consumption, Englin said.

“There’s no pre-set outcome,” he said. “And, of course, the intent is always to have students party in a safe and appropriate manner.”

Thomas Hill, vice president for student affairs, said administrators are trying to work with students “to deal with any alcohol problems on campus.”

Hill, who was involved in the decision to move public tailgating across the street from the entrance to Jack Trice Stadium for reasons including alcohol misuse, said Iowa State’s problem with alcohol is not unique.

“Our alcohol problems are no more than are present in society at large,” Hill said. “You’re always going to have these problems when young people are coming of age. It’s part of the process.”

Kellogg said the age of college students is a factor in excessive drinking at most universities. The problem is not as drastic at Iowa State as many believe, she said.

“The majority of ISU students are moderate drinkers, despite what other students think,” she said, adding the image of most students as binge drinkers is likely due to bragging between friends.

She estimated 40 percent of ISU students engage in high-risk drinking.

“The problem has existed as long as the institution,” Kellogg said. “And it affects the entire campus. Our goal is to make it so students can get through college without experiencing the results of high-risk drinking.”

Hill said part of his job is to find ways to help students deal with issues related to drinking, and provide alternatives to events that feature excessive drinking.

“You can have a heck of a time without alcohol consumption,” Hill said.