Daniel Park
Contributing Writer
On Aug. 30, potential new members of sororities were offered bids (invitations) to sororities. Bid day was the last recruitment event for fall recruitment and gave way to Saturday’s infamous welcome night.
Various socializing events were hosted on campus primarily by the fraternities and sororities. Though many students attended these events, the daily Crime & Fire Safety Log that Public Safety posts for any reported hazard and crime events, has been relatively unchanged from typical weeks. Several factors have been attributed to the success of the low number of alcoholic and health violations ranging from the various educational opportunities available to students on drinking safety, as well as the heightened awareness of Public Safety during that infamous welcome weekend.
“While it is difficult to say with any certainty why the numbers of violations have steadily decreased, it does coincide with some messaging we’ve shared and conversations we’ve had with students about making responsible decisions,” Dean of Students Susan Lantz said.
The emphasis the University places on drinking safely has been repeated to every student as soon as school began. Even on several bathroom doors, fliers entitled “Installments” encouraged students to “make the right choices.”
“Since the start of the semester, we have had some instances where students needed medical attention due to alcohol they consumed. Whether it be welcome night, or any other event, we are always concerned when students take part in risky behavior. We are encouraged, however, by the fact that many students have demonstrated very responsible decision making this semester, and have called for help when a fellow Bucknellian has had too much to drink,” Lantz said.
Due to the partial amnesty that the University offers to students when either calling Public Safety or 911 when intoxicated, students have been encouraged to call and make the right choices. Lantz credits students for keeping safety and health violations in check every year.
“It’s also worth mentioning that Bucknell is part of the Learning Collaborative on High-Risk Drinking (an effort of the National College Health Improvement Project),” Lantz said.
Various websites such as www.bucknell.edu/playsmart and collaborative programs are available for students on campus in order to encourage students to lead a safe college career.
“Though the Greek system and partying are embedded in the culture here at Bucknell, it’s all about personal choices. It is mainly up to oneself to decide what is right and what is wrong. For the most part, I know what is best for me,” Justin Marinelli ’15 said.