2008 Woodie Awards
Freshmen Behavior Brings Positive Outlook
Ashley Winseck Staff Reporter
Issue date: 9/22/05 Section: News
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A new school year could mean new trends for campus drinking statistics. The class of 2009 surprised members of Residential Life this year by not overdoing the party scene.
This year, freshmen did not live up to the expectations of wild parties and out of control drinking. For the first time in four years, there were no hospital transports for freshmen due to alcohol related incidents.
"We've already seen not only hospital transports down, overall incident reports of illegal use are down," said Allen Machielson, Director of Residential Life.
While the freshmen have changed expectations around campus, there were no changes in the drinking behavior of other classes according to Machielson.
There are many theories as to why such a change has occurred this year. Freshmen say that there wasn't access to any sort of alcohol for their first weekend at SHU.
"We can never find any sort of party or anything, I was really surprised," said Kelly Castaldi, freshmen, Shelton.
"I guess [drinking] is usually off campus," said Krystina Jimenez, freshmen, Wallkill, N.Y.
With a full two weeks of the semester now complete, Sacred Heart is rejoicing the change seen in this year's freshmen class. Those involved with alcohol issues on campus are pleased with this fresh start.
Psychology Professor Ron Hamel said, "It is a positive finding that no freshmen were transported to the hospital the first weekend of school."
"It's hard to know early on," said Machielson. However, he and others are hopeful that this first weekend is a good indication of what the rest of the semester will bring.
One theory has attributed the change in behavior to the goals and attitudes of this year's freshmen class. Rather than focusing on finding the next big party, freshmen this year have been giving more attention to campus activities.
"They have shown a different type of interest," said Leonora Campbell, Judicial Officer.
This year, freshmen did not live up to the expectations of wild parties and out of control drinking. For the first time in four years, there were no hospital transports for freshmen due to alcohol related incidents.
"We've already seen not only hospital transports down, overall incident reports of illegal use are down," said Allen Machielson, Director of Residential Life.
While the freshmen have changed expectations around campus, there were no changes in the drinking behavior of other classes according to Machielson.
There are many theories as to why such a change has occurred this year. Freshmen say that there wasn't access to any sort of alcohol for their first weekend at SHU.
"We can never find any sort of party or anything, I was really surprised," said Kelly Castaldi, freshmen, Shelton.
"I guess [drinking] is usually off campus," said Krystina Jimenez, freshmen, Wallkill, N.Y.
With a full two weeks of the semester now complete, Sacred Heart is rejoicing the change seen in this year's freshmen class. Those involved with alcohol issues on campus are pleased with this fresh start.
Psychology Professor Ron Hamel said, "It is a positive finding that no freshmen were transported to the hospital the first weekend of school."
"It's hard to know early on," said Machielson. However, he and others are hopeful that this first weekend is a good indication of what the rest of the semester will bring.
One theory has attributed the change in behavior to the goals and attitudes of this year's freshmen class. Rather than focusing on finding the next big party, freshmen this year have been giving more attention to campus activities.
"They have shown a different type of interest," said Leonora Campbell, Judicial Officer.