The Department of Campus Safety (DCS) has documented 22 students in 17 cases of detoxification and hospital visits as of Sept. 20.
According to Sgt. Stephen Banet, Denver Police Department (DPD) officers, in partnership with DCS, have uncovered additional alcohol abuse cases off campus that have led to added charges.
“They’ve contacted numerous people at homes and some citations for disorderly conduct have been issued,” Banet said.
DPD also fills in when DU’s designated detox transportation vehicles are not operating during the weekend, according to Banet. Any intoxicated individuals discovered are transported to the local detox facility or hospital and the incident is documented by DCS. The Office of Student Conduct deals with the occurrence as well.
The number of cases of students being sent to detox prompted Chancellor Coombe to send an email to students before the first day of school in which he expressed his concern about alcohol abuse that occurred during Discoveries Orientation week.
“For virtually all of you, alcohol consumption, let alone alcohol abuse, is prohibited by law,” said Coombe. “It also violates the University of Denver Honor Code that you signed when you registered for your fall courses… alcohol abuse can be extremely dangerous and literally life-threatening.”
In response to reports of alcohol abuse, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is currently looking for ways to promote education about alcohol.
“One thing is trying to have more on campus events to keep students from drinking excessively,” said USG Vice President Katrina Yoshida. “I know that when it comes to alcohol and substance abuse, it’s easier to hear from a peer than a professional because it feels like Mom and Dad are talking to you.”
Banet also believes further information about the consequences of drinking could be provided by the Health and Counseling Center (HCC) and DCS.
“There are things that not just campus safety, but other departments could bring to the table as well,” said Banet. “Health and Counseling could provide a lot of great information to students as to their caloric intake. There’s a lot of useless calories in alcohol–that’s something that could be presented. We could talk about the legal ramifications of getting stopped for intoxication or DUI.”
Both Yoshida and Banet acknowledge that personal responsibility is the most powerful tool in preventing the most dangerous consequences of mishandling alcohol.
“Be a good friend. If you see someone that’s highly intoxicated, call for help,” said Banet. “Don’t accept drinks from anyone you don’t know.”
Yoshida agreed, saying, “Be smart about things. Don’t pressure yourself or your friends into anything you aren’t able to do. Don’t ruin your year and get expelled just because of alcohol.”
DCS continues to remain vigilant for any further cases that may arise.
