An attempt to keep alcohol out of Iowa State residence halls is being touted as a major reason why the number of documented alcohol-related incidents on campus is way up, Department of Public Safety officials said.

The total number of alcohol-related incidents on campus increased from 188 in 1995 to 247 in 1996. These statistics cover a period just over nine months, through Oct. 11.

Jerry Stewart, associate director of DPS, said the increase is due to more people reporting alcohol-related incidents. Students, faculty and staff have worked harder, he said, to keep DPS informed for safety reasons.

“Reasons why these statistics have increased dramatically is due to more awareness of problems associated with alcohol,” he said.

Resident assistants are aware of what occurs with alcohol in the residence halls and more people in general are bringing intoxicated friends and acquaintances to the attention of DPS, Stewart said.

“There have been combined efforts for awareness of people to do the right thing when a friend is intoxicated,” he said.

Senior Amanda Gleason, a resident assistant in Lommen House in Willow Hall, said making sure students are safe when they are intoxicated is a primary concern.

“When a student has become inebriated, RAs report them to the hall director on duty.

“If the situation is bad enough,” Gleason said, “then the hall director contacts DPS.”

Rarely are charges brought against the intoxicated individual.

Students are charged when they are transported to a medical facility from the dorms, but not when reported to DPS.

Stewart said it is crucial that students and others report intoxicated persons because of medical concerns.

“Most people assume that if they see someone passed out … it is alcohol related and ignore that individual’s needs. The person may have some type of medical condition and alcohol may not be a factor,” Stewart said.

An increase in campus binge drinking — drinking more than five drinks during a setting — may also be partially to blame.

“Sometimes binge drinking can lead to overdoses, which is also a concern of the community,” he said.

And officials say the impact isn’t limited to those who drink.

“There is an impact of alcohol-related issues on students who don’t drink because they are affected by it and become upset, especially in the student housing areas on campus,” said Chuck Cychosz, coordinator of the campus-based Alcohol Education and Substance Abuse Programs.

The Ames Police Department is also involved.

It’s the APD’s responsibility to monitor off-campus bars, where many of-age residence hall residents and off-campus students consume alcohol.

“We are making a conscious effort for enforcement,” APD Sgt. Jim Robinson said.

Nationally, university officials say statistics show drinking on most college campuses is on the rise.

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Campus Alcohol Incidents

1995 1996

OWI 40 102

Public Intoxication 64 93

Alcohol Incapacitation 12 18

.02 Violation 02 12 (*Law enacted 7/1/95)

Other 70 22

Totals 188 247